- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,194,714
- Reaction score
- 59
We're less than 24 hours from the first College Football Playoff game in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners welcome the Alabama Crimson Tide to town for the second time in 13 months. Both teams come into the game grateful for the weeks off they received heading into the matchup, and aside from a couple of key players missing the game, it looks like the two sides will be relatively healthy heading into the Friday night showdown.
On the Oklahoma side of things, center Jake Maikkula was downgraded to doubtful, and it looks like he'll miss his second consecutive game recovering from an undisclosed infection. Starting in his place for the second consecutive game is likely Febechi Nwaiwu. Nwaiwu has been the MVP of the offensive line for the last two seasons, making 24 starts at right guard before making his first career start at center in the win over LSU.
Running back Jovantae Barnes was taken off the availability report. He hasn't played in a game since the Sooners' Week 4 win over Auburn, where he saw just one carry. He's a former four-star player and a veteran who has rushed for 1,281 yards and 12 touchdowns in his four-year career with the Sooners. Though Xavier Robinson is likely to get the start and Tory Blaylock will be a factor, the Sooners may look to Barnes in passing situations with his ability to pass protect. But he's a hard, physical runner who plays tough and could provide the Sooners a boost on offense.
The big name to watch for Alabama this week has been tight end Josh Cuevas. In the first matchup this season, Cuevas led the Crimson Tide with 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. He was listed as probable on Thursday night but it's unclear just how healthy he'll be. Cuevas has been working to get back from a foot injury
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners center Jake Maikkula likely unavailable for CFP
Continue reading...
On the Oklahoma side of things, center Jake Maikkula was downgraded to doubtful, and it looks like he'll miss his second consecutive game recovering from an undisclosed infection. Starting in his place for the second consecutive game is likely Febechi Nwaiwu. Nwaiwu has been the MVP of the offensive line for the last two seasons, making 24 starts at right guard before making his first career start at center in the win over LSU.
Running back Jovantae Barnes was taken off the availability report. He hasn't played in a game since the Sooners' Week 4 win over Auburn, where he saw just one carry. He's a former four-star player and a veteran who has rushed for 1,281 yards and 12 touchdowns in his four-year career with the Sooners. Though Xavier Robinson is likely to get the start and Tory Blaylock will be a factor, the Sooners may look to Barnes in passing situations with his ability to pass protect. But he's a hard, physical runner who plays tough and could provide the Sooners a boost on offense.
The big name to watch for Alabama this week has been tight end Josh Cuevas. In the first matchup this season, Cuevas led the Crimson Tide with 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. He was listed as probable on Thursday night but it's unclear just how healthy he'll be. Cuevas has been working to get back from a foot injury
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gentry Williams | DB | Out |
| Kendel Dolby | DB | Out |
| Jeremiah Newcombe | DB | Out |
| Troy Everett | OL | Out |
| Jake Maikkula | OL | Doubtful |
Alabama Crimson Tide Availability Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kameron Howard | DB | Out |
| Jah-Marien Latham | LB | Out |
| Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr. | DB | Out |
| LT Overton | DL | Out |
| Kevin Riley | RB | Out |
| Jeremiah Beaman | DL | Out |
| Josh Cuevas | TE | Probable |
| Danny Lewis, Jr. | TE | Probable |
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners center Jake Maikkula likely unavailable for CFP
Continue reading...
