An Auburn cheerleader's attempted stunt during pre-game warm-ups went awry, resulting in a collision with Oklahoma defensive back Makari Vickers.
Prior to Saturday's SEC matchup between the 21st-ranked Oklahoma Sooners and the Auburn Tigers, an unfortunate incident occurred on the field. An Auburn cheerleader was performing backhand springs through the line of Sooners players when she collided with defensive back Makari Vickers near the 10-yard line.
The collision was hard enough to knock both Vickers and the cheerleader to the ground. However, both individuals quickly rose to their feet, with Vickers seemingly uninjured. The cheerleader continued to perform with her squad, while Vickers returned to his defensive duties.
Cheerleader Mishap: Auburn Cheerleader's Collision with Oklahoma Defensive Back Before SEC Matchup
The incident was a reminder of the potential risks involved in pre-game rituals and the importance of maintaining situational awareness. Fortunately, the collision did not result in any serious injuries and the game proceeded without further incident.
Vickers is a highly touted sophomore who played eight games for Oklahoma last season. He missed four contests due to an injury, but he is expected to play a significant role in the Sooners' defense this season.
Cheerleader Mishap: Auburn Cheerleader's Collision with Oklahoma Defensive Back Before SEC Matchup
The Sooners entered the game with a 2-1 record, having lost their previous contest at home to No. 5 Tennessee. They were looking to rebound against an unranked Auburn team, which had started the season 1-2.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. Oklahoma eventually broke through with a 48-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Michael Hawkins. However, Auburn answered back with two touchdowns of its own in the second quarter, taking a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Cheerleader Mishap: Auburn Cheerleader's Collision with Oklahoma Defensive Back Before SEC Matchup
The Sooners will need to make adjustments and find a way to generate more offense if they want to pull out a victory. They will also need to play better defense, as Auburn's offense has shown the ability to strike quickly and effectively.
The game is being televised on ESPN and can also be streamed on ESPN+.
