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Michael Fasusi opens up about his journey back from injury
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- Michael Fasusi opens up about his journey back from injury
One of the biggest issues for the Oklahoma Sooners this season has been injuries, especially on the offensive line. The Sooners entered the season with four starters returning from last season's College Football Playoff team. However, injuries have kept those four players from playing a game together.
The biggest injury has been to star left tackle Michael Fasusi. He injured his shoulder during fall camp, but played the opening game against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners. He didn't make it to halftime before he was pulled due to the injury. Fasusi would then miss the next five games, and Oklahoma's offense plummeted to one of the worst units in college football.
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However, Fasusi returned on Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs , and the Sooners had their best offensive performance of the season, totaling 467 yards and rushing for 184. Fasusi explained his recovery process from the injury.
"Just trusting God, man," Fasusi said via SoonerScoop. "Me seeing the results and knowing that I'm healed, I'm blessed. I can go out here and just dominate. I'm thankful for my parents for just instilling me with confidence. So, all I have to do is relax, know the plays, stay energized and play ball."
Fasusi's return provided a noticeable boost to an Oklahoma offense that has spent much of the season searching for answers up front. The Sooners showed greater balance against Mississippi State, pairing an efficient passing attack with their most productive rushing performance of the year. While one game does not solve every issues, having Fasusi back at left tackle gives the offensive line a chance to develop the continuity it has lacked through the first half of the season.
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Trynae Washington (22) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Anthony Evans III (3) during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) celebrates with defensive back Trystan Haynes (14) after a tackle during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cheerleaders during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) attempts to hurdle over Mississippi State Bulldogs safety Jardin Gilbert (5) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
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How does ESPN predict Oklahoma's remaining schedule after win?
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a touchdown catch during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
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Oklahoma vs. South Carolina: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
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Brent Venables breaks down the challenges of developing team identity
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts after a turnover during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
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Brent Venables on how of Florida's QB dilemma creates a challenge
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Fluff Bothwell (24) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
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5 reasons Oklahoma can beat Florida on Saturday
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
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Oklahoma vs. South Carolina: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
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Oklahoma Sooners Stock Up after Week 8 win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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4 players to watch for Oklahoma against South Carolina
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos of Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talk after the game at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Michael Fasusi opens up about his journey back from injury
