Happy Monday, friends and fans!

Former Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops has officially been voted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. In 18 seasons, the legend’s 190 career victories at OU are the most ever in program history.

Shortly after the big news was announced, Stoops was interviewed on ESPN’s SportsCenter to discuss the significance of this prestigious honor and what it means to him on a personal level.

With this induction, Stoops will join Bennie Owen (‘51), Lawrence ‘Biff Jones (‘54), Bud Wilkinson (‘69), Jim Tatum (‘84) and Barry Switzer (‘01) as former Oklahoma coaches forever immortalized in the CFB HOF. Congratulations, Bob!

Now onto this week’s Monday edition of Hot Links! Bonitto is back, Baker’s Brownies break Big Ben, ‘Bama and the Buckeyes prepare to battle for the natty and more!

OU Links

• On Monday, redshirt junior RUSH LB Nik Bonitto formally announced his decision to return to Oklahoma in 2021. The Second Team AP All-American selection led the Sooner’ vaunted defensive front with 8.5 sacks this season. This is extremely good news for the future of OU’s defense.

• In case you missed it, on Saturday, junior DE Ronnie Perkins announced his decision to forgo the remainder of his collegiate eligibility and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. As long as he tests well, the talented St. Louis, Missouri native has a good chance to be selected within the first or second round this April.

• Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to a stunning 48-37 road playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers despite missing head coach/play caller Kevin Stefanski plus three starting offensive linemen. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner was quite efficient in his performance on Heinz Field, throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-34 attempts. Next up, it’s a date with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round.

• Also, thoughts and prayers to Colin Cowherd. I mean, he’s still very rich and his grift still works every time, but Baker just keeps getting the best of him in 2020-21.

• Marquise Brown also had himself a great postseason showing in the Baltimore Ravens’ 20-13 win over the Tennessee Titans. The former OU speedster totaled 128 yards on nine touches, including this sweet 28-yard reception from QB Lamar Jackson. Next up for ‘Hollywood’ is a matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

• According to OU men’s basketball head coach Lon Kruger, senior forward Brady Manek and sophomore forward Jalen Hill will remain unavailable for Tuesday night’s home game against the TCU Horned Frogs. Both players missed Oklahoma’s road game against the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday.

Around the Sports World

• Finally, the College Football Playoff National Championship Game is here as the Alabama Crimson Tide is set to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes tonight at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. From Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida comes an epic showdown between two storied programs. Which team will remain undefeated and hoist the trophy? Tune in to find out.

• Cleveland Browns head coach and play caller Kevin Stefanski is reportedly on track to return to the sideline for his team after missing Sunday’s 48-37 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league’s COVID-19 protocol.
• Reportedly, former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is currently the favorite to earn the DC job with the Dallas Cowboys.
• Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook will reportedly be sidelined for at least one week due to a left quadriceps injury he sustained early in the NBA season.
• Both the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics’ game against the Chicago Bulls have been postponed due to an inadequate amount of players available for both the Mavs and the C’s.

Follow Crimson & Cream Machine on Twitter!