Story by
Oklahoma OT Michael Fasusi makes huge impact in return
- Story by
- Oklahoma OT Michael Fasusi makes huge impact in return
The Oklahoma Sooners offensive line had another starting lineup change this week. This time, it was because Oklahoma saw left tackle Michael Fasusi return.
It was the first time Fasusi had taken the field for the Sooners since the Week 1 win against UTEP. And Fasusi made a huge impact. According to Pro Football Focus, Fasusi didn't allow pressure on 39 pass-block snaps in the Sooners' win over Mississippi State . He was also instrumental in Tory Blaylock's big 47-yard run to open the second half. Lloyd Avant's 19-yard run also went over the left side.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
As a team, the Sooners ran for 184 yards on 41 carries, the most Oklahoma has produced on the ground since they ran for 192 yards against Tennessee in November of last season.
Getting Fasusi back helped shore up the left side of the line next to left guard Noah Best. Ryan Fodje was solid in a fill-in role, but was knocked out of the loss to Kentucky due to an ankle injury. Once Fodje returns, he could go back to the right side at either guard or tackle to give Oklahoma a boost up front.
Fasusi was a true freshman All-American selection in 2025 but only played 17 snaps in the season opener. With time to heal the shoulder injury from fall camp, he looks like he's ready to contribute to Oklahoma's second-half push to get into the College Football Playoff conversation.
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)
1
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
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
/20
3 stars from Oklahoma's win over Mississippi State
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
/20
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)
16
/20
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
/20
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)
18
/20
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)
19
/20
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)
20
/20
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)
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams .
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma OT Michael Fasusi makes huge impact in return
