NORMAN — Oklahoma will have an All-SEC sized hole along its defensive line against Auburn, at least for the first half of the teams’ SEC opener.
The Sooners will be without starting defensive end R Mason Thomas for the first two quarters of Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. matchup at Owen Field as the senior edge defender serves a suspension as a result of a second-half targeting penalty in last week’s win at Temple. It’s a less-than-ideal spot for Oklahoma to be in as it kicks off SEC play; Thomas was a second-team All-SEC selection last year (and again this preseason), and he boasts the best pass-rush win rate (21.4%) on the Sooners’ defense this season.
Thomas’ punishment, though, means opportunity for other pieces in Miguel Chavis’ defensive ends room to step up against a formidable Auburn offensive line.
“Guys got to hold it down, but I’ve got no doubt they will,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said.
That likely begins with junior Adepoju Adebawore, the former five-star edge rusher who is in line to earn his first career start Saturday in Oklahoma’s SEC opener. Adebawore has been the backup to Thomas this season, and through three games he has one tackle and one total pressure, with a 50% pass-rush win rate in true passing sets, according to Pro Football Focus.
