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Steve Sarkisian provided an update on one of his key defenders ahead of the Red River Rivalry game in Week 6.
Defensive back Ryan Watts suffered a lower-body injury against Kansas in Week 5. Per Sarkisian, the senior defender will not be ready to play against the Oklahoma Sooners.
BREAKING: Sark tells @Morgan_Uber that CB Ryan Watts will not play today against Oklahoma
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) October 7, 2023
Watts is tied for 4th on the team with 17 tackles. The senior has been one of the most important pieces on a Longhorns’ secondary that is No. 36 in the nation in pass defense. Watts collected 2 tackles against the Jayhawks in Week 5 before the injury.
The Sooners will present the toughest challenge yet for the Longhorn defense. QB Dillon Gabriel is averaging 352.4 passing yards per game and captains one of the most explosive units in the country. While the Sooners have an elite aerial attack, the ground is sub-par. The Sooners currently have just the No. 66 rushing offense in the nation.
With Watts out, the team will likely turn to true freshman Malik Muhammad. The freshman has made plays when called upon, collecting 12 tackles and 2 pass defenses.
The 2 heated rivals will kick off from Austin at Noon Eastern.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
