Happy Tuesday, friends and fans!

It’s been over two calendar years since Baker Mayfield hoisted the Heisman Trophy in December of 2017, and of course Kyler Murray followed him up just 12 months after that. Fast-forward to the present, and it looks like the Oklahoma Sooners are finally making room for a couple additions to OU’s famous Heisman Park.

According to Vic Reynolds, author of the above the OU Daily article, a recent proposal request shows that Mayfield’s statue should be ready sometime this spring, while Murray’s won’t come until 2021. Also, a Selmon Brothers statue is also in the works with plans to be displayed by fall of ‘21.

It’s probably not going too far out on a limb to say most OU fans would love to see a statue pose of Mayfield planting the flag, but I have a feeling it’ll be a little less exciting. If I’m wrong, I won’t be disappointed in the slightest. It’s the most iconic moment from one of the greatest players in Oklahoma Football history, and that’s saying a lot.

Whatever the powers that be decide to do, it’ll be fun for the fans and great for the health and future of the program. Just one more recruiting tool for Lincoln Riley to flex over the competition.

Now onto today’s Hot Links! Lon Kruger and crew get set to take on the top team in college basketball, Alex Kirshner looks at an alternate reality where Lincoln Riley doesn’t choose to punt at the end of regulation against Georgia, Drew Brees is staying in NOLA and more!

OU Links

• It’s the biggest opportunity of the season for Oklahoma as the red hot Baylor Bears — aka the No. 1 team in the nation — come to Norman tonight at 8 p.m. CT. Last time these two met, the Sooners nearly pulled off the upset in Waco as Austin Reaves’ would-be go-ahead three-point attempt just missed the bottom of the net with only seconds remaining. If you’re not planning on being inside the LNC for this one, you can watch all the action live on ESPN2.

• The Oklahoma Baseball home opener has finally arrived as OU (2-1) hosts Texas Southern today at 3 p.m. CT. You can listen live on Sportstalk 1400 AM or stream the game online with a subscription to SoonerSports.TV.

• Junior catcher and team captain Lynnsie Elam was named the Big 12 Softball Player of the Week after a major showing at the plate throughout the Hillenbrand Invitational. Boomer!

• After the reveal of ESPN’s preseason top 10 FPI rankings on Monday, the entire FBS (130 teams) were given grades for offensive and defensive efficiencies, as well as an overall power index rating. Oklahoma is projected to have the No. 1 offense in the nation this fall, despite having to replace WR CeeDee Lamb and QB Jalen Hurts. The Sooners are also expected to field the No. 21 defense after finishing at No. 44 on that side of the ball in 2019.
• Alex Kirshner of SB Nation’s Banner Society took a look back at the (my apologies for bringing this up) Rose Bowl CFP semifinal between Oklahoma and Georgia. In a hypothetical re-do of the final 24 seconds of regulation, if Riley instead chose to go for the fourth down conversion and was successful, there’s a very real chance the Sooners could have beaten the Bulldogs and possibly won a national title. If all of that happened, how different would the landscape of college football look today?

• Resident C&C Machinist Allen Kenney highlighted five Oklahoma newcomers you need to watch for in 2020 over at Athlon Sports. Whether they’re true freshmen, players coming off a redshirt year, or JUCO transfers, there are some intriguing prospects that could make a major impact on the field this fall.
• The Athletic’s Jason Kersey caught up with Marshall grad transfer WR Obi Obialo to discuss his decision on coming to Norman to play his final season of collegiate football. It’s great stuff, and as a reminder, a subscription is required to enjoy the entire article.
• Folks, if you’re looking to update your Sooner wardrobe for this spring, check out the latest OU Baseball and Softball gear over at the SoonerSports online shop. Those crimson tees and caps would look mighty nice on your next visit to L. Dale Mitchell Park and Marita Hynes Field.

Around the Sports World

• President of Roush Fenway Racing Steve Newmark provided a small update Tuesday morning on the status of NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who was involved in the major wreck during the final lap of the Daytona 500 on Monday.

• Former South Florida head coach Charlie Strong has reportedly been hired to the Alabama Crimson Tide coaching staff as a defensive analyst. Judging from previous coaches in Strong’s position under Nick Saban, it’s likely only a matter of time before his name comes up in future head coaching searches.

• QB Drew Brees recently announced that he is not retiring and intends to play for the New Orleans Saints in 2020. The 41-year-old Super Bowl XLIV MVP currently holds the all-time NFL records for most passing touchdowns, yards and completions in a career.
• After (somewhat controversially) winning the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Miami Heat rising star Derrick Jones Jr. signed a multiyear shoe deal with Puma. Not bad for the former undrafted free agent.

• Oddsmakers have set the O/U for total times a batter for the Houston Astros will be hit by a pitch this season at 83.5. That comes out around once every other game. It’s kind of a silly prop bet, but it’s probably going to happen a bit more than usual due to the enormous backlash from the findings of the MLB’s sign stealing investigation.

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