W E E K LY E D I T I O N | S E P T E M B E R 16 - 2 2 , 2 0 19 | O U D A I LY. C O M
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HURTS BREAKS OU RECORD • 5
Former SGA president continues to represent
OU BSA talks Harroz plan Leaders discuss ideas for increased diversity, inclusion BLAKE DOUGLAS @Blake_Doug918
Pae graduated from OU in May 2017 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics and a master’s degree in public administration. After leaving OU, he worked in Lawton’s city manager’s office
Leaders in the Black Student Association say the consequences of last spring’s five racist incidents are still being felt at OU, impacting how freshmen view race as they settle in on campus. Nia Blackwell is vice president of the BSA Freshman Action Team, an organization which helps acclimate black freshmen to campus life and get new students involved in the BSA community. Blackwell said she noticed a tangible difference in the demeanor of some of this year’s incoming black students compared to her freshman class. “I definitely do believe that the freshmen, especially right after the incident occurred, definitely didn’t want to come here, especially people from the African American community,” Blackwell said. “I do think that the freshmen that did still decide to come here, they do feel uncertain about, ‘Oh, maybe that’ll happen when we’re here.’” On social media, Blackwell said, she noticed some black students were reconsidering their college decisions following the racist incidents. “There were some that just decided not to come because of the events,” Blackwell said, “but they’re not on the inside, so they’re not seeing how we did develop a stronger sense of community. They’re just seeing racism and saying, ‘We don’t want to have any part of it.’” The impact of last spring’s racist incidents was also seen at the George McLaurin and Sylvia A. Lewis Leadership Initiative, a summer conference hosted by OU to recruit underrepresented and minority students, Blackwell said. “One thing I noticed was that there were less attendees,” Blackwell said. “I’ve also spoken with some of the people that did work that program last year who were saying that they didn’t want to recruit black students here.” Psychology sophomore and BSA member Payten Anderson said race issues at predominantly white institutions can cause African American students to more strongly consider enrolling in historically black colleges and universities, like Langston University — Oklahoma’s only historically black university offering degrees. “The thing that would persuade a student to go to Langston is if some racial incident did happen,” Anderson said. “It makes (enrolling in an HBCU) seem even better because not only is it a cheaper tuition option, you don’t have to worry about a racial incident like that because you’re only surrounded by black students.” While the option to attend an HBCU might be appealing following racist events on campus, Anderson said students who choose that path would be missing out on the sense of community that has only grown stronger at OU since spring. “At OU there is still so much beauty to be had in our black community, even though we have to endure more than the HBCU student has to endure for
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CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Former OU SGA President and current Oklahoma Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, poses for a photo on the OU campus Sept. 9.
PARKER PRIMROSE @parker_primrose
Michael Lutter was ready to announce his bid for SGA president. Then a junior at the University of Oklahoma in 2016, Lutter had begun reaching out to gauge people’s interest in joining his ticket and running as his vice president. Lutter was preparing to make his choice and begin laying the groundwork for his campaign, but he had one more meeting before kicking everything into gear. That meeting was w ith then-junior Daniel Pae — and it fundamentally changed Lutter’s outlook on the election and the history of student government at OU. Pae told Lutter he also planned on running for SGA president, but there was a catch: If Pae didn’t win, he wanted Lutter to have his personal list of his goals for the university and his plans to achieve each goal so that Lutter could accomplish them. “If we were going to be running against each other, (Pae) basically put all his cards on the table and gave me all of his plans,” Lutter said. “People, if it’s all about them, they don’t do that, but what he was all about was the university. That was kind of the point for me where I was just like, ‘Man, this guy is authentic. He actually cares more about this university than anybody I’ve ever met, and he actually has a plan for making these changes.’” Lutter called Pae that night and let him know he no longer was running for SGA president. Instead, Lutter asked to run as Pae’s vice president. Pae, with Lutter’s help, went on to win the SGA election and led one of the most effective SGA administrations in recent history. Just three years later, Pae now serves as one of the youngest representatives in the Oklahoma Legislature. Despite Pae’s meteoric rise, the Lawton native and son of South Korean immigrants
is still defined by his humble roots, tenacious work ethic and a desire to serve others. And he isn’t done rising. A SOONER START Pae’s parents immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 1983 and opened a laundromat in Lawton, Oklahoma. Despite coming to the U.S. with little money and few connections, Pae said his parents followed their ambitions and set a standard of selflessness and determination that he still carries with him.
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that you think about living a life bigger than yourself.” Pa e s t a r t e d at O U a s a pre-med student seeking to eventually become a doctor. But after taking courses on American government and economics his freshman year, his aspirations began to change. “(Government and economics) really fascinated me,” Pae said. “Especially the idea that you could rise up, run for elected office and try to do good work. That’s what led me to get involved with student government sophomore year.”
(OU) really laid a solid foundation for leadership. The basics are the same. You just work hard, do your best and help other people. -Daniel Pae Oklahoma representative and former OU SGA president
(Pae) has always been himself. He’s never been anything different than what he presents himself as, and I just love the fact that with all the success that he’s seeing, that he just does not change. -George Ahmadi
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Daniel Pae’s political journey leads to Oklahoma House
OU SGA adviser and assistant director for student programs
“I really saw the fact that the American Dream is still evident and possible today,” Pae said. “I think growing up in that environment with them as mentors really taught me to be humble and not to take myself too seriously. And to just remember that you’re only on this earth for so many years, so you’ve got to make sure that you use your time wisely and
Pae served as a legislator in OU’s Undergraduate Student Congress before launching his successful campaign for SGA president, a position that few initially believed he could win. “Back during that campaign, there were a lot of folks who discouraged me from running in the first place,” Pae said. “I wasn’t in a fraternity, I wasn’t
in any big organization like (President’s Leadership Class) or (President’s Community Scholars) or Crimson Club. But because of my involvement in the SGA Congress, I felt that I could bring a lot of knowledgeable experience to the table and ... I could use the position for helping our campus really move forward.” Once in office in 2016, Pae and his administration immediately got to work. During his year as president, Pae’s administration launched OU’s Student Legal Services program, brought the Crimson Cruiser bikeshare program to OU, established the OU Food Pantry and completed dead week reform. To Tim Crisp — who served as Pae’s chief of staff in SGA and campaign manager for both the SGA election and Pae’s run for the House — Pae and his administration’s ability to accomplish so much was tied to Pae’s ability to bring groups of people together for a common goal. “His big word was ‘synergy’ throughout the entire process,” Crisp said. “He wanted to create synergy between the branches of SGA and the people on campus and the students that we served to create an ability to openly and actively share our processes to move our campus forward, and we accomplished that. It was really one of the first SGAs to accomplish harder, large-ticket items in a very long time.” The impact of Pae’s SGA administration is still felt today, current SGA President Adran Gibbs said — not just in its tangible achievements, but also in the way it raised the bar for future campus leaders. “Daniel set the new standard for SGA for what it should be,” Gibbs said. “He was the epitome of listening to students and following through.” HEADING TO THE HOUSE
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• Sept. 16-22, 2019
NEWS
Jordan Miller, news managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
Oklahoma chancellor to retire
Glen Johnson to leave position after more than decade BLAKE DOUGLAS @Blake_Doug918
The chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education announced Sept. 13 his intent to retire after more than a decade as chancellor and more than 30 years in government. Glen Johnson, who has served as chancellor since 2007, plans to retire according to a press release from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The
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as an administrative assistant. “I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do after college after I graduated, and it all led back to coming back to Lawton,” Pae said. After working in the city manager’s office for a year, Pae decided to run for the House District 62 seat in the 2018 election. He ran to replace fellow OU alumnus and mentor Sen. John Montgomery, who was running for a seat in the Oklahoma Senate. Pae, a Republican, said he knocked on close to 12,000 doors over the course of the campaign and interacted with countless Lawton residents. The campaign culminated in Pae’s 42-vote victory over Democrat Larry Bush. Pae was 23 at the time. To Crisp, who managed Pae’s campaign, the victory was a result of Pae’s authenticity and desire to serve his constituents.
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sure,” Anderson said. “There is a certain community and strength that comes out of that, and that’s really beautiful.” Jasmine Burrell, public relations chair for the BSA Freshman Action Team, said some of the freshman students she knew were unaware the events had happened, but that conversations on the subject have been focused on moving forward. “We spent a lot of time now, not trying to hide it from them, because it happened,” Burrell said. “We want to talk to them about what happened, talk them through what happened, and be like, ‘This is how we’re moving forward.’” Each year, the Freshman Action Team hosts FAT Week to help welcome black
retirement will be effective December 2020. Johnson received criticism from Gov. Kevin Stitt in August, when Stitt lamented the fact that Johnson made more than $400,000 annually while state universities were “underperforming.” State Regents’ Chair Jody Parker said in the release that Johnson’s decision was made independent of that criticism. “This was Glen’s decision,” Parker said in the release. “The state regents are pleased with Glen’s leadership and were not seeking a change. He is a tireless and effective advocate for our system, and his dedication to carrying out his duties
and responsibilities across this state and nation is well known and well regarded.” Before serving as chancellor, Johnson held positions as the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, according to the release. “I can’t think of a more fulfilling career than being a public servant,” Johnson said in the release. “While there remains more than a year before I leave this position, I honestly can say it is a great privilege and honor to serve as chancellor and work on behalf of the students, faculty and staff across this great state.”
With more than a year remaining until his planned retirement, Johnson said he will continue to fulfill his duties as usual. “The state regents and I look forward to working with Governor Stitt and legislative leaders, as well as our CareerTech and common education colleagues,” Johnson said in the release, “to identify and implement educational priorities to move our state forward and improve our national rankings during the upcoming legislative session.”
“(Pae’s mantra was) we’re not just going to knock on these doors, we’re not just going to talk to these people, we’re going to talk to everybody,” Crisp said. “(Pae wanted to) make sure that everybody knows that it isn’t a line, it isn’t a party, it isn’t an organization. It’s a ‘Do you believe in me?’ and ‘Can I be that person that shows you how much I really care to do the things that you are searching for in your leader?’”
After nine months in the Oklahoma House, Pae said the key to his transition has been his experience under Montgomery. Pae worked for Montgomery when both were in OU SGA and interned for him during the now-senator’s time in the House. “I think that’s what really helped me this session, was knowing the process ahead of time, all the tactics and terminology of the state government,” Pae said. “It really allowed me the opportunity to just focus on legislating versus catching up.”
Montgomery said Pae has acclimated quickly to the rigors of the role and the challenges that come with working in the Legislature. “I think he’s performed really well overall,” Montgomery said. “He stays at it. He’s constantly busy. It’s a bit of a motivation even for me a little bit, to watch him interact with people and communities.” Pae has a constituency of about 36,000 — almost 10,000 more people than he served during his time as SGA president. Pae said his experience leading OU prepared him to handle the challenges and pressures that come with being a representative. “(OU) really laid a solid foundation for leadership,” Pae said. “The basics are the same. You just work hard, do your best and help other people.” While serving in the House, Pae has found early success. He was recognized as the Oklahoma Public Employees Association’s 2019 Freshman Legislator of the Year and received the 2019 Rising Star Award from the International
Leadership Foundation. A key to Pae’s success has been his willingness to work across the aisle, Lutter said. “It’s really inspiring because a lot of times people can feel like (politics are) fake or it’s not engaging or it’s polarizing,” Lutter said. “I think the reason Daniel’s been so successful is because he is so authentic, and he works so hard at coming up with real proposals and actionable change, and he’s very good at compromising.” Pae serves as the vice chair on the Government Efficiency Committee, and he also serves on the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, the County and Municipal Government Committee, and the Appropriations and Budget Human Services subcommittee. Pae said he aims to continue bringing people together for the good of Oklahoma during his time in office. “Even though I’ve been in the political system now for a few months officially at a statewide level, I’m still optimistic about politics and hopeful that we can really emphasize
students to campus and make them aware of resources available to them, Burrell said, and FAT facilitates a mentorship program to match freshmen with older BSA members as they transition into college. Burrell said FAT week will be Sept. 15–20 this year and will feature events like a skate night, a talent show, a day of service and a Q&A panel on “How to thrive as an incoming black OU student.” Administrative changes that occurred over the summer have inspired new hope in some BSA members. The new administration under interim OU President Joseph Harroz, Burrell said, has been more attentive to the needs of minority student groups on campus, a welcome change from her freshman year. “I know when I got here, I didn’t feel like anybody in the administration even cared. ... We were never really acknowledged by administration,”
Burrell said. “I’ve had several conversations with President Harroz and he’s comforting. Not comforting as in ‘I’m comforting you after a situation,’ but rather, ‘It’s my job to make you feel comfortable.’” Maya Wilson, BSA homecoming co-chair, also said the interim president has been a positive presence. He was even in attendance at the BSA mixer and mingled with students at the event. “(Harroz) is a lot more tangible (than former OU President James Gallogly) — you can see him, I know that he’s around,” Wilson said. “From conversations we had, he seems to be a whole lot more personable and really, truly cares about how we’re doing as a community, how OU is doing as a community and how race affects everything in our lives.” In February, Gallogly announced a multi-part university diversity and inclusion
plan. The plan included goals to increase recruitment of underrepresented students and faculty, and an expansion of the diversity training that freshman students and faculty must complete. The plan entered its second phase in August. Wilson said the university’s plan is part of an upward trajectory for race and diversity at OU. “I think they’re going about it in a way that can actually effect change,” Wilson said, “and actually make a difference if people start paying attention to it and care about it. I think it’s positive in the end.” Burrell was also optimistic about the plan, adding that the university’s apparent dedication to seeing it through effectively has made her more confident in the plan. “When (Gallogly) released a diversity plan, everybody was like, ‘Okay, this sounds nice, but are you going to follow through?’” Burrell said.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Blake Douglas
bdoug99@ou.edu
JORDAN MILLER/THE DAILY
Chancellor Glen Johnson speaks during the inauguration of James Gallogly at Lloyd Noble Center Aug. 16, 2018.
what unites us versus what di- change.” vides us,” Pae said. Pae’s immediate future includes a campaign for re-elecTHE NEXT STEP tion in 2020, but after that, For Pae, now 24, his career things are unclear. Pae said is just beginning. As someone he’d like to serve in the House who was a college freshman until he reaches the 12-year just six years ago, he’s sur- term limit and then teach govprised even himself with how ernment at a high school or university, but he’s also aware quickly he’s found success. “I don’t think my freshman his journey could have a few self would believe everything more twists. “You just never know what’s that’s happened these past few going to happen,” Pae said. “I years, but I think that’s the fun thought I was going to be a of college,” Pae said. “That’s doctor when I was a freshman, one of the most important lesso we’ll see. I’ll keep an open sons that I tell people, is that mind. ” it’s about ultimately the jourAs for those who know him ney and not the destination.” best? Crisp said Pae would Despite the growing list of follow the people. Lutter said accomplishments that mark he could see Pae as a senator. his journey, Pae’s peers said Ahmadi said he saw the govit’s his character that continernorship in Pae’s future. But ues to set him apart. each one agreed on one thing: “He is just about as genuPae will be successful no matine as they come,” said Kasra ter what he decides to do next. “George” Ahmadi, OU’s SGA “It’s hard to say what’s out adviser and assistant directhere,” Montgomery said. “I tor for student programs. “He just know that whatever he’s has always been himself. He’s never been anything different going to do, he’s going to excel than what he presents himself at it.” as, and I just love the fact that Parker Primrose with all the success that he’s parker.m.primrose-1@ou.edu seeing, that he just does not
VIA BSA FACEBOOK PAGE
The logo for OU’s Black Student Association.
“Now that the steps are being the numbers and create more followed through, it’s going to of a community for everyone be a lot better. I know that this on this campus.” freshman class is the most diverse class in the university’s Blake Douglas history ... so you can see now bdoug99@ou.edu that they’re trying to increase
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Sept. 16-22, 2019 •
CULTURE
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Abigail Hall, culture editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/culture • Twitter: @OUDaily
Spinster band plants new roots Frontwoman to move to Colorado, reimagine project ABIGAIL HALL @abigail_wah
Spinster is packing its bags. Jo Babb, the frontwoman of the indie-rock band, said after five years of performing in one group or another in the OKC metro area — it’s time for her to move on. She plans to move to Fort Collins, Colorado, in November to reimagine the musical project and continue to create music with her twin sister, Sophia. The Babbs have been performing together since their early adolescent years, when they formed Americana-folk band Annie Oakley with violinist Nia Personette in 2013. Starting in bars and coffee shops in downtown Norman, the group rose to headlining Norman Music Fest and touring across the Midwest. While Jo has always loved creating music with her sister, in 2018 she found a freeing outlet in creating her own band, Spinster, when Sophia studied abroad in Germany for a semester. “It’s definitely been freeing musically,” Jo said. “There’s just songs I can’t play in Annie Oakley — it just doesn’t make sense.” When Sophia returned to Oklahoma, the group continued to perform as Annie Oakley, but Jo didn’t give up on Spinster. In April, Jo performed with headliner Annie Oakley at Norman Music Fest, but she also played as Spinster on the Opolis outdoor stage, singing to a crowd comprised of her newfound following, with S o p h i a a n d Pe r s o n e t t e cheering her on. “Being on a stage where it’s all dependent on me
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Spinster performs at Second Wind Coffee House Aug. 24.
— I wrote all the songs, I figured out all the parts for everyone else essentially — it’s scary, but it also made me realize I can do it,” Jo said. After graduating from Oklahoma City University last spring, Sophia moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, w ith her fiance, and Jo stayed behind to see Spinster through. In June, Spinster produced its first self-titled album, available on Spotify and Bandcamp, as well as performing shows around the Norman and Oklahoma City metro area, including Second Wind Coffee House’s fall festival in August. While Spinster has been a fulfilling project, Jo said it’s time for a new
adventure. With her bandmates in Spinster going on to other proje cts, she decided to join her sister in Fort Collins to rebuild the project and continue to build Annie Oakley’s buzz regionally. “I just kind of came to the realization that Oklahoma i s n ’ t re a l l y s e r v i n g m e here,” Jo said. “Especially since Annie Oakley is ... kicking off right now. Regionally, we’re starting to get a little buzz — and that’s something we should be pursuing. We can’t do it apart.” While Personette is still pursuing her de gre e at OU, the trio is still touring around her schedule, with upcoming shows in Kansas, Missouri and Tulsa.
“We’re touring as often as possible, even in little ways,” Jo said. “We’re not all about touring the country to places we’ve never been to strangers — and possibly no one — when we could build these relationships, even in these small towns.” Jo will officially make the move to Fort Collins in November and plans to find new band members to restart Spinster with, but she also hopes to integrate her Annie Oakley bandmates into the new project. “Sophie wants to play in Spinster with me, so I’m going to teach her the bass,” Jo said. “We love playing music together. We’re really good at it — better. I mean, yes we fight, but I haven’t found that musical
relationship with anyone but Nia. So (if ) we can get Annie Oakley to integrate (into Spinster), that would be perfect.” Despite the genre difference between Annie Oakley and Spinster, Jo said the core foundations of the musical influences are central to both sounds. Whether in Spinster or Annie Oakley, “when I write a song, I’m trying to actually be meaningful,” Jo said. “I just want to write something that will last, (that) is beautiful in some way. I get that you can do that in any genre — but folk music is almost always about the words. I haven’t escaped that in indie-rock, or whatever Spinster has been.” W h i l e t h e s i s t e r s a re
moving on, they’ll always come back to Oklahoma, Jo said. The tr io continues to perform in Oklahoma and plans to make an appearance at Norman Music Fest in 2020. As for Spinster, Jo plans to perform a few final shows in the metro area b e f o re h e a d i n g t o Fo r t Collins — one show Oct. 27 in Norman at Legacy Park and a farewell show Nov. 9, location to be announced. Abigail Hall ahall@ou.edu
Q&A with Oklahoma writer, director Al Mertens Film addresses mental illness, Native culture SYDNEY SCHWICHTENBERG @sydnerry
Oklahoma director Al Mertens wrote and produced “Lord Finn,” a story a d d re s s i n g m e n t a l i l l ness and contemporar y Native American culture in Oklahoma. The film premiered for the first time in the United States at the Norman Film Fest, a two-day event Sept. 13–14 at the Sooner Theatre. In July 2019, “Lord Finn” first premiered in the Asia Pacific International Filmmaker Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mertens describes his film as the “ultimate in-your-face indie feature.” Me r t e n s w o r k s a s a n Oklahoma City stockbroker by day and a writer in his free time. He said he plans to continue writing screenplays with complex themes inspired by his experiences. Q: Mental illness and Native American culture are two strong themes in your film “Lord Finn.” What makes these themes important to you? A: Things that I’m interested in, people I’ve known, experiences that I’ve had. The Native component has always been very compelling to me. The (indigenous) culture in Oklahoma is very prevalent. (I’m inspired by) the iconic film, “Smoke
the movie. When I wrote it, my feeling was, (the audience) knows Sissie Finley loves her Daniel no matter what he does. She still sees him as her brother, and she loves him. That doesn’t change no matter what, (which is) easier said than done. There isn’t necessarily a love story contained in “Lord Finn,” although his parents managed to stay together for so many years presumably because they truly love each other. They have had some hard times in their marriage, mostly self-inflicted, but there is a lot to be said for family dynamics and not giving up on people. (This film is about) really believing that in each one of us, there is a seed of something truly good, and maybe it takes some time for it to come out and show itself, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t Q: You say that every- there. thing you may know about love is contained in this Q: Because there is such story. How did you encap- a strong Native American theme in your film and sulate that? A: As those who have filming wrapped in 2016, close loved ones with men- was the story affected by tal illness know, there is the pipelines in Dakota? A: Oh, without a doubt. such a thing as unconditional love when it comes to one It was much more previnflicted with behaviors ex- alent in the screenplay. tremely hard to live with. In Unfortunately, not a lot of the story of “Lord Finn,” two it made it into the film we of the main characters are see. Ecological issues and Daniel Finley, the namesake environmental issues are of Lord Finn, and his sister, definitely important to the Sissie. The uncondition- Native culture, and very imal love she has for him, no portant to the characters in matter his behavior, no mat- the film. There is one line ter what he puts his family that managed to survive in through for so many years, the film. (Daniel) says to is pretty amazing to me. I his sister, “I saw the sun go hope that comes across in down behind the windmills, Signals.” The screenplay is by Sherman Alexie, and I read one of his interviews. (He said) most of the stories of (indigenous) culture are fine, but (he’s) interested in (his current) people, who wear jeans and what they’re up to now. In other words, contemporary issues, especially in the Native American world, feature the proverbial foot in two worlds. As far as the mental illness aspect, I thought it would be interesting to combine that with a contemporary Native story. Those are the two dominant themes: foot in two worlds and the Native theme. The other component is that what comes out, comes out. If you write from the heart, which I try to do, you aren’t necessarily able to predict or dictate what kind of story you create.
they even managed to cage the wind.” It so happens that the actress, Mary Buss, who plays Mrs. Finley, Daniel’s mother, has once or twice gone up to the Dakotas, to the pipeline, since filming wrapped. Q: Are your actors Native American who are portraying Native Americans? A: A great deal of the cast was, absolutely. As far as authenticity, it helped tremendously. It wasn’t just something that we did to exploit anything at all. It’s a rainbow coalition as far as the cast of “Lord Finn” (is concerned). Q: Your film went from Indonesia to Norman — how and why? A: It’s a very interesting world, the world of film festivals. Whenever you make a film, you have to decide: Where do I want this to be shown? There is an entire process online where you submit, and it’s a matter of where you get accepted. The first major film festival (where) “Lord Finn” was accepted was the Asia Pacific International Filmmaker Festival. That one is so big that it’s done over three months in three major cities. So that’s where we had our premiere, in July, in Jakarta. Next stop was Norman. Who knows where we will show next? (It feels good) to have our premiere here in the metro area of our home state.
KATHRYN STACY/THE DAILY
Al Mertens, director of “Lord Finn,” speaks to the crowd in the Sooner Theatre before the showing of his film Sept. 14.
A: I write a lot of screenplays, and every single one of them could be based (in Oklahoma). They are written in a way that someone who doesn’t live here can relate to them. Something resonated with the film community in Asia for them to accept it. When it’s all said and done, as a writer, I try to write emotional themes that resonate across the board. Q: Do you think this story I think a good story will do is an Oklahoma story, a that. Indonesia is exactly on Native American story or a the other side of the world. love story? The world’s biggest film
studios in Asia got the first film premiere. So we were just thrilled with that, that it translated so well to show on the opposite side of the globe. Editor’s note: This interview was edited for brevity.
Sydney Schwichtenberg
sydneyschwich@ou.edu
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CULTURE
• Sept. 16-22, 2019
Fair brings old faves, new fun Festival returns with classic foods, fresh attractions KELCI MCKENDRICK @kelciimack
The 112th annual Oklahoma State Fair kicked off Sept. 12 for a fun-filled, 11day event at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. The fair brings back familiar foods, exhibits, shows, competitions and more, w h i l e a l s o i nt ro d u c i ng new attractions like a new Medieval experience at the Renaissance Village, and new vendor dishes like the Hot Cheeto Corn Dog, according to state fair press releases. The state fair has something for everyone. Here are a few attractions you don’t want to miss: NEW AND RETURNING UNIQUE DISHES: Deep-Fried Minneapple Pie: Found for the first time at the state fair, Minneapple Pie is offering many deepfried pies, including its Ultimate Minneapple Pie, which won this year’s “New to the Scene� category and “FAIRest of Them All� in the annual “Great TASTE of a Fair� contest. S’more On-A-Stick: This new on-the-go campfire favorite can be f o u n d a t A L a t t e L ov e. Caramel Apple Pie: The delicious fall treat
VIA OKSTATEFAIR.COM
The 2019 Oklahoma State Fair kicked off Sept. 12.
that’s sometimes hard to eat The Urb Express brings the — now made into an easi- famous fair food in fry form er-to-eat pie and debuting — making the sugary treat with Cutie Pies Concession. easier to eat. Don’t miss out on The Urb Express’ Honey Gourmet Tots: Pepper Bacon Dog, winner JP’s Food Truck is bring- of last year’s and this year’s ing in tater tots with delicious “Slice of Savory� category. toppings, along with its new Mahi-Mahi burger slider. Many other tasty dishes are being offered at the fair, so Mac-N-Cheese On-A-Stick: be sure to taste test them all. Now serving its cheesy macaroni and cheese on the NEW AND RETURNING go, Mactastic Food Truck is ATTRACTIONS AND also bringing Chili Mac to its ACTIVITIES: menu. Disney On Ice: Watermelon Pie: This show with Mickey Returning this year as a Mouse and his friends feacrowd favorite and winner of tures “world-class skating, last year’s “FAIRest of Them high-flying acrobatics and All� and this year’s “Sweetest unexpected stunts,� acof the Sweet,� Cutie Pies cording to the fair’s website. brings this chilled sweet treat Disney characters Captain back to the fair. Hook, Moana, Elsa, Belle and others will be brought Deep-Fried Coffee: to life on the ice at 10:30 a.m. Found at Gringo’s, this and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16, all in caffeinated fix is perfect for the Jim Norick Arena. Ticket those who need a pick-me- prices range from $15 to $50. up at the fair. Children under 2 are free but must sit in the lap of a paying Funnel Cake Fries: customer.
Xtreme Chinese Acrobats: Located at the Entertainment Stage in the Bennett Event Center, this new crew of high-flying performers attempt acrobatic stunts and is sure to stun the audience with the performance. Shows are scheduled for various times throughout the days, with four shows scheduled Saturday and Sunday and three shows Monday through Friday. A Grizzly Experience: This show offers a chance to witness the interaction between animal and man and teaches you what to do if you stumble upon a grizzly bear in the wild. Shows are offered every day of the fair at The Bandshell Lawn. Oklahoma Cornhole Classic: This competition returns for the second year with the chance to win prizes and bragging rights. The event is from 1–6 p.m. Sept. 22 at The PATIO. The entry fee for teams is $60, and more information on the tournament
can be found on its Facebook PRC A Xtreme Bulls and Broncs Tour: page. This two-night show starts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21–22 and Arm Wrestling: The classic competition will feature bull riding and gives fairgoers a chance to broncs. Following the shows, arm wrestle for their favorite country music stars Midland team — either the Oklahoma and Scotty McCreery will Sooners or the Oklahoma take the stage for performances. Ticket prices for the State Cowboys. Men’s and show and times can be found women’s divisions are availon the fair’s website. able for anyone wanting to show their strength and Tons of other new and reschool spirit. There are five turning events can be found men’s and two women’s di- on the Oklahoma State Fair visions. The competition will schedule at okstatefair.com. be from noon to 5:30 p.m. More hours and admission Sept. 22. prices, including special discount days, can also be found Renaissance Village: on the website, as well as a Located in Centennial downloadable map. Plaza between gates one and two, this new exhibit takes fairgoers back in time to the Kelci McKendrick world of jousters, jesters, kmckendrick@ou.edu knights, archers and more. Offering many shops and shows, this attraction is open daily from noon to 8 p.m.
OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR Dates: Sept. 12–22 Hours: Outside gates open at 8 a.m. • Buildings open at 10 a.m. • Carnival opens at 1 p.m. Monday–Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday–Sunday • Outside vendors are open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday– Saturday Where: OKC Fairgrounds, 3001 Pershing Boulevard • Free parking: north and south sides of fairgrounds with handicapped parking available at most gates • Paid and season parking: accessible from NW 10th Street, May Avenue and Reno Avenue Admission: $12 for ages 12 and older, $6 for ages 6–11 and free for ages 5 and under
Students unveil art honoring late professor Teacher’s methods inspire memorial exhibit on campus MOLLY KRUSE @mollykruse98
An art exhibit inspired by an architecture assignment from the 1950s opened for display on campus Sept. 13. “What Would Renegades Do?� is a collaboration between an architecture class and an art class. Students listened to a Led Zeppelin
song, picked words describing what they heard and created designs to explain the words’ meanings. “In a two-day period we came up with a 15x20 board piece of art,� said associate professor of architecture David Boeck, who teaches the architecture side of the class. The assignment was modeled after a class that architect Bruce Goff taught at OU more than 50 years ago called Architecture 273. Goff, the dean of the architecture college during
the 1940s and 1950s, was a world-famous architect who encouraged creative thinking in his classes, Boeck said. “(The class) involved listening to music and then using words that are generated both from architecture and from music like ‘syncopation,’ like ‘rhythm,’ like ‘patterns,’ like ‘crescendo,’ and taking these words and applying them to some music to develop abstract designs,� Boeck said. The exhibit was originally titled “What Would Goff Do?� but was changed to
become more broad. “Goff was considered a renegade, was called a renegade, and we thought we’d like it more generic so it could be universal,� Boeck said. “What Would Renegades Do?� is on display in the Grant Fine Arts Library, and the exhibit will last roughly a week. Molly Kruse
molly.kruse@ou.edu
Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg September 16, 2019 Editor in Chief News Editor Sports Editor Visual Editor Video Editor
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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.
ACROSS 1 Copy by outlining 6 Smoothtongued 10 Practice for a fight 14 “The Boy Who Cried Wolf� author 15 Non-elite type? 16 “Don’t use that ___ with me!� 17 When it ___, it pours 18 Nostradamus, reputedly 19 Bit of pond scum 20 Midwest river along the Oregon Trail 22 Moved the kids to their own bedrooms? 24 Depend (on) 26 Flip-flop, e.g. 27 Shook a following sleuth? 31 Slam 32 Oak-to-be 33 Jargon 35 E.R. stats 38 Part of Miss Muffet’s diet 39 Bands of three 40 Lexicographer Webster 41 Doze, with “off� 42 Someone like Scrooge 43 “Of all the ___!�
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44 Most expensive domain name ending, often 45 Reneged on a contract? 47 Nasty sort 50 Long tale of adventure 51 Erased the exam scores? 53 Home mixologist’s work space 57 Sudden impulse 58 Country that anagrams to “rain� 60 French lace-making city 61 Big ones may clash 62 Salon coloring 63 Air show maneuvers 64 Camera eye 65 “You betcha!� 66 Apprehensive feeling DOWN 1 Ballpark protector 2 “This is the ___ deal!� 3 Home of most people 4 “Mary, Mary, quite ___� 5 Beatles manager Brian 6 One may give you directions 7 Imitated Pinocchio
8 Some frozen drinks 9 Rihanna’s home country 10 Farmers market booths 11 Lively dance 12 Heavenly messenger 13 Enjoy a book 21 Building addition 23 Part of ICU 25 A long time 27 When roosters crow 28 She loved Narcissus 29 ___ the line (obeyed) 30 Like raisins 34 Injures at Pamplona 35 Dad jokes and such 36 Spelunker’s spot
37 Molt 39 Opposite of boldness 40 Denial 42 “___ Lisa� 43 British celebrity chef Lawson 44 Tender touch 46 What Caesar did second? 47 Enter a freeway 48 Goad 49 Like “The Twilight Zone� 51 Event near the end of “Hamilton� 52 “The X-Files� Agent Scully 54 Opine online 55 Swiss peaks 56 Take a breather 59 Ultimate degree
PREVIOUS PREVIOUSPUZZLE PUZZLEANSWER ANSWER
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Š 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal Š 2019 Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com www.upuzzles.com
Redefined by Peter Silzer
MOLLY KRUSE/THE DAILY
Art from the “What Would Renegades Do?� exhibit in the Grant Fine Arts Library. The exhibit opened Sept. 13.
HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last
Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Invest time and money in where you live and what you want to do next. Set your priorities straight and consider how to make your money stretch further. Making the right move can be a game-changer regarding your standard of living and ability to ease your stress. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Network with people who can give you an idea of how to make the most with what you’ve got. A positive change is within reach.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Use common sense when dealing with money matters, joint endeavors and health issues. Look for an opportunity that’s cost-effective and interesting. Romance is on the rise. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don’t let someone else take care of your responsibilities. If you want to excel, do the work. An unexpected change to how you earn your living is apparent. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Look for opportunities to expand your interests or add to your resume. Picking up skills, knowledge and experience will help you maneuver your way into a higher earning bracket.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t start something you can’t finish. Proceed with caution when dealing with matters that could cause a rift between you and someone that you TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Change is only as good as your must get along with. timing. Assessing a situation acutely SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Don’t and making your move confidently are encouraged. Be proactive and wait to see what everyone else is going to do. If you want something, seize the moment. go after it. Be the one to initiate change, drum up interest and take GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Pay more attention to your appearance, charge. how you present what you have to SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- offer and whom you include in your Make changes to your personal life, projects. home environment or appearance. How you present yourself to others CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- If will determine what kind of interest something needs to be done, do it. By taking the initiative, you will you attract. gain control, respect and the supCAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- If port you need to finish what you start. Say less and do more. you overanalyze what you want to do or see happen, you will miss the mark. If a change needs to be LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Ask questions that will help you understand made, take the initiative to get a nettlesome situation. Talk to things done. experts, older family members or anyone who can offer insight into a choice you have to make.
Sept. 16-22, 2019 •
SPORTS
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George Stoia, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Senior quarterback Jalen Hurts runs the ball during the game against UCLA Sept. 14.
‘He sets the bar pretty high’
Saturday’s record ‘just a glimpse’ of what Hurts can do CALEB MCCOURRY @CalebMac21
PASADENA, California — We've only been given a glimpse. Senior quarterback Jalen Hurts ran 99 of his 150 rushing yards and one of his four touchdowns in the first drive of No. 5 Oklahoma's (3-0)
48-14 win over UCLA (03). His arm accounted for 289 passing yards and three scores. The Alabama transfer now has 1,153 total yards of offense and 13 total touchdowns through three games, and somehow, going into a bye-week and right before conference play, Hurts has only shown the world the tip of the iceberg in terms of where he's going with the Sooners. "It's just a glimpse," said Charleston Rambo, who
caught for 116 yards and two touchdowns. "That's all I can say. It's just a glimpse of what we can do in the conference games." On the first snap of the game, Hurts ran to the left, down the sideline for 52 yards to jumpstart the OU offense. Two plays later, he settled for a 1-yard gain on the ground and gained 16 another two snaps later. Hurts then ran straight up the gut 30 yards for a touchdown to put the Sooners up 7-0. He had run 99 yards, and
two minutes and 36 seconds was all that was needed. Hurts is the first player in 15 years to run for 99 yards in the opening drive of a game. His 103 rushing yards in the first quarter is the most by an Oklahoma quarterback in a single quarter. But Hurts can also take his time, too. For his second touchdown of the game, on second and 11, he kept his eyes on junior wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and waited. He then ran to the right, keeping his eye on
an evasive Lamb, and threw a teardrop to him for an effortless 39-yard touchdown. The Sooners were up 17-0 in the first quarter with 3:43 on the clock. "He's a special player, as good as I've ever had the opportunity to coach against," UCL A head coach Chip Kelly said. "He has an answer with his feet, and he has an answer with his arm. That's what makes Jalen so difficult." Hurts went on to throw two more touchdown passes
and finished the game with 289 passing yards. What Hurts has done has given Sooner fans and his teammates a lot to think about. The Sooners have nine more regular season games ahead, and Hurts is showing no signs of slowing down. "We gotta be on his level," Rambo said, "because he sets the bar pretty high for us." Caleb McCourry
caleb.a.mccourry-1@ou.edu
Alex Grinch’s defense shows major growth Oklahoma adjusts with change in mentality, culture GEORGE STOIA
@GeorgeStoia
PASADENA, California — As Alex Grinch patrolled the sideline, his team faced a second-and-eight. Redshirt sophomore Jalen Redmond exploded off the ball, throwing his man to the ground before sacking UCLA quarterback Dorian GreenThompson for a 17-yard loss. “Let’s f*cking go!” Grinch yelled from the sideline. “The Alex Grinch you see on the field is the Alex Grinch we see on the practice field
every day,” sophomore safety Justin Broiles said. “We know the kind of intensity and the kind of effort we need to bring every day, and (how) infectious he is and how it rubs off on us.” Grinch’s defense maybe played its best game this season, as OU (3-0) earned a 48-14 win over UCLA (0-3). They held the Bruins to 311 total yards and 3-of-13 on third downs. They forced two turnovers — an interception in the third quarter by corner Tre Brown and an interception by linebacker Ryan Jones in the fourth — and turned UCLA over on downs once. “I thought we played pretty good, definitely some stuff
we can improve on,” junior linebacker Kenneth Murray said. “We came out here and did what we needed to do.” The 38-year-old defensive coordinator wasn’t satisfied with his defense’s performance Saturday night. He knows his defense is a growing process. “It’s always a one-game evaluation. You don’t get credit for week one, week two and week three, and we don’t get credit for this one past tonight,” Grinch said. “Do I think we are getting better? I think we are, but you always have to assume your opponent is, too. I guess at this point we have a long, long way to go, but I’ve been pleased with some of the
outcomes we’ve gotten, and there’s certainly progress being made.” He’s not wrong — the Sooners have made progress. Through Oklahoma’s first three games last year, the defense gave up an average of 403.5 yards per game and had three turnovers. This year through three games, they gave up 352.7 yards and had five turnovers. It’s not much, but it’s improvement. But it’s not just in the numbers that Oklahoma has seen improvement. It’s the small things Grinch does. Like when Brendan “ B o o k i e” R a d l e y - Hi l e s missed a crucial tackle in the third quarter and Grinch made it a point to let him
hear about it. Or like when the defense gave up a 42yard run but turned around and forced a UCLA punt, and Grinch was the first person on the field to high-five each player. Or like when the Bruins went right down the field in the second half, and he didn’t lose cool, but instead huddled his defense back up to regroup. He’s changing the defensive mindset, the culture. “I think our mentality is growing. I see that when we give up a big play — we keep swinging, and that’s what great defenses do,” coach Lincoln Riley said. “Our guys have done a good job of cultivating that mentality, and we were able to do that a little bit
more tonight than in our first game.” The Sooner defense has shown promise, seemingly a light at the end of the tunnel. Guys like freshman Jaden Davis, sophomore DaShaun White and Redmond are becoming consistent playmakers alongside veterans like Brown, Murray and sophomore Ronnie Perkins. For the first time in years, it doesn’t feel like Oklahoma’s defense is a burden. “We’re getting there, certainly,” Grinch said. “It’s always a work in progress, and we’ve got a long way to go.” George Stoia
georgestoia@ou.edu
3 takeaways from Sooners’ game at UCLA Rambo breaks out; defense reaches two-turnover goal
Jamelle Holieway to throw for over 200 yards and rush for over 100 yards. He finished the day going 15-of-20 for 289 yards and three touchdowns through GEORGE STOIA the air, while rushing 14 @GeorgeStoia times for 150 yards and a score. He looks to stay in the PASADENA, California Heisman race with that type — No. 5 Oklahoma (3-0) of performance. continued its winning ways Saturday night, beating DEFENSE SHOWS UCLA (0-3) 48-14 on the IMPROVEMENT road. O k l a h o m a’s d e f e n s e JALEN HURTS looked to take a step in the CONTINUES HEISMAN right direction Saturday, CAMPAIGN holding UCLA’s offense to 311 The senior quarterback total yards and just 14 points. once again showed why he’s Junior corner Tre Brown considered one of the top came up with the team’s Heisman candidates in the first turnover, intercepting country. In the first half, he a pass in the third quarter. became the first Sooner since Sophomore linebacker Ryan
Jones came up with the other in the fourth with an interception of his own. Freshman corner Jaden Davis also looked especially good, leading the team in tackles with six. CHARLESTON RAMBO HAS BREAKOUT GAME The sophomore wide receiver had a career game for the Sooners against UCLA, catching five passes for 116 yards and two scores. Coming into the season, Rambo was expected to be a big playmaker for the Sooners. So far he has been, scoring four touchdowns in three games. George Stoia
georgestoia@ou.edu
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Senior quarterback Jalen Hurts looks to pass during the game against UCLA Sept. 14.
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SPORTS
• Sept. 16-22, 2019
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Charleston Rambo during the game against UCLA in Pasadena Sept. 14.
Rambo’s ‘got more in the tank’ Wide receiver keeps impressing, says he’s not done CALEB MCCOURRY @CalebMac21
PASADENA, California — Anyone w ould think sophomore wide receiver Charleston Rambo has
already had his breakout game. It’s logical to think his 105 receiving yards and touchdown in week one of the season was it. It makes even more sense that it could be his 116-receiving yard, two-touchdown performance in No. 5 Oklahoma’s 48-14 win over UCL A Saturday night. But if you ask the offensive threat himself,
the game still hasn’t come. And if you were to ask what it would take for it to happen, Rambo has a number. “200 yards,” Rambo said. “I know I got more in the tank.” Senior quarterback Jalen Hu r t s c o n n e c t e d w i t h Rambo for a 48-yard touchdown in the second quarter — in a play that seemed lost as Hurts scrambled to find
an open man. Rambo ran down the middle of the field and made himself open, and after passing two defenders, he was gone. Hurts found Rambo 39 yards down the field in the third quarter in what looked like an effortless escape from the UCLA corner. Head coach Lincoln Riley and Hurts have found a consistency in Rambo, who
was targeted six times on Saturday night. The next highest targeted receivers had three. Junior CeeDee Lamb was thrown to one time, which resulted in a 39yard touchdown. Lamb has seen Rambo g ro w f ro m h i s 4 9 - y a rd touchdown pass in the 2018 Orange Bowl — considered by many the time he stepped onto the scene —to
off-season practices, and the veteran can’t help but enjoy Rambo’s success. “To see that all unfold in the season,” Lamb said, “I’m glad to see it.” Caleb McCourry
caleb.a.mccourry-1@ou.edu
Defensive coordinator talks progress, depth Alex Grinch pleased with outcomes so far VIC REYNOLDS @vicareynolds
AUSTIN CURTRIGHT @CurtrightAustin
No. 5 Oklahoma (3-0) took down UCL A (0-3), 48-14, Saturday evening in Pasadena, California. The defense performed well, holding UCLA to 311 yards and picking off two passes. Here’s what defensive coordinator Alex Grinch had to say after the game: On depth “We’re getting there, certainly. The biggest thing from a substitution standpoint is on the front instead of the back end. Looking at a kid like Jaden Davis who ke e p s i mp rov i ng w h e n there’s an obvious need in the secondary. The bulk of those rotations have been in our front, which of all the spots if you’re going to be sound is the one. What you don’t want to do is just sub to stay fresh and lose production. It’s always a work in progress and we’ve got a long way to go, but through three games we’ve been able to get a lot of guys in the game, and they’ve been productive.”
CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY
Sophomore defensive back Brendan Radley-Hiles and Redshirt sophomore safety Justin Broiles walk onto the field before the game against UCLA in Pasadena Sept. 14.
On the defense’s overall performance against UCLA “We certainly got the results that we wanted. It was good to get two takeaways. I was the first one to be very critical week one when we didn’t finish in the fourth quarter, but I feel like we finished tonight and made
enough plays to not give up any points in the fourth.” On performance of cornerbacks “I think we’ve done well. There’s two or three plays that we don’t play well, and I guess that ’s a negative on coaching. As a three-game sample o n t h o s e g u y s, t h e y ’v e
definitely held up. We’ve gotten some production from the position. I think playing the top-down coverage has been good for the most part. That’s 2019 college football — the ball’s going to be in the air and people are going to take shots and you have to hold up.
On transitioning to conference play during bye week “Well you know we transition into Big 12 play. Obviously as we go through and break down our season to four quarters, with the first quarter being the preseason. We say that’s a quarter of the season even
though we aren’t playing games. So we have a sense of urgency over everything we do. The second quarter being the non-conference slate, and so we look at it we are going into the third quarter of the season, with the third quarter being Big 12 play and the fourth quarter being the month of November.” On progress the defense has made over three games “It’s hard to tell — it’s always a one game evaluation. You don’t get credit for week one, week two, and week three, and we don’t get credit for this one past tonight. It’s hard to make those determinations. Do I think we are getting better? I think we are, but you always have to assume your opponent is too. I guess at this point we have a long, long way to go, but I’ve been pleased with some of the outcomes we’ve gotten and there’s certainly progress being made. The challenge of being a good defense in this conference is something we continue to work towards.” Vic Reynolds
victor.reynolds@ou.edu
Austin Curtright
austincurtright@ou.edu
Riley praises fan turnout, trust among players Coach believes Hurts is ‘getting more in sync’ JOSEPH TOMLINSON @JosephT_OU
MASON YOUNG @youngmas0
No. 5 Oklahoma (3-0) took down UCLA (0-3), 4814, Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Jalen Hurts continued his stellar season by accounting for 439 yards of total offense
and four touchdowns. Here’s what Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley said after the win: On fan support at a road game “I’m a little surprised. We always travel great, but that’s not something we take for granted. We know it’s not easy for our fans. I know we have a lot of fans here locally, too. But, yeah, to see all the people that came out and supported us and stayed for the entire thing when you’re half a country away — that’s pretty damn cool.”
On offense’s performance compared to last season’s “I’m not comparing to last year. It’s a totally different set of circumstances. We’re trying to find our own way — offensive, we’re making some big plays. We’re still making too many mistakes and putting ourselves behind the chains and having penalties too much. We’re making some plays, but we don’t always judge it by the stats. We know our guys, and we know our system well enough that we can go back and look and know. Yes, we’re doing some
good things. I’m not gonna say we stink, but at the same time, we’re gonna have to get a lot better, and we can get a lot better regardless of the stats.” On Jalen Hurts’ progression “I think we’re just trusting what we’re doing, especially, getting into game time. Trusting our system, trusting these other guys to make the plays. He’s just getting more in sync and more belief, and that’s obviously huge factor at the quarterback position, because if they don’t trust what you’re doing and
believe in it wholeheartedly, then you’ve got no shot.” On the team’s defensive growth “The turnovers are big because they’re just such an obvious advantage in games — in getting them — and you can just feel it through the whole team, and it’s making our guys hungrier to create more turnovers, and as we get better and play cleaner with our system, we expect to get even more.” On wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s play and depth at wide receiver “It’s just kind of the way
it played out (tonight). He’s a great playmaker and a really good receiver and has played extremely well. But we have a lot of great players, and we don’t just rely on one guy that makes us tougher to deal with. He’ll have his big moments. He had some really nice ones tonight.” Joseph Tomlinson
Joseph.H.Tomlinson-1@ ou.edu
Mason Young
mason.e.young-1@ou.edu