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Oklahoma's defense faces major test against LaNorris Sellers
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- Oklahoma's defense faces major test against LaNorris Sellers
The Oklahoma Sooners will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Norman on Saturday. The Gamecocks have one of college football's most talented quarterbacks, LaNorris Sellers.
He's completing 60.7% of his passes for 1,548 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, while rushing for 507 yards and four scores this season. He's familiar with Oklahoma's defense, as he's faced them twice in his career. In 2024, he was 16-of-24 for 175 yards and one score, and he rushed for 28 yards in the 35-9 win. In 2025, he was 17-of-25 for 124 yards and one score, while rushing for -9 yards thanks to six Oklahoma sacks in the Sooners' 26-7 win.
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EDGE rusher Adepoju Adebawore said the defense knows what to expect this weekend.
"We've played him twice now," Adebawore said via SoonerScoop. "We know that he's fast, elusive, strong and can break tackles; he's a very, very impressive player. A guy that we just have to contain. We have to just put it together. As a d-line, we have to work together to contain him."
Taylor Wein echoed that statement, saying Oklahoma has to keep Sellers in the pocket.
"His feet are his weapon," Wein said via SoonerScoop. "He's got a heck of an arm, too. They're a way different offense than a year ago. So, we know that they are going to come in, juiced up and ready to go. We have to come in correct with our eyes, physicality and, like PJ said, containing the quarterback in the pocket and eliminating his feet."
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Oklahoma's defensive front will need to be disciplined from the opening snap, particularly when Sellers escapes the pocket and looks for opportunities to extend plays. The Sooners have already shown they can pressure him, but replicating that success will require coordinated rush lanes and sound tackling. If defenders lose their assignments while chasing a sack, Sellers has the spped and strength to turn a broken play into a major gain.
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/20
Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
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How does ESPN predict Oklahoma's remaining schedule after win?
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
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How does ESPN predict Oklahoma's remaining schedule after win?
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
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Oklahoma's red zone offense takes major step back in 2026
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/20
Brent Venables breaks down the challenges of developing team identity
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
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Latest Bowl Projections for the Oklahoma Sooners after Week 8 Win
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
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3 stars from Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
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Where did Oklahoma land in new 1-138 rankings from USA TODAY Sports?
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
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Oklahoma Sooners Stock Up after Week 8 win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
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Oklahoma QB John Mateer opens up about his challenges this season
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's defense faces major test against LaNorris Sellers
