The Oklahoma Sooners were already facing an uphill battle in facing the top-ranked LSU Tigers in the College Football Playoffs. But, now that challenge is a little more daunting. Oklahoma suspensions have been announced that impact several key players as the Sooners prepare to face the SEC champions.
Oklahoma Suspensions
Multiple sources have confirmed that Ronnie Perkins, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Trejan Bridges have all been suspended for the Peach Bowl. Additionally, it’s been rumored that Tre Brown, A.D. Miller could also face suspensions as well. All have made contributions in some capacity for the Sooners this season. The biggest blow might be that Oklahoma would be missing players with not a ton of solid depth behind them.
Multiple sources have confirmed to SoonerScoop that Rhamondre Stevenson, Ronnie Perkins and Trejan Bridges have been suspended for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
— SoonerScoop.com (@SoonerScoop) December 18, 2019
Defensive Impact
The Sooners have made a dramatic improvement on the defensive side of the ball in 2019. Alex Grinch has transformed a defense that was in the lower half of the country to #25 in total defense this season. Part of that was due to the play of Perkins and Brown. Perkins has 38 tackles on the season and leads the team with six sacks. Comparatively, Brown has 34 tackles with 11 passes defended on the year and an interception. Brown, ironically, may have saved the Sooner season in the Big 12 Championship Game in chasing down Baylor wide receiver Chris Platt short of the end zone in regulation.
Look for a committee approach to help fill the void left by Perkins. Marcus Stripling, LaRon Stokes, and Isaiah Thomas all may get opportunities in his absence. Replacing Brown will prove to be much more difficult. Oklahoma is razor-thin at the cornerback position. But, true freshman Jaden Davis will slide into the starting lineup. The Sooners may also look to slide Brendan Radley-Hiles back into that cornerback position to assist with depth. That could mean Oklahoma uses freshman Jeremiah Criddell in Nickel situations. All scenarios aren’t good when facing Heisman winner Joe Burrow.
Offensive Bruiser Missing
As we continue to break down the Oklahoma suspension, we’ll move our attention to the offensive side of the ball. Stevenson has become the Sooners closer late in games and the immediate backup to Kennedy Brooks. He has run for 515 yards and scored six touchdowns on the season. However, his eight yards per carry leads the team. T.J. Pledger is likely the beneficiary and will become the Sooners backup running back in the Peach Bowl.
The losses of Bridges and Miller won’t be as impactful as both for just 13 receptions and 200 yards on the season. But, Bridges has been in on the special teams’ units all year and Oklahoma will likely need to find someone with the same speed and athleticism to account for his loss.
