Oklahoma is preparing for its biggest game of the season without its top defender, as defensive end R Mason Thomas is unlikely to play Saturday at No. 4 Alabama because of a quad injury.
A final decision will come at game time, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel, but Thomas is listed as doubtful on the SEC availability report.
Thomas suffered the injury while returning a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown in the Sooners’ Nov. 1 win over Tennessee. The pass rusher has been Oklahoma’s most disruptive defender, leading the team with 6.5 sacks and adding two forced fumbles and a scoop-and-score that helped define his breakout season.
The Sooners are also expected to be without starting cornerback Gentry Williams, who is doubtful for a third straight game because of a shoulder injury sustained Oct. 18 at South Carolina.
The timing could not be more significant. No. 11 Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2 SEC) visits Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC) in the first conference meeting between the programs in Tuscaloosa, with major College Football Playoff stakes on the line.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
- Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
- Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer