Happy Hump Day, friends and fans!

After some confusion stemming from reports of a possible Art Briles return to college football, FCS program Missouri State is officially hiring ex-Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino. This news is particularly relevant for Oklahoma Sooners fans since this team represents OU’s 2020 season opening opponent on Sept. 5.

When the news first started breaking across social media, there were reports from some credible sources that mentioned Briles as Missouri State’s next head coach. That of course led to quite a bit of public criticism, as well as some humorous takes.

First of all, I think we can all agree about the fact that Briles still being considered for any coaching job is wrong. Fortunately we don’t have to go down that road today. Now back to Petrino. Yes, he’s the same guy who was discovered lying about an extra-marital affair with an employee he unjustly hired over more qualified candidates when the two of them were involved in a motorcycle accident. You know, this guy.

I suppose this was an easier decision to stomach than the aforementioned alternative, but it’s still a highly questionable move in a world where there are countless options that are far less toxic and potentially more fruitful in the long run. I guess everybody’s soul has a price.

Now onto today’s Hot Links! Sooners land the commitment of a highly rated defensive recruit, P-Mot turns heads ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, Fitz is back in AZ and more!

OU Links

• Early Wednesday morning, four-star LB Kobie McKinzie out of Cooper HS announced his verbal commitment to Oklahoma. According to 247Sports, the Lubbock product is the No. 1 outside linebacker in the nation, the No. 2 player in Texas, and the No. 38 overall prospect in the 2022 class. It’s a long way out from now until signing day two recruiting cycles from now, but this is a positive sign on the trail for LBs coach Brian Odom and DC Alex Grinch.

• Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan shared his early 2020 Big 12 standings prediction just days into the college football offseason, and you likely won’t be surprised to see which team he feels is the favorite to win the conference. However, the race for the No. 2 spot looks to be up for grabs between at least four teams.
• If you’re a subscriber to The Athletic, make sure you check out Jason Kersey’s exit interview with former OU WR Mykel Jones as he talked about his time as a Sooner, why he decided to transfer, his friendship with Jalen Hurts and more.
• CB Parnell Motley is reportedly showing out at the East-West Shrine Bowl practices this week. If he keeps this up, he could rise up some draft boards and make himself a little extra cheddar. Way to go, P-Mot!

• Former OU QB and current Virginia Tech Hokies head coach Justin Fuente has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Baylor. As far as an interview is concerned, it could just be a ploy for Fuente to add some dollars to his staff’s paychecks.
• Remember ‘the Barnacle’ referenced in yesterday’s links? OU has decided to at least postpone its implementation after receiving negative feedback.

Around the Sports World

• Future Hall of Fame WR Larry Fitzgerald is set to return for a 17th season with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s as pro as professionals come, and the folks out in the desert couldn’t be more thrilled with this news.

• The Carolina Panthers are hiring LSU Tigers passing game coordinator and WRs coach Joe Brady as their next OC. After one season at the collegiate level, the 30-year-old coaching prodigy is returning to the ranks of the NFL.
• Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has taken a page from the book of greats by using his haters to fuel his success on the court. SB Nation’s Zito Madu has more.
• On Tuesday night, Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from playing the game of football after eight seasons in the NFL. The seven-time Pro-Bowler has suffered numerous concussions throughout his career, so while it’s tough to see him hang up his pads, it makes sense for the 28-year-old’s long-term health. Good luck on your next adventure, Luke!

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