After a performance last weekend that was questionable at times and several injuries impacting the team, the Auburn Tigers' defense is about to face a big test in the form of the Oklahoma Sooners.
Though Champ Anthony missed two games after a broken thumb that required surgery, he is expected to return to the field this weekend, which will give the defense a boost. However, Jay Crawford is listed as "questionable" heading into Saturday's matchup, and Rayshawn Pleasant—who missed the South Alabama game with a leg injury—is expected to be available to back him up.
The Tigers have played a significant amount of freshmen in the first few weeks of the season, and Head Coach Hugh Freeze cited the importance of in-game reps and experience for the young guys. There is one freshman in particular, though, who is on the verge of a real opportunity this weekend.
From Maryland, Blake Woodby was a 4-star cornerback out of high school and made a big impact on the defense in the second half of last week's game against the Jaguars. Freeze reported that Woodby has made real progress and could play a big role against the Sooners.
"He's moved himself into a position where he's going to have to play a significant role," Freeze said of Woodby, per Auburn Undercover. "His first significant role will be against a really talented team. He's going to embrace it; he's going to be ready."
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer is the leading passer in the SEC after the first three games of the season, and the Tigers' secondary is going to have to play hard to keep the Sooner offense in check. Freeze noted that DJ Durkin and his staff honed in on the issues in the secondary during practice this week and they are hoping to come out swinging this Saturday.
Kick off between the Sooners and the Tigers is set for 2:30 p.m.