3 stars from OU's victory over South Carolina.
The Oklahoma Sooners went on the road after a tough loss last week, looking to get back in the win column after a bad performance last Saturday. OU did just that, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks by 19 points to improve to 2-1 in the SEC and 6-1 overall on the season. The Sooners were victorious by a score of 26-7.
Oklahoma played a much more complete game this week, and won most of the key stat categories, such as third down efficiency and the turnover battle. Head coach Brent Venables had a lot of questions around him and the program after last week's loss, but the Sooners responded nicely in a game they really needed to win.
OU was lead by some big-time performances from players on both sides of the ball in this win. This was the kind of response you were looking for from this team on the road in the SEC after a bad loss.
Here are three stars from OU's defeat of South Carolina.
1. Tory Blaylock, RB
True freshman running back Tory Blaylock continues to strengthen his grip on OU's lead back role. He had his best career game on Saturday, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in a game where everyone's eyes were on how Oklahoma's rushing offense would perform.
To anyone watching the Sooners this season, it's pretty clear that Blaylock needs to lead this team in carries from the RB position in each game for the rest of the year. Things just look different when he's got the ball in his hands, and he's got to be on the field for the vast majority of OU's snaps going forward. The Sooners probably won't suddenly develop into a great running team this year, but maybe the tandem of Blaylock and sophomore Xavier Robinson can turn it into something respectable over the next five games.
2. Taylor Wein, DE
Defensive end Taylor Wein has developed into a really nice player for this defense. He just seems to always find himself around the ball, and is a really well-rounded, homegrown defensive lineman for the Sooners. Against the Gamecocks, Wein had two tackles for loss, four total tackles, and a huge stop on South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers on a fourth down on the first defensive drive of the game.
There are so many standouts for this defense, especially on the defensive line, but Wein is quickly becoming a guy who is earning more snaps and helping this unit become even more disruptive. Wein was in on pressures of Sellers throughout the afternoon, and he's a really good complement opposite R Mason Thomas on the edge. The Sooners will need Wein to continue his strong play during the stretch run.
3. Kendal Daniels, LB
Kendal Daniels has been the starter for Venables this year at the cheetah position, after he transferred in from Oklahoma State this offseason. He isn't the biggest name on this defense, but he plays an important role in helping the Sooners against the run and the pass. Against South Carolina, he was able to shine and help OU give up just seven points.
Daniels had a sack, two TFLs, and six total tackles on the afternoon. He brings a physical presence to the game, whether he's being used as a run-stopping linebacker, or as a defensive back in pass coverage. His versatility has been a really good fit for Venables' Cheetah spot, and he won't be unheralded for long if he keeps playing like he did on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: 3 stars for the Sooners versus the Gamecocks
Category: General Sports
