You couldn't ask for a better start on the road when you're in South Carolina. The Gamecocks had a clear defensive game plan and have implemented it perfectly so far in this game.

South Carolina's stout defense would force three turnovers on the Oklahoma Sooners' first three drives, with two turnovers returned for touchdowns. The defensive line remained dominant and forced the Sooners into serious mistakes. Below you can see how the sequence played out.

South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori caused the game's first turnover by undercutting a route after Kyle Kennard forced Oklahoma's Michael Hawkins Jr. into a bad throw. On the next drive, Demetrius Knight Jr. came up with a sack and forced a fumble, which was picked up by Tonka Hemingway and returned for a touchdown. On the third drive, Hawkins Jr. was hit on his throw, the ball was intercepted and returned by Nick Emmanwori for a touchdown.

Shane Beamer told ESPN's Alyssa Lang early in the second quarter that the team's plan was not just to win the turnover battle, but also to “dominate the turnover battle.” So far in the first half, the Gamecocks have won this battle 3-0.

Demetrius Knight Jr. is having a career day in the first half. So far he has forced two fumbles, recovering one and returning it for a Hemingway touchdown, and stuffing a fourth down conversion.

The Gamecocks finished the first half with five sacks. The defense was able to limit the Sooners' offense to the following order on 9 drives in the first half: interception, fumble, interception, punt, punt, downs, punt, field goal, punt.

Offensively, the Gamecocks found rhythm in both the run and the pass. Sellers was able to make big runs to escape the pocket and throw open shots downfield. Although it was a slow start, South Carolina's offense finished the half strong. After opting to delay the opening kickoff, the Gamecocks will get the ball first in the second half.

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