What’s up, everyone?

The kickoff times for three Oklahoma Sooners football games were announced on Thursday, and it’s now known that each of OU’s first three contests will be played at night.

In Week 2, OU will play host to South Dakota at 6 p.m. CT in what will most assuredly be the PPV game. The following week, the Sooners will travel to UCLA for a 7 p.m. CT start on FOX, and the Red River Shootout/Showdown/Rivalry/whatever with Texas will once again begin at 11 a.m. CT (also on FOX).

In the past, Lincoln Riley has been outspoken about his distaste for early kickoffs, and many fans would agree with him. So far, Oklahoma’s first three games of the 2019 season are in the coveted prime-time slots. For a program like OU and its fans, that’s a welcomed sight. Also, 5 p.m. PT is a PERFECT start time for the UCLA game, as this one will be played during the magic hours for the Rose Bowl.

As far as the 11 a.m. OU-Texas kickoff is concerned, well... that’s just life for an OU fan. We all know how to work with that one.

Now onto today’s Hot Links! A record number of softball players earn All-American honors, Colin Cowherd’s infatuation for Baker Mayfield intensifies, Boogie is back and more!

OU Links

• Oh look, it’s a picture of Oklahoma football’s leadership having a nice night out together. That family atmosphere that players and recruits talk about starts at the top, and this my friends, is the top.

• Speaking of Sooner leadership, looks like it’s #GainsSZN for Lincoln Riley, or at least, that’s what I would go for if I was working out with Bennie Wylie. I now expect to see a fully hulked out machine donning a visor on the sidelines this fall. Also, this Topgolf Tournament needs to be televised.

• Six Sooner softball players were named NFCA D-I All Americans on Wednesday, including First-Teamers Giselle Juarez, Caleigh Clifton and Sydney Romero. Congratulations, ladies!

• We all saw that horrific start to the Orange Bowl between Oklahoma and Alabama last season. Well now someone went and made a 3-D replica of the moment safety Robert Barnes was trucked by Crimson Tide running back Josh Jacobs. I want a rematch.

• Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray answered questions from the media now that OTAs are wrapped. Just seeing him in a press conference makes me excited for football season.

• Speaking of Murray, many of his teammates have been impressed with the rookie’s ability, especially his arm. RB David Johnson drew a comparison to a former Kliff Kingsbury QB — Pat Mahomes. Big, if true.
• Baker Mayfield is in Colin Cowherd’s head again (he actually never left), and now the infamous shock jock is at it again with his anti-Mayfield takes.

This has been an ongoing back-and-forth ordeal for a year and a half now, and if you know anything about Mayfield, you know he had to clap back at some point. Here’s his response. I’ll admit, I laughed at the t-shirt bit.

• In case you missed it, check out my preview of the Women’s College World Series, including a look inside the history between Patty Gasso and Alabama’s Patrick Murphy.

Around the Sports World

• After going down early in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Demarcus Cousins is back in the Golden State Warriors’ lineup. Sorry, Toronto.

• Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr. hit a foul ball against Houston, and the line drive went into the stands and struck a young girl. Immediately, Almora was overcome with emotion when he saw where the foul ball went. Fortunately, the girl was taken to the hospital and from the latest reports is in positive spirits.

• Bronny James and Zaire Wade, sons of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, respectively, are teaming up at Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles. The pro papas say the move was motivated by basketball. I mean, obviously.
• Dave Doeren has made NC State a respectable program in the ACC over the years, but one too many years of transition could spell a decline for the Wolfpack. That is, unless Doeren’s plan comes to fruition. Bill Connelly previews North Carolina State.
• Anthony Davis has stood firm in his desire to leave New Orleans, and even with the chance to play alongside Zion Williamson, AD wants to put a bow on his Pelicans chapter.

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