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Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Taylor Tatum (8) runs the ball against Missouri Tigers defensive tackle Kristian Williams (5) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Oklahoma Sooners are still looking to secure bowl eligibility in 2024, needing one more victory to get that job done. It’ll be a tall task this week, as the Sooners will host the Alabama Crimson Tide in front of a primetime, national television audience in Week 13.
OU has had to rely on more freshmen than usual this season due to injuries and poor play at multiple positions, especially on offense. So many young players have been asked to step up, with varying results.
As the Sooners look to pull off a huge upset on their home field, they’ll be once against counting on first-year players to play a major role all night long. Here are three true freshmen to keep your eye on when Oklahoma hosts Alabama.
1. Taylor Tatum, RB
Running back Taylor Tatum could have had one of the plays of the year against Missouri when he connected with quarterback Jackson Arnold on a halfback throwback pass that scored a touchdown to tie the game at 16 apiece. Instead, the OU defense gave up the lead and Arnold gave the game away with under a minute left.
Tatum didn’t jump off the page in his first start against the Tigers, but he’ll have to against the Tide if Barnes can’t play or is limited. Tatum is the future of the running back position in Norman. He’s got the talent to impact the game in a variety of ways. It’s time for him to take another step forward towards being the full-time feature back next season.
2. Xavier Robinson, RB
Two running backs on this list show how crucial the OU rushing attack will be in this game. Xavier Robinson was the best back the Sooners had against the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-oklahoma-sooners-true-freshmen-115135773.html
Author : Sooners Wire
Publish date : 2024-11-21 11:51:00
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