Hello again, Sooner nation! It’s the final day of November and we’re about 48 hours out from kicking off the Big 12 finale, where the Oklahoma Sooners will rematch the TCU Horned Frogs. Meanwhile on the hard-court, OU returns to Lloyd Noble Center tonight to take on the North Texas Mean Green after lighting up the scoreboards in the PK80 Tournament. If you haven’t already, check out our game preview for a closer look at the matchup. We’re winding down towards what looks to be another exciting weekend in Norman!
In today’s edition of Hot Links, you can take a look back at all the Sooners’ Big 12 and Sports Illustrated appearances, read about the emergence of Tre Norwood, watch a loyal Florida State fan with a legitimate beef and more!
OU Links
- In the past, Oklahoma has performed exceptionally well in the Big 12 Title game (aside from that absurd K-State game in ‘03). With the conference championship game back in place, take a moment to look back on all the Sooners’ championship triumphs.
- Oklahoma’s offensive line — although snubbed from being a finalist for the Joe Moore Award — is widely regarded as one of the top units in college football. Their success comes from a sound work ethic that many others aren’t willing to match.
- In summary, Baker Mayfield is an elite QB:
Baker Mayfield's passing chart is wild. It's just not normal for anyone to be completing passes at an elite rate at all levels of the field. pic.twitter.com/rkbQjR0LSL
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) November 30, 2017
- So how has all the Heisman talk surrounding Mayfield affected the Sooners’ locker room? Lincoln Riley says it’s business as usual, and quite frankly I believe him.
- With Mayfield making the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, let’s take a walk down memory lane and check out all the Sooner related covers in SI history.
- Even when opposing defense apply pressure, Baker is lethal:
Under pressure - Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield has been cool, calm and collected. He's completed 35-of-71 passes for 618 yards, 8 TDs and just 2 INT on 100 pressured dropbacks - the second-highest passer rating under duress among draft-eligible QBs. pic.twitter.com/LreuqEdrTM
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) November 30, 2017
- True freshman cornerback Tre Norwood was physically a late-bloomer growing up, which hindered his recruitment. Today, he’s worked his way into a reliable player for the Sooners, and his future looks promising.
- OU men’s basketball head coach Lon Kruger has always suspected he had a good one in Trae Young, but now the word is getting out to the rest of college hoops nation.
- Speaking of hoops, here’s a quick preview and thread for tonight’s game vs. North Texas.
National Links
- Talk of Jimbo Fisher leaving Florida State for Texas A&M has been swirling for a while now, and Fisher has done little to dispel rumors. I can’t speak for those in the room, but I bet it became pretty uncomfortable in there real quick:
This just happened at Jimbo Fisher’s call-in show. Oh my. #Noles pic.twitter.com/GXAgpAVZrg
— NoleGameday (@NoleGameday) November 30, 2017
- It is being reported that former head coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards is agreeing with Arizona State to become the Sun Devils’ next head coach. After being away from the college game for so long, it’ll be interesting to see how the old school Edwards operates in today’s college football landscape.
When a 5-star recruit’s father asks for improper benefits pic.twitter.com/6PdiwwOc7x
— Master Tesfatsion (@MasterTes) November 30, 2017
When Herm Edwards hears a 4-star prospect say nothing good happens after 2 am pic.twitter.com/4N0BDEQ34W
— Master Tesfatsion (@MasterTes) November 30, 2017
- Lane Kiffin is a master troll artist on Twitter, and he’s not going back to Rocky Top. Keep on searching, Vols.
- The auction ends in a little over eight days from today, and as of typing this, the current bid is sitting at $300, so it’s quite reasonable. I have the perfect spot for this in my apartment. Would make for quite the centerpiece.
Rice is selling the 10' x 90' owl banner you never knew you needed until now: https://t.co/aGQhpbbalA pic.twitter.com/cp70C0tUQh
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 30, 2017
- Tiger Woods is returning to the course at the Hero World Challenge in Albany, and there are several reasons why you should feel both hopeful and anxious.
- Pardon My Take is back at it again with this hilarious Piano Man spoof recapping the Greg Schiano-to-Tennessee debacle. Riveting stuff.
SING US A SONG YOUR A SCHIANO MAN pic.twitter.com/Q2aMYZNry9
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) November 30, 2017
Stick to Sports!
- Yeah, I’d probably make my way out of the water soon. That’s just a tad too close for me:
Drone footage captures tiger shark coming close to swimmers off Miami Beach over Thanksgiving weekend. https://t.co/IM7VUtdtZV pic.twitter.com/Wx9D0qZWkd
— ABC News (@ABC) November 30, 2017
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