The Oklahoma Sooners are again battling injuries as they head into their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Sooners had 15 players on the Wednesday availability report.
They will again be without key offensive linemen Ryan Fodje and Eddy Pierre-Louis, but should get Heath Ozaeta back. Center Jake Maikkula was listed as "questionable." This follows an injury he suffered against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Caleb Nitta replaced him in the game and did a nice job in his snaps.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle praised Nitta's preparation when his number is called.
"Caleb's a fighter and he loves football, plays his butt off," Arbuckle said. "And it's been that way since he's gotten here. That showed on his previous tape from other
institutions. He's very smart, like really intelligent, understands defense, understands what's happening in the box, can see defensive back rotations. I mean, he's a sharp kid. But he's a fighter, you know, and he'll give us everything that he has."
Nitta's readiness could prove valuable as Oklahoma navigates another week of uncertainty on the offensive line. Maikkula's status will be worth monitoring, especially as the Sooners try to build on their improved performance against Mississippi State. A backup who can quickly recognize defensive fronts and communicate adjustments gives the offense stability when injuries force changes up front.
The Sooners will need that adaptability against a South Carolina team looking to extend its winning streak. With several linemen unavailable, consistency in protection and communication will be essential to keeping the offense on schedule. Nitta has earned praise for his preparation, and if his number is called again, Oklahoma will count on him to help maintain the offensive line's progress from last week.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Ben Arbuckle confident Caleb Nitta is ready when Oklahoma needs him
