If Oklahoma’s going to rebound from a loss that all but officially knocked them out of the BcS title hunt, they’ll have to do so without the services of one of their top players on the defensive side of the ball.
Head coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that Ronnell Lewis suffered a sprained MCL in the loss to Baylor Saturday and is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks. Such a timeline will preclude the defensive end from playing in either the game against Iowa State this weekend or in Bedlam against Oklahoma State the following week.
Junior David King, who’s made one start this season, is listed as Lewis’ backup on the most recent depth chart, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables said that, regardless of who steps in, that player needs to step up.
“Next man in,” Venables said. “Ronnell’s a terrific player. He’s got a physical presence and play-making ability that’s hard to duplicate. Other guys have got to step up and play better -- and be sound. No one’s got to be Superman, ever. Guys just need to stay within the system and execute.”
Lewis is currently second on the Sooners in sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (13), and is third in tackles with 59.