The Oklahoma Sooners will be without defensive end R Mason Thomas against the Auburn Tigers next weekend when AU visits OU in Norman. Thomas was hit with a targeting call for a hit on Temple quarterback Evan Simon and ejection during a 42-3 win over the Owls in Philly on Saturday. He'll miss the first half against the Tigers in his team's conference opener.
That has Stormin in Norman's Dekota Gregory worried, since he knows firsthand just how dangerous Auburn transfer, and former Sooner, Jackson Arnold, is on the run.
"Losing Thomas didn't really matter against Temple with the Sooners already in control in the second half. However, it could be a massive deficit against Auburn when former OU quarterback Jackson Arnold returns to Norman. Arnold is mostly known for his running ability, which Sooner Nation is already familiar with, so containing the edge will be important for the Sooners against Auburn," Gregory wrote.
"Thomas, a senior, is the best edge rusher the Sooners have to put pressure on Arnold or any quarterback they face. In two games this season, Thomas posted three tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup so far. He surprisingly wasn't on the stat sheet against Temple before his ejection."
Arnold was his typical dual-threat self during a 31-15 win over the South Alabama Jaguars at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, accumulating 142 yards through the air and another 50 on the ground. His rushing dominance helped keep USA's defense on its toes and facilitated a 119-yard night for Jeremiah Cobb.
He's played well against Group of Five opponents at home and hits the road as Auburn's offensive leader for the second time after a brilliant 245 all-purpose yards, two-touchdown performance against the Baylor Bears in Waco Week 1.
Because of a lack of discipline from Brent Venables' pass-rushing ace, Arnold will have a leg up on his former team this coming Saturday in the Tigers' SEC opener.
At least for a half, which in the game of inches SEC play can often be, may be the difference-maker needed to get AU over the top.