Oklahoma is staring down a Week 7 matchup against Kentucky with a laundry list of key players questionable, dropping a bombshell on their offensive line just days before kickoff. The SEC released its initial availability report on Wednesday night, and it’s clear the Sooners are scrambling to figure out their starting unit, especially upfront.
The O-Line Nightmare No One Saw Coming
Seriously, the biggest name to watch in this whole mess is offensive tackle Michael Fasusi. Dude has missed *four straight games* after only playing a limited role in the season opener against UTEP. Coach Brent Venables sounded cautiously optimistic on Tuesday, saying Fasusi was “just about ready” to make his return. But “just about ready” isn’t “cleared to play,” and Fasusi is officially listed as questionable. If he can’t go, that’s a massive hole.
And it doesn’t stop with Fasusi. Offensive linemen Eddy Pierre-Louis and Heath Ozaeta are also questionable. Both of these guys have started games for the Sooners this season! Pierre-Louis was even on crutches on the sideline during the pre-game coin toss for the Texas game, which he missed entirely. Ozaeta, on the other hand, played against Texas despite limping off the field during warm-ups. Talk about tough, but also, talk about uncertainty for Saturday night. If Fasusi, Pierre-Louis, and Ozaeta are all out, the Sooners are gonna need Peyton Joseph to step up big time, because he’s likely looking at the right-guard starting spot. This isn’t just one guy, it’s a whole domino effect.
Sooners’ Secondary and Wideout Woes
It’s not just the big fellas up front. The Sooners’ defense also has a key name under a cloud: cornerback Eli Bowen. He got dinged up in practice on Thursday and sat out the win over Texas. If he’s a no-go for Saturday night, Trystan Haynes is getting his second consecutive start after he played well against those Longhorns. You never want to see injuries in the secondary, especially against a solid Kentucky squad.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Parker Livingstone is the only other questionable name. He started against Texas, saw 29 snaps, but didn’t even register a single target in that game. Livingstone hasn’t really produced much since transferring from Texas, with just six receptions for 51 yards this season. While his absence might not be as impactful as an offensive lineman or a starting corner, it still means less depth in the receiving corps. Oh, and don’t forget the full list of guys already declared OUT: linebacker Taylor Heim, wide receiver Trell Harris, running back Xavier Robinson, defensive back Jacobe Johnson, and tight end Trynae Washington. That’s a lot of talent on the sideline.
Kentucky’s Star Runner Also In Question
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the Wildcats, though. One of the biggest names for Kentucky ahead of this primetime affair is running back C.J. Baxter. He transferred from Texas, and he’s been a beast this season with 484 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a sick 5.6 yards per carry. He’s listed as questionable, and losing a back like that would be a huge blow to their ground game.
Good news for Kentucky fans, though: they’ve got some serious depth in the backfield. Jason Patterson has 361 yards and an even crazier 7.7 yards per carry, and former Sooner Jovantae Barnes has chipped in 140 yards at 6.1 yards per carry. So even if Baxter can’t go, the Wildcats still have capable runners ready to chew up yardage. They’ve also got their own list of OUT players, including defensive back Grant Grayton and linebacker Antwan Smith, plus defensive lineman Tyler Thomas is doubtful.
So, with both teams facing key injury questions for Saturday night, this Week 7 clash between Oklahoma and Kentucky is shaping up to be a wild ride. Expect some unexpected faces in big roles, and let’s see which team handles the adversity better when the whistle blows.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply