NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma football coach Lincoln Riley confirmed after the No. 5 Sooners' opening victory over Missouri State that the game Saturday night had been jeopardy of being postponed or canceled because of the Sooners' COVID-19 cases.
Earlier, the Springfield News-Leader reported that Missouri State president Clif Smart told the school's board of governors that the game had been in doubt.
"It hung in the balance for a little bit, but we were able to do it," Riley said after the 48-0 victory. "Thankfully, we were able to."
Several Oklahoma players were out, including kicker Gabe Brkic and running back T.J. Pledger. Brkic was a preseason second-team All-American. Pledger was listed as the starting running back. Anton Harrison, a true freshman who was listed as the starting left tackle, also did not play.
Riley wouldn't confirm why they were out. He said earlier in the week that he would no longer release team COVID-19 testing results.
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many times the season opener has multiple players suspended for "violation of team rules"
gives the team that stays safe and limits COVID outbreaks the advantage - if you can't field a team, you forfeit