Happy Friday, friends and fans!

Check out this amazing Oklahoma Sooners-themed Christmas lights display from Tuttle, Okla. This OU fan really went all-out this holiday season. You’ve got the Pride, the Schooner, a little ‘Horns Down action, Lincoln Riley’s face, and even a special shout-out to ‘LincUpXXI’. Of course, it was elegantly composed to the magical tune of Boomer Sooner.

Chris Foster is the mastermind behind this dazzling Sooners lightshow and is a huge Oklahoma fan himself. Also, we want to extend a big thanks to Brandon and Amy Drumm for sharing this video.

Now onto this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! AD envisions Riley staying at Oklahoma for a while, a former OU hoops star will be inducted into the OK Sports Hall of Fame, PG-13 inks a max deal with the Clips and more!

OU Links

• Shortly after news broke that Oklahoma’s game at West Virginia was canceled, Lincoln Riley said he’d be down to play Ohio State this weekend if the Buckeyes came calling. It certainly would have been one of the biggest games of the year, especially on short notice, but such a contest was never going to be thrown together at this stage, writes SI Sooners’ John Hoover.
• Speaking of Riley, Detroit Lions RB Adrian Peterson recently discussed the fourth-year OU head coach in a Zoom meeting, and he believes Lincoln will remain in Norman for the foreseeable future. You and me, both, AD!
• Baker Mayfield has overcome his sophomore slump from a season ago by leading the 9-3 Cleveland Browns toward the top of the AFC standings. GM Andrew Berry recently shared his thoughts on the third-year pro’s rise to form this year, and is confident that the former Heisman Trophy winner can continue to take their team to even greater heights.
• Just a quick heads up, but this NFL Films short featuring former Sooners punter Tress Way will make you laugh and cry. From his days at Union High to his current day job with the Washington Football Team, Way has always had an infectious personality that was made for center stage.

• Former OU women’s basketball two-time All-American and current NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales shared the news that she’s been selected for the latest class of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Boomer!

• Folks, don’t forget that tonight at 7 p.m. CT, 2021 five-star WR Emeka Egbuka is planning on announcing his collegiate commitment. The Washington product is choosing between OU, Ohio State and his in-state Huskies, with OSU once again seen as the favorite after a period of OU optimism following a visit to Norman.

Around the Sports World

• ESPN and the SEC have agreed to a 10-year partnership for broadcasting football and basketball games starting in 2024. This contract will run alongside the conference’s current deal with the world’s sports leader that includes the SEC Network and various spots for other league content across the Disney-owned affiliates.
• Boston College has decided to opt out of participating in a bowl game this postseason, finishing its year with a 6-5 overall record.
• The Los Angeles Clippers have signed forward Paul George to a four-year, $190 million max contract extension. PG recently stated that he eventually wants to retire in L.A.
• Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has been activated from the COVID-19/reserve list and will be available for this Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
• The NBA has fined Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets $25,000 each for the point guard’s absence from a number of media occasions.

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