FOOTBALL PREVIEW ISSUE
SCHEDULE & OUR PICKS TO FALL’S KEY GAMES
ESCAPE
SMILE. EXPLORE. RELAX. | AUG. 28 | WEEKEND
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• Friday, August 28, 2015
NEW ON THE SCENE AS THE 2015 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON GETS UNDERWAY THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW ATHLETES TO MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT. HERE ARE THREE FRESH FACES TO WATCH FOR AT OKLAHOMA THIS SEASON. SPENSER DAVIS | @DAVIS_SPENSER Mark Andrews
Khalil Haughton
Dede Westbrook
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klahoma wide receivers struggled to make an impact last season, outside of Sterling Shepard. Durron Neal was often inconsistent, and Michiah Quick was just a true freshman. With Westbrook, OU gets just that. Westbrook comes in as one of the nation’s top junior college wide receivers and should play early and often in his Sooner career. He was also an early enrollee and was able to flash some of that talent at the Spring game in April. If Westbrook is able to take some of the pressure off Shepard, it could go a long way toward ensuring success in this new air-raid offense. Oklahoma has been missing a presence at the tight end position ever since Jermaine Gresham graduated in 2009. Blake Bell helped to alleviate that last season to the tune of 16 receptions and four touchdowns. But between Bell and Greshman, tight-end
production has been nearly non-existent in Norman. With Mark Andrews, that could all change. Andrews, originally recruited as a wide receiver, has not stopped drawing praise from coaches and teammates since fall camp began. He redshirted last season, but Andrews figures to be a big part of the offensive plan moving forward. At 6-foot-5, Andrews is a big target with the frame of a tight end but the athleticism of a wide receiver. He’s poised to become Baker Mayfield’s top red-zone threat, but he can also be used in the middle of the field. Lincoln Riley didn’t use a tight end very often at East Carolina, but he also didn’t have one as talented or athletic as Andrews, either. Oklahoma’s secondary was dreadful in 2014, but it was also very young. Among the key contributors, only Quentin Hayes won’t be back for the Sooners this season.
Still, Hayes will need to be replaced. When Oklahoma is in its base defense, either a 3-4 or a 4-3, Steven Parker and Ahmad Thomas will likely man the safety positions. But when OU shifts to a nickel package, Parker will become that fifth defensive back while another player takes over at safety. At first, Hatari Byrd will likely be the man to fill that role. But after inconsistent play a year ago, Byrd could be on a short leash — especially with three true freshman right behind him. The coaching staff had sung praises of Khalil Haughton, Will Sunderland and Prentice McKenny all through fall camp. Haughton is believed to be the most game-ready of the trio, and the Waco, Texas, native was highly touted coming out of high school. True freshmen are always an uncertainty, but if Haughton can play at a high level, he could make a huge difference in the OU secondary.
Friday, August 28, 2015 •
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PLAYERS TO WATCH THREE SOONERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON FOR THIS SEASON
JOE BUETTNER | @JOE_BUETTNER
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klahoma’s team a year ago wasn’t short on talent. However, the Sooners failed to meet expectations after entering the season as a preseason national title contender. The Sooners return plenty of talented players this season, with aspirations of a better end product than 2014. OU’s skill players and linebackers are shaping up to be its strongest position groups. Plus, Oklahoma’s infusion of new assistants could pay dividends early on for the weaker units. Skim the roster, and a few names pop for Oklahoma in 2015. Here are a few key players for the Sooners this season: Nila Kasitati, senior guard
— Oklahoma’s offense lost plenty of talent and experience along its offensive line. However, Kasitati is expected to be a key component to OU’s line and a leader for the group that lost Daryl Williams, Adam Shead and Tyrus Thompson. He was named one of the five team captains, along with senior center Ty Darlington. Those two must be anchors for an OU offensive line that’s breaking in new starters and looking to pick up where they were last season — as terrors at run-blocking and protecting freshly named starter Baker Mayfield. Charles Tapper, senior defensive end — Tapper’s junior season wasn’t on par with what the defensive end would
have wanted. Had Charles Walker been healthy, Tapper said he might have lost his starting position. However, the senior is back, and he’s looking to redeem his 2014 performance with his final season in Norman. Tapper’s numbers fell off from his sophomore season, but he’s still the big, athletic defensive lineman coaches have raved about since he joined the program. Tapper’s dealt with health issues of his own, but Tapper will be key for a defensive line in need of a leader after the departure of Jordan Phillips. Sterling Shepard, senior wide receiver — Shepard’s absence from OU’s receiving rotation late in the season noticeably hurt the Sooners’
passing attack. Shepard was Trevor Knight’s go-to target, but OU couldn’t replicate his production once the receiver from Oklahoma City was sidelined by a groin injury. Shepard enters his final season at OU, and the receiver could be in contention for the Biletnikoff Award, with OU moving to an air raid offense. OU may have more options at receiver for Mayfield, but Shepard is by far the most talented and experienced of the bunch.
STAFF PICKS Dillon Hollingsworth Sports Editor
OUR SPORT-SPERTS’ PREDICTIONS ON WHO’S GOT THE GOLDEN TOUCH THIS SEASON AND HOW THE 2015 SOONERS WILL FARE Big 12 Oklahomaʼs Champion record
Playoff teams Winners
Baylor
11 - 2
TCU, Auburn, Oregon, Georgia
Brady Vardeman Assistant Editor
TCU
7-6
Oregon, TCU, Clemson, Michigan State
Joe Buettner Assistant Editor
TCU
9 -4
TCU, USC, Clemson, Michigan State
Spenser Davis
Baylor
10 - 3
Ohio State, Baylor, Alabama, Oregon
Trent Crabtree
Baylor
9 -4
Michigan State, Auburn, Baylor, USC
John Walker
TCU
9 -4
Ohio State, TCU, Auburn, USC
Keenan Betz
Oklahoma
11 - 2
Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, Michigan State
Ann Marcelli
Baylor
2 -4
Ohio State, Alabama, Baylor, USC
TCU
10 - 3
Ohio State, TCU, USC, Auburn
Oklahoma
10 - 3
Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma
TCU
9 -4
TCU, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon
Madeline Roberts Kelli Stacy CHRIS MICHIE/OU DAILY
JACQUELINE EBY/OU DAILY
Sophomore cornerback, Tito Windham jumps through the air to make a clean catch during the game against Tennessee on Sat. Sept. 13 at Gaylord Family Memorial Football Stadium. The Sooners beat the Vols 34-10.
Jordan Overton
YOUR RANKED 2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, August 28, 2015 •
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BRADY VARDEMAN | @BRADYVARDEMAN
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ooner football schedule packed with games against Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma State. If Oklahoma were only playing nine games in 2015, the
Sooners’ slate would suit them well. However, what appears to be a relatively easy front-end of the schedule transitions to Murderer’s Row in November — Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma State
back-to-back-to-back. Here’s all 12 of Oklahoma’s regular season games, ranked easiest to toughest:
12. AT KANSAS (OCT. 31)
9. IOWA STATE (NOV. 7)
6. AT KANSAS STATE (OCT. 17)
The Jayhawks dismissed arguably its two biggest playmakers in running back Corey Avery and wide receiver Rodriguez Coleman, which doesn’t exactly help the plight of an already bad football team. Coach David Beaty’s enthusiasm is in the right place, but the talent just isn’t there.
Iowa State finished the 2014 season with the 89th best offense in the country. However, quarterback Sam Richardson will be returning, along with a greatly improved receiving corps. Quenton Bundrage, who tied the school record with nine touchdown receptions in 2013 before tearing an ACL in the first game of 2014, is back at full strength. Iowa State may not beat the Sooners but it will certainly test OU’s secondary.
The Wildcats were picked to finish No.7 in the Big 12 preseason poll, but coach Bill Snyder is used to flying under the radar. Kansas State knocked off the Sooners in Norman last season and Oklahoma will look to avenge the loss. However, the last time OU visited Manhattan, with kick-off at 11 a.m. in seemingly arctic conditions, Wildcat-faithful still turned out. If the conditions are any better for this match-up, the Little Apple will be rocking.
11. TULSA (SEPT. 19) Oklahoma meets the Golden Hurricane for the last in a three-game series Sept. 19 in Norman. Tulsa returns junior wide receiver Keevan Lucas, who has landed himself on more than a few preseason Biletnikoff Award watch lists and could give the Sooners’ secondary trouble in this early-season match-up. Oklahoma holds an average margin of victory of 38.8 points over the last five meetings between these two schools.
8. TEXAS TECH (OCT. 24) Certainly many OU and Texas Tech fans have this game circled on the calendar. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, assuming he holds onto his starting job, will face his old team for the first time since transferring at the end of 2013. It took a second half comeback for the Sooners to down the Red Raiders last season in Lubbock. These two teams have produced some classics in years past (see three of the last four meetings). Oklahoma’s eighth-toughest game could end up being another.
10. AKRON (SEPT. 5)
7. WEST VIRGINIA (OCT. 3)
Akron’s 5-7 mark in 2014 is a bit misleading. While the Zips failed to make a bowl game in coach Terry Bowden’s third season, an early season 21-10 upset of Pitt [What does this mean? Pittsburg?] showed exactly what this team is capable of. Akron is pick to finish second in the MAC East, so don’t be surprised if the Zips hang around longer than expected.
West Virginia still hasn’t beaten Oklahoma as a member of the Big 12, but the Sooners’ margin of victory over three conference meetings is just 22 points. The Mountaineers, while not the best geographic fit for the conference, certainly have the offense. As Oklahoma’s conference-opener, Mike Stoops’ defense will learn a lot about itself during this game.
CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY
Freshmen wide receivers Jordan Smallwood and Michiah Quick lead the team into the tunnel at halftime during the game against Tennessee on Sept. 13, 2014 at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. The Sooners will play the Voulenteers on Sept. 12, 2015 in Tennessee.
5. TEXAS AT DALLAS (OCT. 10) Last season, Oklahoma led 17-13 at the half. Despite the score, the Sooners had just 29 total yards on offense. Although OU eventually took the contest 31-26, it needed an Alex Ross kickoff return and a Zack Sanchez interception returned for touchdowns. The Texas defense is good and it could be even better this season. New Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will have his hands full in Dallas. 4. AT OKLAHOMA STATE (NOV. 28) Oklahoma fans enjoy touting the Bedlam series as the most lopsided in-state rivalry in the country. However, this game always manages to turn heads. In 2012, Oklahoma won it in overtime. The next year, it took a late touchdown pass to upset the Cowboys. Just last season, Oklahoma State forced overtime and won in Norman. This edition should be nothing less than a barn burner with both teams running similar, Air Raid-style offenses.
3. TENNESSEE (SEPT. 12) Rumors are swirling that Tennessee will ‘checker’ Neyland Stadium when the Sooners visit Sept. 12. The game has already been set for 6:00 p.m. and fans are talking trash back and forth on social media. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs’ surprising performance last season down the stretch bodes well for Tennessee. However, depth is now a question as the Vols lost several key pieces in fall camp to injury. The atmosphere in Knoxville, coupled with the belief Tennessee football is on the rise could make this a tough test for Oklahoma. 2. TCU (NOV. 21) The two toughest games on this list are really a toss-up, but TCU gets the No. 2 spot only because the game is in Norman. Quarterback Trevone Boykin is the oddson Heisman favorite, according to several outlets. Oklahoma remembers him well from its last two clashes with the Horned Frogs as he combined for 484 yards and two touchdowns over both outings. The Sooners lost three games in their home stadium for the first time in the Stoops era in 2014. If Oklahoma is looking to return the mystique to Owen Field, a victory over TCU would be a good place to start. 1. AT BAYLOR (NOV. 14) Oklahoma could very well be 9-0 or 8-1 heading into its match-up with Baylor in Waco. Much like Texas Tech in 2013, the Sooners might be in for a rude awakening as they enter the toughest stretch of their back-loaded schedule. After a victory in 2010, OU was 20-0 all-time against Baylor. Since then, with the Bears on the rise, Oklahoma has won just one of the last four meetings. Quarterback Seth Russell led the Big 12 in passer efficiency a year ago despite being the No. 2 man behind Bryce Petty and managed to accrue 804 passing yards and eight scores during his playing time. JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY
Sooner fans show their support by holding their hands up and chanting during the game against Kansas State on Oct. 18 at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium. The Sooners were upset by the Wildcats with a 31-30 loss.
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• Friday, August 28, 2015
Joe Mussatto Page Jones Dana Branham Katelyn Griffith Jackie Eby Dillon Hollingsworth
Editor in Chief News Managing Editor Engagement Managing Editor Print Managing Editor Visual Editor Sports Editor
The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.
HOROSCOPE
Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style. Students must list their major and classification. To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu.
By Eugenia Last
Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of nine student editors. The board meets at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday in Copeland Hall, Room 160. Board meetings are open to the public.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015 You may have trouble deciding which path to take this year. DonĘźt let insecurity or nervousness prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Trust your intuition and have faith in your abilities. Your progress will falter if you listen to negative or pessimistic people.
Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board. To advertise in The Oklahoma Daily, contact advertising manager Jamison Short by calling 405-325-8964 or emailing dailyads@ ou.edu.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You will receive information about some promising prospects if you join a group of likeminded individuals. Find an unorthodox gathering where you can gain inspiration and stretch your imagination.
One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office at 405-325-2522.
contact us phone:
405-325-3666
email:
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dailynews@ou.edu
Previous Solution
Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Love is highlighted. ItĘźs time to capitalize on a chance to try something new. The more you take on, the more impressive you will be. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Practicality and creativity will pull you in opposite directions. DonĘźt stifle your imagination, but do search for a reasonable way to explore and put your plans in motion. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- DonĘźt go it alone. Teamwork and cooperation will play an important role in your success. The more amenable you are, the easier it will be to form ongoing partnerships.
the way you feel or the dynamics of the partnership will lead you to question your intentions and expectations. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Be discreet. Unless it is specifically asked for, keep your opinion to yourself. Being too blunt will cause friction with co-workers or superiors, making these relationships uncomfortable. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You are in an upward cycle. Take control of your destiny and explore every avenue thatĘźs available. You have staunch supporters who will gladly join forces with you on your quest. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Your obligations will deplete your energy if you continue to take on too much. If you get rid of responsibilities that donĘźt belong to you, you will be free to do your own thing. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Everyone will be enchanted by your charm and knowledge. ItĘźs fine to enjoy the limelight, but make sure your increased popularity doesnĘźt cause a problem with someone close to you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Tie up loose ends. Contracts, joint ventures and debt collection will have a favorable outcome. Someone from your past will provide insight that CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Improve your credentials and status. you need to advance. Your popularity will enable you LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Your to network with a wide variety of emotions will run close to the potential partners. If you combine work and pleasure when you travel, surface. Minor distress will be blown out of proportion, causing you to the benefits will be plentiful. overreact. Stay away from group AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- A new situations and find a quiet place direction is imminent. Reflect on an to relax. intimate relationship. Changes to
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker August 28, 2015
ACROSS 1 Chicken parts 5 One of the woodwinds 9 Minuscule amounts 14 Chinese nurse 15 Eurasia’s ___ Mountains 16 Work together, as organisms 17 “Venus de ___� 18 Bad words to hear on date night 20 Shrimplike crustaceans 22 Cut coverer 23 Use a needle and thread 24 Harm severely 26 Like pork and 20-Across, to some 28 Marvelous 32 Broom Hilda types 36 NFL players, e.g. 37 Business bigwig, briefly 39 Better than good 40 Prison outbreak 41 Poison ivy relative 43 Cat in una casa 44 Jordan’s capital 46 A little, in music 8/28
47 007’s alma mater 48 Personal preferences 50 Voice between bass and tenor 52 Audio effect 54 Embryo, once 55 Wood-shaping tool (Var.) 58 Laotian dollars 60 Break out 64 “I don’t want any part of that� 67 Close by 68 Dullsville’s atmosphere 69 What stainless steel doesn’t do 70 Horse feed 71 Parisian’s river 72 Away from the wind, nautically 73 Redwood, for one DOWN 1 “Aladdin� discovery 2 Arabian bigwig 3 Splashy party 4 What Missouri is (with “The�) 5 Exteriors 6 Lingerie part 7 Deciduous hardwoods 8 Put in office 9 Hazard in frozen waters
10 “I’m impressed!� 11 Artsy town near Santa Fe 12 High point 13 “Little of this, little of that� dish 19 Cleo’s love 21 Palindromic Bobbsey twin 25 Snafu, basically 27 Alaska’s state flower 28 “Jack ___ could eat no fat� 29 ___ donna 30 Hovers menacingly 31 Discharge, as from the RAF 33 Cool, once 34 Employ, as dinner plates
35 Pebble 38 Chocolate source 42 Chevy muscle car 45 Bit of business attire 49 Thin wedge of wood 51 Periodic table suffix 53 Musical drama 55 Airborne war heroes 56 Finished 57 Pueblo builder 59 Kind of food or mate 61 Bring up, as young 62 Entrance through a fence 63 Gaelic language 65 Convent figure 66 Function
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Friday, August, 28, 2015 • 7
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