The Oklahoma Sooners saw some positive movement in the SEC's Thursday evening availability report. Wide receiver Parker Livingstone and running back Tory Blaylock were moved to probable ahead of Saturday's matchup with Mississippi State.
Blaylock carried the ball seven times for 23 yards and ran with patience and burst. It was the best he has looked since the College Football Playoff loss to Alabama. Platooning him with Lloyd Avant and Jonathan Hatton helped create a more effective running game than we've had this season. Now the running back room has to build on it.
Livingstone missed the Kentucky game and will likely need to play a big role for the Sooners with Elijah Thomas still questionable on Thursday night. If Thomas isn't able to go, that puts Manny Choice getting his second straight start on the outside along with Isaiah Sategna in the slot. Livingstone would have a great shot to start on the outside in three-wide receiver sets.
All eyes are still on left tackle Michael Fasusi, who remained questionable Thursday night. With Ryan Fodje out, it's critical that Fasusi plays this week against Mississippi State. If he can't go, look for Peyton Joseph to get the start at left tackle. But that would leave a whole at right guard, unless Heath Ozaeta, who is also questionable, can play.
Hoping to make his return is cornerback Eli Bowen. Bowen has been out since a practice injury suffered before the Texas game. But Oklahoma could use his speed and coverage ability as the Sooners get set to take on a speedy Bulldogs wide receiver group.
For the Mississippi State Bulldogs, there was no movement on star quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell. Both players missed Mississippi State 31-0 shutout at the hands of the LSU Tigers in Week 7. If they can't play, that significantly increases Oklahoma's chances of earning a win on the road this week. If they do play, the Sooners offense will be under pressure to score to keep pace with Jeff Lebby's offense in Starkville.
Here's a look at the Thursday night availability report.
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
| Player | Position | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Heim | LB | Out |
| Trell Harris | WR | Out |
| Jacobe Johnson | DB | Out |
| Trynae Washington | TE | Out |
| Eddy Pierre-Louis | OL | Out |
| Ryan Fodje | OL | Out |
| Xavier Robinson | RB | Doubtful |
| Michael Fasusi | OL | Questionable |
| Eli Bowen | CB | Questionable |
| Elijah Thomas | WR | Questionable |
| Heath Ozaeta | OL | Questionable |
| Parker Livingstone | WR | Probable |
| Tory Blaylock | RB | Probable |
Mississippi State Bulldogs Availability Report
| Player | Position | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Smith | LB | Out |
| Ayden Williams | WR | Out |
| Trevion Williams | DL | Out |
| Diesel Maye | DL | Out |
| Kamario Taylor | QB | Questionable |
| Isaac Smith | S | Questionable |
| Zakari Tillman | LB | Questionable |
| Fluff Bothwell | RB | Questionable |
| D.J. Chester | OL | Questionable |
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Key Sooners on offense trending toward playing vs. Mississippi State