Happy Friday night, friends and fans!

When news of Jadon Haselwood suffering a knee injury reached the surface this past April, it was assumed that the Ellenwood, Ga. native’s chances of seeing the field this season were a long shot. However, the sophomore’s quick progress has been well-documented for several months. This has been looking like the former No. 1 WR prospect’s 2020 debut weekend for a minute, but he appears to have confirmed it via Twitter and Instagram Friday evening.

By all accounts (including Lincoln Riley’s), Haselwood has been the consummate teammate and leader during his absence, with his head coach even using him as an example for how to conduct oneself when out of action. It’s easy to root for a guy who approaches things with this kind of attitude, never mind the fact that he’s an incredibly fun player to watch.

Now onto this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! The Sooners found themselves in the month of October, Lincoln Riley is setting the coaching standard, steep fines are handed out around the NFL and more!

OU Links

• Episode Four of ‘The Standard’ is here, and this week the series focused on the familial aspect within the Oklahoma Sooners’ program. While Lincoln Riley and his staff put hours upon hours of work into their roles as coaches and mentors, they’ve also made a concerted effort to set aside quality time for their own families. In this day and age, spending time with our loved ones is as important as ever, and that truth is highlighted in this unique inside look. OU also had a game to prepare for last Saturday, and as you know by now, the team took care of business and then some against Texas Tech. Spencer Rattler played with poise and precision, and Alex Grinch’s defense lived up to its ‘Speed D’ moniker. In all, it was the kind of performance this group needed at the end of a long road trip.

• On Friday, Lincoln Riley shared some of his final thoughts ahead of the Sooners’ upcoming game against the Kansas Jayhawks. We’re coming down the stretch, folks!

• As OU returns to the Palace on the Prairie for its first home game since September, the team has seemingly found something it did not have before its extended road trip — an identity. Going forward, Oklahoma is playing with newfound confidence and determination, the Norman Transcript’s Joe Buettner.
• Also from the Norman Transcript, Clay Horning recently wrote about how Lincoln Riley is excelling in his role not only with the X’s and O’s, but also as a director amid the nation’s social climate.
• Sooners Wire’s Steven Plaisance has updated figures on where Oklahoma stands in regards to the Big 12 title race, and after last weekend’s conference games, OU’s path to Arlington has become much more clear.
• Make sure you check out Allen’s recent write-up on the jet motion wrinkle in Lincoln Riley’s offense that was masterfully utilized last weekend in Lubbock.
• This Saturday, OU is set to recognize Military Appreciation Day. If you plan to attend the KU game, you’ll notice a special flyover shortly before kick-off among other unique game day honors and tributes throughout the afternoon. Check out the link in the tweet for more information.

Around the Sports World

• The Oklahoma State Cowboys recently announced plans to memorialize the late T. Boone Pickens with a nine-foot tall bronze statue outside of the football stadium that is also named after the longtime benefactor.

• The Las Vegas Raiders have been fined $500,000 and head coach Jon Gruden was tagged with a $150,000 fine for not following the NFL’s strict mask wearing policies last weekend. In addition to the fines, the Raiders have also been docked a sixth-round draft pick for being a repeat offender.
• Speaking of mask policy penalties, the Pittsburgh Steelers were fined $250,000 and head coach Mike Tomlin was fined $100,000 for not following proper mask wearing protocol in Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Ravens.
• After parting ways with manager Alex Cora 10 months ago in light of his involvement with the Houston Astros’ sign stealing scandal, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to bring Cora back in the same role.
• The Under Armour High School All-America game has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The annual prep showcase is typically held every January and features many of the nation’s top recruits.

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