It looks like the Michigan Wolverines will get the best version of the Oklahoma Sooners.
Not that it mattered in a 51-0 blowout against UTEP, but after missing some key pieces for the season opener last week, the Sooners should have most, if not all, of them back for their massive non-conference matchup against Michigan at 11 a.m. CT Saturday in Ann Arbor. That's obviously exactly what OU fans want to hear, especially after this felt unlikely a week ago.
OU head coach Brent Venables gave a list of positive injury updates during his weekly coach's show on Monday. Most importantly, it sounds like the Sooners could be fully healthy up front and have their entire starting offensive line ready to go on Saturday.
Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje's returns feel inevitable against the Wolverines
The Sooners were without three of five starting linemen for most of the game against UTEP. Starting center Jake Maikkula sprained his MCL in a scrimmage during fall camp, so it had been known for weeks that he would miss the opener. Maikkula's initial time frame was 4-6 weeks, which meant he would return against Michigan at the absolute earliest, exactly four weeks after suffering the injury.
Ryan Fodje was in line to fill in for Maikkula, but he then injured his knee during a practice the week of the opener and was sidelined for Week 1. Freshman Noah Best ultimately started at center in his collegiate debut, while also lining up at left and right guard to further prove his capability.
“We’ll get them going this week,” Venables said of Maikkula and Fodje during Monday's coach's show.
Just like Venables said, Sooners On SI reported on Tuesday that Maikkula and Fodje were full participants during Monday's practice, paving the way for their return at the perfect time.
That status of starting left tackle Michael Fasusi doesn't sound as promising, though. Already down two big guys from the start on Friday, Fasusi didn't touch the field again after the first quarter because of an injury. As usual, Venables was tight-lipped about Fasusi after the game.
“He’s fine,” Venables said. “He’s great.”
Since Week 2 isn't an SEC matchup, we won't get a daily availability report throughout the week. Venables also didn't give any updates during Tuesday's press conference, and rarely does, so knowing Fasusi's status before Saturday will depend on leaked reports out of practice. According to Sooners On SI, Fasusi "would likely be listed as 'questionable' with the possibility of being 'doubtful,'" if there were an availability report.
If Fasusi does miss Week 2, Fodje would likely replace him at left tackle, and Best would get to start again, but this time at right guard.
We'll also have to wait to hear more about running back Tory Blaylock, who was inactive Week 1 after a hamstring injury hampered him throughout fall camp.
“Hopefully, Tory has a good week this week, and we could travel him and get him going here against Michigan," Venables said Monday.
Defensively, the Sooners will return defensive end Danny Okoye, who was a surprise absentee Friday night. Venables, of course, didn't share any reason why Okoye didn't suit up in Week 1, but has since confirmed he'll play against Michigan.
The ultimate goal was for the Sooners to be as close to 100% as possible for their trip to Michigan. Some of those who were sidelined against UTEP likely would have played if needed, and starters were also pulled early to preserve their health.
Ultimately, the Sooners got exactly what they wanted from Week 1, coming out with a convincing win and even healthier for Michigan.
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