Oklahoma will be “significantly shorthanded” against Missouri State because of COVID-19, suspensions and injuries.
Already two Big 12 teams have fallen prey to opening weekend upsets. Oklahoma would like to avoid becoming a third, but they’ll have to do so facing some significant hurdles.
The Sooners are expected “to be significantly shorthanded against Missouri State tonight,” according to Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports.
Between positive COVID-19 tests, players held out because of contact tracing, suspensions and injuries, Oklahoma will have to get through their season opener with one hand tied behind their back.
Sources: Expect Oklahoma to be significantly shorthanded against Missouri State tonight. There’s COVID positive tests, contact tracing, suspensions and injuries all contributing to that. The total number is unclear, but it’s significant.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 12, 2020
It’s unclear which players and how many, but Oklahoma football is expected to be without several players vs. Missouri State
The question is really how many players will be forced to sit out, and how vital are they?
During pre-game warmups, Ryan Aber didn’t see 19 Oklahoma football players, which would concur with “significantly shorthanded” if they are all indeed out.
Not seen during pregame warmups to this point (from the two-deep): Pledger, Stevenson, Willis, Bridges, Harrison, Wilkins, Raym, Obialo, Stoops, Perkins, Stripling, Roberson, Kelley, Whitter. Graham, Dennis, Broiles, Washington, Brkic
— Ryan Aber (@ryaber) September 12, 2020
Lincoln Riley isn’t disclosing COVID-19 test numbers, so its a guess as to who and how many might be impacted on that front. On the injury front, there is more clarity. Backup quarterback Tanner Mordecai has a pulled hamstring. Wide receiver Jadon Haselwood is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Defensive lineman Marcus Hicks is out indefinitely with an Achilles injury. Linebacker Caleb Kelly is also expected to miss extensive time with a knee injury.
Another three Oklahoma players — running back Rhamondre Stevenson, defensive end Ronnie Perkins and wide receiver Trejan Bridges, are suspended.
The good news for the Sooners is that Saturday’s game against the Bears is a tune-up, for all intents and purposes. They are massive favorites and that won’t change even if their roster is significantly limited for the contest.
It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility for Missouri State to challenge Oklahoma given the unusual circumstances. Having said that, their role is to turn up and get bulldozed.
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