Oklahoma’s defense is not getting the boost that was once presumed.
Starting defensive end Ronnie Perkins traveled to Ames, Iowa, for Oklahoma’s game against Iowa State after his suspension by the NCAA was lifted. He has missed four games so far (LSU, Missouri State, Kansas State and TCU) and was expected to play this week against Texas.
The junior recorded 13.5 tackles for loss in 12 games in 2019. However, he has not been cleared to play quite yet according to a report from the Athletic’s Jason Kersey.
#Sooners DE Ronnie Perkins will not play in Saturday’s OU-Texas game. His appeal to the NCAA was successfully approved last week, but actual reinstatement requires additional steps which were not completed.
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) October 9, 2020
Backup defensive end Isaiah Thomas has been a suitable replacement through three games. He already has three tackles for loss in three games and one sack that caused Oklahoma’s second takeaway.
Lincoln Riley told the media on Monday that, “his status hasn’t changed,” in regards to being available and that he was at Iowa State for moral support. Perkins recorded five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack in the OU-Texas game a year ago.
Oklahoma and Texas are set to kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday.
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