Happy Friday, friends and fans!

It’s official. For the second time in as many years, the Oklahoma Sooners are going to play their annual Spring Game under the lights. On Saturday, Apr. 18, OU will conclude its spring camp with a scrimmage set to kick off at 5 p.m. CT.

There are still more details that will be announced in the coming weeks, such as the possible entertainment, but for now fans can begin to make more concrete plans around the festive event. As I say that, keep in mind that last year’s game was moved up a day early due to inclement weather concerns for the original date.

As things currently stand, the 5 p.m Saturday kickoff allows for plenty of time to tailgate and/or hit up Campus Corner, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity!

Now for this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! Rodney Anderson is attempting to make a roaring comeback, Trent Williams is on the lookout for new digs, soon-to-be NFL rookies dish on the best fast food fries and more!

OU Links

• Orlando Brown Jr. and his buddies Mark Andrews and Baker Mayfield look like they’re about to drop one of the most fire EPs of all-time on their SoundCloud page. It might not be exactly my style, but I’d still give it a listen.

• Oklahoma Baseball is back for more ball park fun as San Diego State comes to L. Dale Mitchell Park. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, and you can watch the game live on SoonerSports.tv (with a subscription), or listen on Sportstalk 1400 AM.

• Sooner Softball is gearing up for a Friday double-header here at the friendly confines of Marita Hynes Field. Up first is Mercer at 2:30 p.m. CT, followed by Utah around 5 p.m. CT. You can watch the action live on SoonerSports.tv, or listen for free on The Franchise 2.

• The Norman Transcript’s Tyler Palmateer recently wrote about the stark contrast in the offensive line’s outlook between last spring and today. Before, Oklahoma was looking to replace four starters, but now the Sooners welcome back four of the five behemoths up front.
• College Football News’ Pete Fiutak opined on the coaching hot seat rankings of every Power Five conference, and it’s no surprise to anyone wearing Crimson & Cream that Lincoln Riley is sitting on the coolest seat in the Big 12. Texas’ Tom Herman, on the other hand? Let’s just say it’s a bit more toasty in Austin.
• As the days roll along, the college basketball season inches closer to March Madness. In a couple of the latest Bracketology updates, both ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm project Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament field as a 10-seed.
• Cincinnati Bengals RB Rodney Anderson is making a lot of progress on his road to recovery after suffering another ACL tear during the 2019 NFL preseason. This is great news for one of the better players whose career has been defined by a multitude of injuries thus far.

• After failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, the Washington Redskins have granted former OU OT Trent Williams permission to seek a new playing destination. It was a long time coming, but overall it’s a positive now that everyone involved can finally turn the page.
• OU — aka the No. 1 women’s gymnastics squad in the nation — is hosting No. 5 Michigan tonight in the final home meet of the season. That means it’s also Senior Night for three very accomplished Sooners. Everybody who’s anybody is going to be inside the LNC for this one, including the one and only Lincoln Riley. Boomer!

• Many OU and Arizona Cardinals fans alike are excited to see what kind of jump Kyler Murray makes in his second year as a pro, but before that next chapter gets written, treat yourself to the first episode of ‘Cardinals: Flight Plan’ season three. K1’s remarkable journey through his first year was chronicled using exclusive access and the inside perspectives of those around him in Glendale.

Around the Sports World

• Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry made his return to the court on Thursday night against the Toronto Raptors, and he put on quite a show for someone who hasn’t touched the floor in over four months due to a broken left hand. For the night, he totaled 23 points on 6-16 shooting, including this four-point play. The Dubs lost, 121-113, but he’s back.

• Could Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Chris Paul be playing for the New York Knicks next NBA season? SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell looked into this realistic possibility growing with speculation.
• Former Alabama Crimson Tide and current New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams was recently arrested at LaGuardia Airport for being in possession with a gun along with ammunition. The investigation continues, but so far it sounds like there was some misinformation about the local carrying laws on Williams’ part.
• The Los Angeles Angels have fired their visiting clubhouse manager of more than 30 years after discovering he has reportedly been providing opponents with banned substances used to doctor baseballs. What in pine tarnation is going on here?
• SB Nation’s Christian D’Andrea asked 29 players at the 2020 NFL Combine which fast food chain serves the best French fries. I won’t argue with the winning establishment, but for me personally, Popeye’s fries simply cannot be beat.

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