Oklahoma will be missing two key players for their upcoming game against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. True freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will not have wide receiver Deion Burks and tight end Kade McIntyre, both of whom have been officially ruled out, a significant setback for the Sooners. Burks, Oklahoma’s top receiver with 26 catches, 201 yards, and three touchdowns, will miss his second game of the season. McIntyre, primarily used for blocking, hasn’t registered a catch yet this season.
On the Texas side, quarterback Quinn Ewers is fully cleared to play, replacing Arch Manning. This is a boost for Texas, which will look to maintain its undefeated record.
Oklahoma is set to welcome back linebacker Dasan McCullough and running back Taylor Tatum, both of whom were absent from the initial report. McCullough has yet to play this season, while Tatum, Oklahoma’s third-leading rusher, has 116 yards and two touchdowns but missed the Auburn game due to injury.
Despite missing key players, Hawkins managed to spread the ball around in the Sooners’ last game against Auburn, connecting with four different receivers, including Bauer Sharp and J.J. Hester. Oklahoma’s offensive line will be the healthiest it’s been this season, with right tackle Jake Taylor and interior lineman Troy Everett available.
Kicker Tyler Keltner will also be available for the game after missing time, though backup Zach Schmit performed well in his absence. The 120th Red River Rivalry will take place Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, airing on ABC.
