Oklahoma Without Key Starter as Brent Venables Enter Week 13 Against Full Strength Missouri A key Sooners defender is expected out as Missouri regains its QB, setting up a tense, unpredictable Week 13

One upset win over Alabama may have launched Brent Venables’ crew from outside the CFP bubble into first-round host territory. But nothing about Oklahoma’s final stretch is built for comfort. On Wednesday’s SEC Availability Report, the Sooners’ star defensive end R Mason Thomas was initially listed as “questionable” for Saturday. But then came the hammer for Week 13.

“Sources: Oklahoma star defensive end R Mason Thomas is not expected to play against No. 22 Missouri, with a final decision coming at game-time,” Pete Thamel reported on X on November 21 . “He’s still recovering from a quad injury suffered on a fumble return against Tennessee.”

Oklahoma climbed three spots in the rankings after that 23-21 brawl in Tuscaloosa, positioning themselves for their first playoff appearanc