3 freshmen to watch for the Oklahoma Sooners against South Carolina

The Oklahoma Sooners (5-1 overall, 1-1 in the SEC) are looking for a bounce-back performance this weekend. After suffering their first loss of the season last week against the Texas Longhorns, OU will be on the road this week against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

We are halfway through the regular season, and Oklahoma is counting on a small handful of true freshmen to help them win games this year. After an embarrassing performance against the 'Horns in Dallas last weekend, the Sooners should be eager to get back in the win column this week in Columbia.

Here are three freshmen to watch for OU against the Gamecocks on Saturday.

1. Tory Blaylock, RB

Running back Tory Blaylock is perhaps one of OU's most important overall players to keep your eye on this week. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has talked this week in press conferences about his confidence in the true freshman back, and how he's the lead back for the Sooners, just six games into his college football career.

"He's a guy you can't take off the field," Arbuckle said on Tuesday.

As Oklahoma looks to get the run game on track, it sure sounds like Blaylock should be the one getting the bulk of the carries, as he should. He's been the best running back on the roster for half a season now. The Sooners will be counting on Blaylock on Saturday.

2. Courtland Guillory, DB

Defensive back Courtland Guillory is one of three cornerbacks that head coach Brent Venables and the defensive coaching staff really like, along with Gentry Williams and Eli Bowen. Despite being a true freshman, Guillory has been on the field a lot for this defense, and he's played pretty will in his first collegiate season.

Guillory and the OU secondary have been improved this season, but they can't have a letdown against the Gamecocks. Regardless of if he starts or not, Guillory will be on the field a lot for the Sooners in a game that figures to be low-scoring, putting points at a premium.

3. Michael Fasusi, OL

Offensive lineman Michael Fasusi was all the way back from injury in the Red River Rivalry, but the Sooners struggled to open up holes in the run game and they struggled to protect quarterback John Mateer. Oklahoma must start playing better up front, or the 2025 season could turn into a long one.

What's more, Fasusi needs to stay healthy at left tackle, as OU is dealing with injuries to starting right tackle Derek Simmons (day-to-day according to Venables) and to swing tackle Logan Howland (listed as doubtful against the Gamecocks). Fasusi is the only fully healthy starting-level offensive tackle the Sooners currently have, and Oklahoma will be relying heavily on the true freshman in this game.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 freshmen to keep your eye on for Oklahoma versus South Carolina