Oklahoma got encouraging news on the injury front as its bye week began, and head coach Brent Venables remains hopeful for more positive updates ahead of next week’s Red River Rivalry.
Venables announced Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference that starting kicker Tyler Keltner will be available for Oklahoma when they face Texas at the Cotton Bowl. Keltner missed last weekend’s game against Auburn, with Zach Schmit stepping in and successfully converting two field goals, including a critical 39-yarder in the final minute to help secure Oklahoma’s 27-21 victory.
Keltner, a transfer from Florida State, has gone 6-of-7 on field goals this season, including a long of 50 yards. His only miss came from 45 yards in Week 2.
Venables praised Schmit’s clutch performance, saying, “We’ll get Keltner back, but Schmit showed he can be reliable with a couple of big kicks against Auburn.”
Venables also expressed cautious optimism about the availability of leading receiver Deion Burks and freshman running back Taylor Tatum for the showdown against Texas. Both missed the Auburn game due to injuries sustained in the SEC opener against Tennessee. Burks has 26 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns this season, while Tatum has averaged 6.44 yards per carry and scored three total touchdowns.
“They’re progressing well, and we’re hopeful to have them both back,” Venables said. He emphasized the importance of the bye week for the team’s younger players, noting, “We’ve got a lot of young guys stepping up, and this extra week will really help them make big strides for the rest of the season.”
Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 SEC) faces Texas (5-0, 1-0 SEC) in the Red River Rivalry on October 12, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
