Oklahoma’s Brent Venables Previews South Carolina Showdown: “LaNorris Sellers Is One of the Toughest Players to Defend in the Country”
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables met with the media on Tuesday ahead of the Sooners’ highly anticipated road matchup against South Carolina. The interconference clash is set for Saturday at 12:45 p.m. on SEC Network — and Venables made it clear his team is preparing for a major challenge.
Opening Statement
“Got a big one on the road,” Venables began. “This is really our first true road test — a different kind of environment, the kind you see week in and week out in the SEC. Going to Columbia to play Coach Shane Beamer’s team, they’re 3-3 right now, and they’re dang good, is what I would say.”
Venables praised the Gamecocks’ resilience, pointing out close games against Missouri (29-20) and LSU (17-10) that went down to the wire. “They rushed for over 200 yards at LSU. That’s not something you do easily,” he added.
He also highlighted South Carolina’s aggressive defense and explosive special teams, noting their six non-offensive touchdowns, which lead the NCAA.
“(LaNorris Sellers) is one of the toughest players to defend in the country,” Venables said. “His arm talent, strength, and speed — he’s bigger, faster, and stronger than most guys out there. I love the heart and toughness he plays with.”
Venables also singled out defensive back Vicari Swain, calling him “lightning in a bottle,” and credited defensive coordinator Clayton White for building an elite, physical defense.
“They’ve done a great job in all three phases,” Venables continued. “They take pride in winning that way — very physical, very comfortable in one-score games. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”
The Sooners’ head coach noted that his team needs to play “more efficiently for four quarters” and emphasized the importance of creating turnovers:
“We’ve got to force turnovers — that’s been who we are for decades. And there’s no better time to start than this week.”
On South Carolina’s Pass Rushers
When asked about Dylan Stewart and Bryan Thomas Jr., Venables didn’t hold back.
“They’re really explosive and powerful. Longer versions of R. Mason Thomas — bigger, stronger, and just very physical. They put a ton of pressure on your edges.”
On Quarterback LaNorris Sellers
Venables spent considerable time discussing South Carolina’s dynamic sophomore quarterback, who’s become one of the SEC’s breakout stars.
“You saw him — he’s a freak,” Venables said bluntly. “He’s becoming an excellent quarterback. He threw for 300 yards against Missouri, and on one play, it’s 3rd and 37 — he’s running for his life to the left, throws a dart across his body for a first down. It’s insane.”
Venables described Sellers as a rare dual-threat talent who’s difficult to tackle:
“He’s hard to bring down — ducks under guys, bounces off tackles. You’re lucky to get one guy on him. And with those receivers — Nyck Harbor and Vandrevius Jacobs — you don’t want many one-on-one situations. It’s tough to defend.”
He also praised South Carolina’s offensive weapons, including running back Rahsul Faison, who transferred from Utah State.
“They’ve done a really good job surrounding him with talent. Faison’s got an NFL draft grade, and he fits perfectly in that offense.”
Final Thoughts
Venables closed by emphasizing his team’s mindset heading into Columbia:
“We’re disappointed in the loss, but not discouraged. This team is talented, tough-minded, and together — and when you combine belief with unity, that’s powerful.”
The Sooners and Gamecocks are both hungry for a statement win — and with stars like LaNorris Sellers and Dylan Stewart in the mix, Saturday’s clash at Williams-Brice Stadium could be one of the season’s most physical battles.
