Oklahoma’s biggest availability question heading into Saturday’s matchup with No. 19 Ole Miss is still unresolved, but the initial SEC report points toward Ryan Fodje missing the game.
The sophomore offensive lineman, who has not played since getting hurt late in the Oct. 17 loss to Kentucky, is listed as doubtful on Wednesday’s report. That lines up with the uncertainty around his status, even after Brent Venables said Monday night on his coaches’ show that Fodje was getting close to a return and could be back as soon as this weekend against the Rebels at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
There is better news for the Sooners elsewhere. Cornerback Jacobe Johnson is listed as probable after being injured in the Sept. 26 loss at Georgia.
If he’s able to go, that would give Oklahoma another body at corner, a spot that had been stretched thin with Johnson and Eli Bowen sidelined long term. Bowen returned last week.
Oklahoma’s out list also includes wide receiver Trell Harris, tight end Trynae Washington and cornerback Dakoda Fields.
The Sooners have often had the longer availability report this season, but that’s not the case this week. Ole Miss has 11 players listed as out, including running back Kewan Lacy and guard Patris Kutas.
Kutas’ absence opens the door for former Sooner Troy Everett to make his first start of the season for the Rebels. Ole Miss is also without its leading tackler, linebacker Keaton Thomas.
On the other side, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and leading receiver Deuce Alexander are both listed as probable.
Oklahoma’s full report includes Fodje as doubtful; Tory Blaylock, James Nesta, Caleb Nitta and Cole Sullivan as questionable; and Jacobe Johnson and Eddy Pierre-Louis as probable.
For Ole Miss, the out group also features Carius Curne, Ant Davis Jr., JaMichael Garrett, Izaiah Hartrup, Kervin Johnson Jr., Edwin Joseph, Gerald Lacy Jr., Nascar McCoy and Keaton Thomas. MJ Preston is doubtful, while Sharif Denson and Kam Franklin are questionable. Deuce Alexander, Trinidad Chambliss and Will Echoles are probable.
In Other News...
Jason Witten Is Already Changing Oklahomas Offensive Identity
Jason Wittens first weeks as Oklahomas offensive coach have already brought a noticeable shift in how the Sooners are operating on the practice field. The former NFL tight end has pushed a more intentional, professional approach, with an emphasis on clarity, communication and situational football, and that has stood out to Brent Venables in the early going.
Venables has pointed to Wittens organization and the way he gets through to players as a real asset for the offense. Even after just one game in the role, the early signs suggest the Sooners are getting a cleaner understanding of what is expected, along with a stronger sense of accountability as the unit adjusts to a different voice and a different standard. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma Just Sent A Blunt Message About Brent Venables Future
Brent Venables may have signed a two-year extension in August, but the bigger message around Oklahoma football has been about stability, not anxiety. The deal pushed his tenure through 2031, came with a salary bump, and significantly increased his buyout, all of which signaled that the university was willing to make a long-term commitment even as the on-field results have fallen short of expectations.
Rick Nagel, the chair of the Oklahoma Board of Regents, added to that picture by publicly saying Venables is not on the hot seat despite the disappointing season. For a program with championship standards and a fan base that does not like to wait, that kind of backing matters, because it suggests Oklahoma is not looking to make a snap judgment about its coach even as the pressure around the program continues to build. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahomas New Look Offense Is Putting More On John Mateer
Since Jason Witten took over as interim offensive coordinator, Oklahomas offense has started to look a little different, and Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding has noticed. The Sooners are leaning more on pre-snap reads and putting a bigger emphasis on John Mateers legs, a shift that adds another layer for defenses trying to sort out whats coming before the snap.
Mateers recent game against Florida offered a glimpse of both the upside and the pressure that comes with the new approach. His decision-making and rushing stood out, even as he has also thrown interceptions in consecutive games, and Goldings point was clear: when Oklahoma can threaten defenses in multiple ways, it becomes a much tougher operation to slow down. [Read more 🡒]