Oklahoma Sooners Face Key Absences Ahead of SEC Clash with Auburn Tigers

The Oklahoma Sooners will face significant lineup challenges in their upcoming matchup against the Auburn Tigers, marking their second-ever game in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Official reports confirm that five wide receivers and one running back will be absent to support freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins in his first career start at Auburn, according to the SEC football availability report released on Saturday.

Among the notable absents are wide receivers Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony, and Deion Burks. Head coach Brent Venables noted that Burks, identified as a key player, is dealing with a soft tissue injury. In addition to the wide receivers, running back Taylor Tatum will also miss the game, further stressing Oklahoma’s offensive options.

Defensive players Kendel Dolby and Gentry Williams, as well as linebacker Dasan McCullough, are also designated as out. The team’s challenges are compounded by the absence of offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett and place kicker Tyler Keltner, bringing the total unavailable players to 11 as reported by the University of Oklahoma.

Auburn’s lineup issues are comparatively minor, with three players unavailable for their lineup against the Sooners. Defensive backs Tyler Scott and Champ Anthony, alongside tight end Brandon Frazier, are listed as out for the Tigers.

The SEC football availability report, a crucial aspect of game preparation, is initially released on the Wednesday before any SEC game. It undergoes daily updates, concluding with a final report 90 minutes ahead of Saturday’s kickoff. Players receive designations of available, probable, questionable, doubtful, or out, while on game day, they’re marked as available, a game-time decision, or out. Inaccuracies or failures to comply with this report may result in penalties ranging from $25,000 for first offenses to $100,000 for recurrent breaches.

The Sooners, ranked 21st, have opted for freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. following an impressive display in a recent game against Tennessee. The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, September 28, broadcast on ABC. Betting dynamics have shifted, initially favoring the Sooners but now indicating Auburn as slight favorites.