Oklahoma Sooners just took a massive hit that puts them at an extreme disadvantage against the Michigan Wolverines
The Oklahoma Sooners are set to play the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday in Ann Arbor, and now left tackle Michael Fasusi will likely be out.
The Oklahoma Sooners are now at an instant disadvantage against the Michigan Wolverines. In a game in which OU was widely viewed as a massive favorite on the road in Ann Arbor, they now find themselves in a tough spot.
George Stoia of SoonerScoop reports that left tackle Michael Fasusi is doubtful to go against Michigan. Stoia also reported Fasusi was very limited in Monday’s practice. Fasusi relentlessly battled a shoulder injury during fall camp. However, he actually returned to practice two weeks before the season opener.
During Friday’s game versus UTEP, it became apparent that his time on the field would be limited. Footage even showed him attempting to block with only one arm, emphasizing his struggle. After that moment, his playing time dropped to just 17 snaps. And every snap he played, you could see him favoring one arm. He pretty much played all 17 snaps with just one arm, blocking with just one. It worked for those 17 snaps.
But that was against UTEP. That won’t happen against the Wolverines. If they did that, it would be a terrible day at the office for John Mateer. While Fasusi was recovering from his shoulder injury during fall camp, Fodje stepped in at left tackle for much of that period and could fill that role again. The Sooners can have some confidence in Fodje after his impressive performance as a true freshman last year. If he isn’t ready, prepare to see transfer portal additions Peyton Joseph go.
Sooners could also see themselves without their center, Jake Maikkula
The Sooners could enter Week 2 without starting center Jake Maikkula, starting left tackle Michael Fasusi, and starting guard Ryan Fodje. However, recent reports point to Fodje as a guy who could play.
“We’ll get them going this week,” Venables said on his coaches show regarding Maikkula and Fodje.
Now, that doesn’t mean they will both be available to play every snap on Saturday against the Wolverines. In fact, that doesn’t mean they will be able to play at all. I’m reading this as those guys starting to get going in practice. That doesn’t always mean they are ready for the games. Or maybe, in this case, it does.
However, Maikkula is a guy who could easily miss this game. You certainly hope he won’t. However, in the last game, true freshman Noah Best got the start, and transfer portal addition Caleb Nitta played as well. Both were good, but having a true freshman against Michigan’s front wouldn’t be ideal.
