Oklahoma Sooners vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Availability Report for Week 12
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The Oklahoma Sooners have several key players listed on this week's SEC availability report, including a surprise along the defensive line.
Star defensive tackle Jayden Jackson was listed as questionable on the initial availability report released by the SEC on Wednesday night. He was dinged up in the win over Tennessee, but played 39 snaps in the game, third among Oklahoma defensive tackles. If he's unable to play this week against Alabama, the Sooners will likely give some nose tackle snaps to Markus Strong behind Damonic Williams. Gracen Halton and David Stone would still see their regular rotational snaps at defensive tackle.
Also listed on the defensive side of the ball are R Mason Thomas and Kobie McKinzie. McKinzie missed all of the Tennessee game after being injured in the first half of the loss to Ole Miss. Coming out of the bye, it looks like McKinzie is in line to play against the Crimson Tide. Thomas came up limping on his 71-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first quarter and missed the rest of the contest against the Volunteers. He'll be a name to watch as the week goes along. Thomas is one of the best defensive ends in college football and his absence would be huge. Taylor Wein and Marvin Jones Jr. would likely get the start at defensive end, but Adepoju Adebawore and Danny Okoye would see bigger roles for the Oklahoma defense.
The Sooners appear to have good news on the offensive side of the ball. Right tackle Derek Simmons and wide receiver Keontez Lewis look on track to be available for the Sooners' road trip to Tuscaloosa. Oklahoma has struggled to find a third option in the passing game with Lewis out. Though he's missed three games, Lewis is still fourth on the team in receiving yards.
At tackle, true freshman Ryan Fodje has emerged to take over on the right side and has played well. Simmons offers veteran depth. With Simmons trending toward playing and Logan Howland available, the Sooners' offensive tackle situation is the healthiest it has been in a couple of years.
Now they have to step up in a big-time road test against the No. 4 team in the nation. Alabama is still in the mix for the SEC title race and hasn't lost since Week 1. To beat a good Alabama team on the road, the Sooners are going to have to play one of their best games of the season. They have a defense that can keep the game close, but need the offense to find more success than it has in recent weeks.
On the Alabama side of things, the Crimson Tide are healthy heading into this big-time SEC matchup. Here's a look at the initial availability report from the SEC.
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
| Player | Position | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Everett | OL | Out |
| Jacob Sexton | OL | Out |
| Jake Taylor | OL | Out |
| Jovantae Barnes | RB | Questionable |
| Taylor Tatum | RB | Questionable |
| R Mason Thomas | DL | Questionable |
| Jayden Jackson | DL | Questionable |
| Keontez Lewis | WR | Probable |
| Kobie McKinzie | LB | Probable |
| Derek Simmons | OL | Probable |
Alabama Crimson Tide Availability Report
| Player | Position | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jah-Marlen Latham | LB | Out |
| Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. | DB | Out |
| Abduall Sanders Jr. | LB | Out |
| Danny Lewis Jr. | TE | Out |
| Jeremiah Beahman | DL | Out |
| Qua Russaw | LB | Questionable |
| Cayden Jones | LB | Questionable |
| DaShawn Jones | DB | Probable |
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Week 12 Availability Report
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