Shane Beamer didn’t mince words Saturday following South Carolina’s 35-9 win over Oklahoma.

After the game he met with reporters where he insisted that South Carolina can go toe-to-toe with any team in the country. And that may sound crazy for a 4-3 team, but it’s worth noting that the Gamecocks have danced with Alabama and LSU before pulling off the win in Norman Saturday.

Just don’t ask about October 5.

And while some may disagree with that sentiment, it’s hard to argue that, at the very least, South Carolina’s defense can absolutely dance with just about any team in the country.

The Gamecocks forced 4 turnovers on Saturday and got to the Sooners QB – both Michael Hakwins and Jackson Arnold – a combined 9 times. That’s a program record for sacks allowed in a single game by the Sooners.

Nick Emmanwori, Dylan Stewart and Demetrius Knight anchor that impressive unit, which has done especially well forcing turnovers. Jalon Kilgore and Emmanwori have 7 interceptions on the season by themselves.

The Gamecocks will be on bye next Saturday before hosting top 25 Texas A&M in Columbia the week following. We’ll see if Beamer’s statement holds up then.