The Oklahoma Sooners have the toughest task of the college football bowl season on their hands as they prepare to take on top-ranked LSU and the Heisman Trophy winner.
Now, we’re hearing that Lincoln Riley’s team will have to tackle Joe Burrow without one of its most dominant defenders.
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported Wednesday that defensive end Ronnie Perkins will not play in the peach bowl because of a suspension. Perkins may merely be a sophomore but the pass rusher leads his team in sacks with 6 and he also leads his team’s defensive line with 38 tackles, that’s seventh-most on the Sooners squad. He has 13 and a half tackles for loss this season and is second on the team in QB hurries.
If that weren’t bad news enough, SoonerScoop.com is reporting that two members of the offense will also miss the game Dec. 28. The Rivals.com network site reported Wednesday that running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Trejan Bridges are also suspended.
Both players have played in all 13 games for Oklahoma this season.
Stevenson is third in team rushing yards and has six rushing TD this season, only quarterback Jalen Hurts has more scores on the ground for the team.
Bridges have seven receptions for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Riley wouldn’t confirm the reports Wednesday, saying “I’m aware of the report that is out there. Unfortunately at this time, I cannot comment on it.”
When a reporter followed up by asking Riley if Stephenson would play, the Sooners head coach said: “Kennedy Brooks will play.”
Brooks, for what it’s worth, is second in team rushing yards between Hurts and Stephenson. Brooks has 976 rushing yards and five TDs this year.
The fourth-ranked Sooners (12-1) take on the undefeated top-ranked Tigers at 4 p.m. eastern time Saturday the 28th in the first College Football Playoff semi-final. No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Clemson play to face the winner at 8 p.m. eastern time the same day.