The O'Colly, Monday, September 18, 2023.

Monday, September 18, 2023

South Alabama exploited OSU’s quarterback battle in blowout win

South Alabama defenders weren’t worried about facing Oklahoma State’s offense.

Before the Jags pounded OSU 33-7 in Stillwater, they had only one win against a Power Five team in their program’s history. Still, it didn’t concern them; seeing as OSU didn’t have a starting quarterback three weeks into the season.

From Cowboys coach Mike Gundy’s perspective, he didn’t feel he can make a decision with the three playing at the same level before Saturday, and thought they should get more time to prove themselves. None had separated themselves as the clear starter, as each moved the offense through quick reads and didn’t take many risks down the field.

South Alabama saw it different.

While OSU thought the three were equally playing well, South Alabama took it as a competitive advantage.

The Jags knew each’s strengths and weaknesses, and that none could be confident enough in the offense with the limited playing time through two games. OSU’s three quarterbacks, Alan Bowman, Gunnar Gundy and Garret Rangel, combined for 46% completion, 114 yards and an interception on 35 pass attempts on Saturday.

“You have to have a quarterback who can get into rhythm with an offense, and who can be trusted, and I feel like they’re having problems finding that one guy to execute that,” said linebacker Trey Kiser. “We definitely took advantage of that...

“(Bowman), with him getting into a slow start, we knew we had him.”

See Exploited on 4

Scotty McCreery rocks the house

McCreery concert was one from a movie.

OSU’s luck runs dry, South Alabama crushes Cowboys

Editor

OSU coach Mike Gundy said on Monday that South Alabama was the toughest and most physical team the Cowboys would play in the nonconference, and he wanted to see how his team would respond.

Gundy also said the Cowboys needed to run the ball and block better, especially earlier in the game. In

his words, “Luck would run out” if the Cowboys continued down the path they were on in their first two games.

That luck ran bone dry.

The Cowboys were neither a better rushing and blocking team nor the more physical team, and the Jaguars thumped OSU 33-7 on Saturday night at Boone Pickens Stadium. Many of the same problems from OSU’s first two games were present, but this time, an opponent took advantage of it.

“We didn’t do a very

good job of coaching and certainly didn’t do a very good job of executing,” Gundy said. “… We got out-coached and out-executed.”

In the first half, South Alabama rushed the ball 24 times for 107 yards (4.5 per carry) and put up 232 yards of offense, compared to OSU’s 13 times for 26 yards (2.0 per carry) and totaled 70 yards in the opening half. “I thought that their offensive line blocked us,” Gundy said.

See Alabama on 3

While Scotty McCreery was the main reason for the abundance of Pokes coming together the night of Sept. 15, the environment created earlier that evening through the McKnight Center’s pep rally was a close second.

With appearances from OSU’s marching band, women’s basketball team, men’s basketball team and the equestrian team, the plaza possessed an electrifying energy to prepare people for the concert. With drinks flowing and food trucks supplying, the atmosphere leading up to the highly anticipated

As concert goers began to fill the seats of the McKnight Center, the buzz continued to grow from whispers to cheers. When the houselights began to dim and a famous face took the stage, the community in the McKnight Center became one identity present to soak in the “homey atmosphere” as junior, Mackenzie Steele said. Scotty McCreery may not be considered a household name, but it was evident Friday night that he has plenty of fans in Stillwater. From kids in diapers to some of the oldest alumni OSU has, the McKnight Center sold every seat in the auditorium.

Ethan Scott

While OSU thought the three quarterbacks were playing equally well, South Alabama saw it as a competitive advantage.

BRYSON THADHANI

Scotty McCreery followed his hour long concert with

minute encore to appease the endeared Stillwater crowd.

See McCreery on 8

File Photo

OSU coach Mike Gundy said OSU’s luck would run dry if it continued struggling to run the ball and block. That luck ran out Saturday.

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Braden Bush Sports

Kenzie Kraich Staff Reporter

sports

Slow starts persist in Cowboys’ loss to Jaguars

Gina Foster Staff Reporter

Four plays in, Jaden Bray had a chance to give OSU an early lead.

The Cowboys picked up 27 yards on their first three plays, then Bray ran wide open with an Alan Bowman pass headed his way. As the ball slipped through Bray’s hands, so did OSU’s chance for a quick start.

Instead, the Cowboys continued their slow first halves.

OSU experienced its first loss, 33-7, to South Alabama on Saturday night, and just as in the Cowboys’ first two games, they got off to a slow start.

“It sure looked like every time, it was something, and the coaches are just as responsible,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “We’ve got to do a better job. They’ve got to do a better job executing. We never could get anything going.”

The Cowboys started the season with two wins, but the first halves in each weren’t pretty. In their season-opener against Central Arkansas, the Cowboys scored 13 points in the first half. The next week against Arizona State, the offense was silent in the first quarter but scored 10 points in the second.

The Jaguars kicked off their season 10 points in the first half of a loss to Tulane. In Week 2, they scored only scored 7 points in the first half of a win against Southeast Louisiana.

The Jaguars kicked their slow-start habit, while the Cowboys continued theirs.

In just the first quarter, South Alabama put 10 points on the board and added 13 more in the second. The Cowboys remained scoreless.

Through two games, OSU had found a way to compensate for both the defense and offense, but throughout this first half and even into the second, there was a struggle with consistency.

“I feel like this was one of the best weeks (of practice) we’ve had, and we were really prepared for these guys,” said safety Kendal Daniels. “We made some mistakes. We could have went down and scored on the first drive and we dropped passes. Things just weren’t going in our direction today.”

Whether the issue was with quarterback-to-receiver chemistry or getting quicker stops, South Alabama proved dominant early and often.

“It’s really about how we respond now,” said running back Jaden Nixon. “A lot of the guys are picking each other up and relying on each other to come back and be on point.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Connor Fuxa

The Cowboys had slow starts in their first two games, and they couldn’t shake the habit Saturday. Penalties, QB-receiver chemistry and drops impacted OSU’s scoreless first half.

Alabama...

Michalski. “They’re a good team. They played good, but it was what I saw on tape. It didn’t surprise me one bit that they were gonna be physical. It’s what I saw all week on tape.”

disrupting the backfield. In the third quarter, the Cowboys shuffled the offensive line, putting Jake Springfield in at right tackle and moving Dalton Cooper into left tackle, replacing Cole Birmingham, in an effort to combat the pressure.

Gundy said the inability to rush the ball is frustrating, and an early 16-0 deficit didn’t help things. Ollie Gordon had only three carries for 12 yards after entering the day as OSU’s leading rusher, and Jaden Nixon had five carries for 23 yards.

Even in the second half, OSU (2-1) didn’t have the resurgent run game as past games, putting up just 68 yards. The Cowboys finished with 94 rushing yards, 27 of which came from secondleading rusher Gunnar Gundy. The Jaguars often loaded the box and limited the Cowboys’ attempts to establish the run.

“They played physical. Give them their credit,” said OSU center Joe

South Alabama (2-1) imposed its will on the passing game, too. The Jaguars surrendered 350 passing yards to Southeast Louisiana last week and came into Saturday with a passing defense ranked 122nd in the FBS, allowing 322 yards through the air per game. Cowboy quarterbacks went 16-for-35 for 114 yards.

That was partly because they also dealt with the South Alabama physicality. The Jaguars picked up four sacks and four quarterback hurries, constantly

“Just trying to help ourselves a little bit,” Gundy said. “We were struggling, as you could tell. So when that happens, you’re trying to come up with solutions and answers, which is not the best situation you want to be in.”

Continued from 1 sports.ed@ocolly.com

Even when the Cowboys clicked, the Jaguars didn’t make it easy. It took OSU 47:46 to score its points of the game – a 17-play drive that chewed off more than six minutes of game clock.

When the rushing game and offensive line couldn’t get things going like in past weeks, the deficit was too great against a physical team. Now, it’s back to finding a solution.

“I don’t think there’s a breaking point,” Nixon said. “And it’s definitely not the end. We’re gonna take this L, and we’re gonna face it tonight, but one tomorrow hits, it’s a new day.”

Connor Fuxa

Gundy called South Alabama the most physical team OSU would play in the nonconference, and it was true, as the Jaguars held the Cowboys to 70 total yards in the first half.

Exploited...

After three drives, Bowman was 3-9 with an interception. The Cowboys trailed 16-0, yet he came out for another drive. The quarterback rotation had been that each get four drives, so he wasn’t getting an extra one.

When asked if he would ever pull a quarterback early for non-injury reasons, Gundy said, “We haven’t had to cross the bridge yet.”

South Alabama’s secondary didn’t pay much attention to the difference in quarterbacks, either. Corner Marquise Robinson, who intercepted Bowman, said he manipulated the lack of connection to cover OSU’s wide outs.

“I looked at their receivers and was like, ‘They’re slow getting off the ball and the quarterback has to read it,’ so if I interfered with the time, it wasn’t going to matter who was the quarterback,” Robinson said.

It wasn’t all the quarterbacks fault, though. OSU’s offensive line allowed pressure to each. That was also by South Alabama’s design.

Coach Kade Wommack knew OSU’s trio played similarly, and thus didn’t have to change their game plan.

“I’ve seen two quarterbacks in a battle before, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen three,” Wommack said. “You usually see something different in one guy, I would say they’re all about the same. When we started evaluating their process, they’re all pretty sharp and knew where to go with the ball. We did some things to confuse him a little bit, and I think physically up front we created matchups to commit more people to protect them.

“No matter which quarterback came out there, they would’ve had a hard time.”

Continued from 1 sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of South Alabama Athletics

South Alabama coach Kane Wommack said the Jaguars were prepared for any QB the Cowboys threw at them, and “they would have had a hard time.”

‘Paws for a Cause’ spotlights animal welfare

included toy making, a treat station and a raffle.

The dogs were as eager as their owners to participate in the activities.

college, but I do plan on doing that in the future,” Rhoades said.

The third annual “Paws for a Cause” event returned to campus Sept. 14.

The Student Union Activities Board and the Student Volunteer Center collaborated with the Humane Society of Stillwater to take donations and promote volunteering for the local animal shelter.

Dog owners were eager to participate in the dog costume contest and the dog photo-booth. The event also

Kaitlynn Rhoades, a sophomore with a dog named Remy, expressed the excitement her dog was feeling.

“I wanted to come because he

[Remy] loves attention,” Rhoades said.

Rhoades feels a personal connection towards the cause.

Her dog, Remy, was adopted from Woof Pet Rescue out of Woodward.

Rhoades said she is likely to adopt again.

“Yeah, probably not while I’m in

Smiles naturally appeared across the faces of the crowd as the dogs socialized and made new four-legged friends. Students visited the lawn for the opportunity to see the dogs dressed in costumes, from Tinker Bell to dinosaurs.

The Student Volunteer Center helps host “Paws for a Cause” to spread awareness about the various local animal welfare groups in Stillwater.

“Student Volunteer Center works closely with the Humane Society, Tiny Paws and our different animal-based

service organizations in Stillwater,” senior Nicole Ziske said. “We are here representing the different volunteer aspects. You can give back even if you don’t have a pet, you can still come to this event and learn about the volunteer opportunities.”

To learn more about how you can volunteer as a part of the Student Volunteer Center, visit Campuslink.

To learn more about how you can volunteer or donate to the Stillwater Humane Society, visit their website: https://hspets.org/

news.ed@ocolly.com

Raynee Howell

The annual “Paws for a Cause,” event was held by the Student Union Activities Board and the Student Volunteer Center on Sept. 14.

Raynee Howell Staff Reporter

New OSU-OKC mental health hospital announced

King Staff Reporter

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced on Tuesday it will construct a new mental health hospital on the Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City campus.

The hospital, Donahue Behavioral Health, is priced at $147 million, and it will hold room for 330 beds within the 200,000-square-foot facility.

The facility will also have a variety of services such as care for adults and children, as well as referrals to outpatient services. The hospital will provide services for 275 adults and 55 young adults and children on a daily basis, which increases ODMHSAS operational capacity by 100 beds.

The hospital will include an Urgent Recovery Center, which increases immediate accessibility to services for Oklahomans in mental health crises.

“This hospital is an investment, dedicated to the people of Oklahoma,” said ODMHSAS Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges. “With the support from Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma state Legislature and OSU, ODMHSAS will deliver quality, efficient and effective behavioral health treatment services. Our staff is dedicated to serving the people of Oklahoma for another 100 years.”

The hospital will be located on the OSU-OKC campus near I-44 and West Reno Ave. in Oklahoma City. This location was selected due to easy accessibility, community support and opportunities for broader workforce development partnerships and support resources.

The hospital is expected to add approximately 250 jobs to the local economy. The fiveyear economic impact of the new hospital to the OKC metro area is estimated at $447.5 million, in job creation, taxes, emergency room costs and

homelessness.

“Oklahoma State University is committed to improving the mental health of all Oklahomans,” said OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum. “The location of this new, modern facility will provide better access for Oklahomans and advance OSU’s One Health mission to serve the state and address our most pressing needs.”

The announcement of the new mental health hospital in OKC and the recent groundbreaking of a new mental health hospital near OSU Medical Center in downtown Tulsa highlights Oklahoma’s visionary progress in mental health treatment and care.

ODMHSAS continues to offer critical resources to thousands of Oklahomans each

year, along with 988 Mental Health Lifeline, a lifeline that connects Oklahomans in mental health crises to trained behavioral health professionals.

“Medical workforce challenges, particularly in the psychiatric field, are a significant barrier to treatment access nationwide,” said SlattonHodges.

The Oklahoma Legislature provided $87 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to fund the hospital’s construction. In addition, Oklahoma County Commissioners recently approved $1.5 million in ARPA funds for relocation, and the City of Oklahoma City and several metro philanthropic organizations have pledged their support. ODMHSAS will also contribute to the cost of

the hospital through the sale of property in Norman, Oklahoma.

To receive ARPA funding, the Oklahoma Legislature stipulated the new facility must be located within 30 miles of the Capitol, which allowed ODMHSAS to explore sites outside of Norman.

Once complete, Donahue Behavioral Health will replace Griffin Memorial Hospital, which has been the state’s primary mental health hospital for the past century.

Slatton-Hodges said the aging complex has outlived its functionality.

“We have been located in Norman for over a century, and made our decision based on what is best for the people we serve and the state as a whole,”

said Slatton-Hodges. “Donahue Behavioral Health is expected to open in 2026 and will house the Griffin psychiatric residency program. The long-standing program was established decades ago to help address a shortage of psychiatrists statewide.”

Slatton-Hodges said the construction has given mental health the attention it deserves and a step toward overcoming the stigma that for has challenged treatment advancements and access to care.

Donahue Behavioral Health honors Dr. Hayden Donahue, who served as Oklahoma’s first director of mental health in 1953. He is credited for revolutionizing mental illness treatment in Oklahoma.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU

The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced a new mental health hospital, Donahue Behavioral Health, on Tuesday.

Lauren

Paws and poses

OSU hosts ‘Downward Dog Yoga’

OSU has held another successful session of downward dog yoga with students.

Each semester, Oklahoma State Wellness ensures that students have the opportunity to enjoy relaxing yoga with the company of Pete’s Pet’s Posse, the pet therapy program on campus.

Friday night, numerous students flooded into the Colvin to enjoy their session with Scout, a class ten P3 dog who was accompanied by his owner, Lindsey Romero-Kopenhagen.

“Scout was actually a rescue, he came to us in 2016,” Romero-Kopenhagen said. “He was very abused at the

time, not that you would know it now. He did not trust people at all, anytime I would go to touch him he would just cower. It took a long time for him to trust us, but once he trusted us he now just loves absolutely everyone, so when P3 applications came out I knew we needed to apply.”

Scout is one of several other P3 dogs that are involved on our campus to help house a therapeutic environment for students when needed. His company at downward dog yoga did not go unnoticed by attendees as they lit up when he walked around the room greeting each student one by one.

Kalan Nye, an OSU student, said she decided to come because she misses her own dogs.

“I heard about this event through

my friend, and I decided to come because I miss my dogs at home, so I thought this would be a good way to make me feel better,” Nye said. “I have no experience at all with yoga so this will be interesting.”

After the session ended she added, “Scout was very funny and I’m so glad he was here. He is my new friend.”

Downward dog yoga is open to any student who wishes to participate, experienced or beginner. It has a welcoming environment for to learn something new and also enjoy the presence of Scout.

The instructor, Amber ManningOuellette, explained how downward dog yoga is a new experience for her and how it can benefit students on campus.

“I have practiced yoga for 15

years, but I have taught for about 8 years,” Manning-Ouellette said. “I have taught here in the Colvin for about 4 of those years. The downward dog yoga is held twice a semester, I believe. We usually do one around finals week for stress management and stress relief, and this is actually only the second time I have taught downward dog yoga, but I always try to combine poses with the animal names, specifically dog names, and it’s just a great way for students to unwind and relieve stress.”

Yoga can help with stress management while also finding a peaceful harmony between mind and body.

Next time you roll out your mat to practice, relax, have fun with it and invite your furry friend to join you.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Cloe Campfield

Scout, a Pete’s Pet Posse member, participated in “Downward Dog Yoga.”

Cloe Campfield Staff Reporter

McCreery...

Opening with his famous “In Between” from his 2018 album Seasons Change, McCreery captured the eyes, ears and hearts of every fan in the theatre.

Not only did his voice fill every crevice in the McKnight theatre, but so did the stage lighting. The colors and flashes from the lighting system were a fan favorite.

Steele said compared the show to “something you would see at an arena like the Chesapeake.”

While the Chesapeake might seat a few thousand more than the McKnight Center, the community is unmatched.

McCreery continued to hold the attention of the theatre by playing a variety of his content. Assumed fan favorites “Feelin’ It,” “It Matters to Her,” “See You Tonight” and “You Time” created a cohesive environment, getting everyone dancing in their seats and singing with their hearts.

Two of McCreery’s biggest hits that had people out of their seats included “Damn Strait” and “This is It,” both No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country chart.

The concert ran for a slim 60 minutes before McCreery said his goodbyes to the audience and exited stage left. However, the fans in Stillwater were not leaving without an encore.

After 90 seconds of con

tinual cheering, McCreery took the stage once again; no band, no stage lights, just a man and his guitar.

As the strings began to piece the song “Five More Minutes” together, the audience in the McKnight Center erupted as if this song was the

one they paid to listen to.

Once the last chord played, McCreery explained his love for traditional country music. He shared the love with OSU and took to the stage with his band for the next 25 minutes, playing songs from classic artists including Randy

Travis, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Randy Jackson, and a Stillwater fan favorite and OSU alumnus, Garth Brooks.

As the final song ended, the McKnight Center was filled with cheers, screams and applause. Many students found their expectations for the

concert exceeded. OSU student Emily Orme said she was “blown away” by McCreery’s performance as well as the McKnight Center’s acoustics and stage lighting, making her experience one she will not forget.

news.ed@ocolly.com

BRYSON THADHANI

Scotty McCreery played at the McKnight Center on Friday, Sept. 15.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Spacious 1100 sq. ft 2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route. 405-372-7107.

Cowboy Calendar

Monday 9/18/2023

Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design

OSU Museum of Art until Jan. 27th @ 11 a.m. 4 p.m. https://museum.okstate.edu/art/leon-polk-smith.html

Line of Thought: The Work of Saul Steinberg

OSU Museum of Art until Sept. 30th @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. https://museum.okstate.edu/art/line-of-thought.html

Those Who Served Military Exhibit

Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Until Dec. 9th @ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://www.stillwaterokhistory.org/

Trivia Night

Stonecloud Brewing Company @ 7 p.m.

Research on Tap

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Speed Bingo College Bar @ 10 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Tuesday 9/19/2023

Fall 2023 Career Fairs: College of Engineering, Architecture, & Technology Career Fair

Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cookies & Philosophy

Stillwater Public Library @ 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Free with registration at tinyurl.com/cookiesandphil https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSm_hmozrTKAcH5snXb5EiL-TGYHXIml7BLSKgmmsF1RCQ5A/ viewform

Matt Axton & Badmoon Live

George’s Stables @ 9 - 11 p.m.

Voter Registration Day 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free and Open to the Public

Wednesday 9/20/2023

Louie Kids’ Night

Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Live Trivia

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Bingo Night

Louie’s Grill & Bar @ 8 p.m.

Accredited Basic HACCP Workshop

FAPC @ 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. $600 per person for large companies (greater than 10 employees)* $500 per person for small Oklahoma-based companies (10 or less employees)* A $25 fee will be billed to those who fail to cancel or attend. The registration fee covers lunch, refreshments and workshop material costs.

https://food.okstate.edu/training-and-services/calendarof-events.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventi

d%3D163274608

Fall 2023 Career Fairs: Business Career Fair (All Majors)

Gallagher-Iba Arena @ 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Small Batch Trivia From Geeks Who Drink

Iron Monk Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m.

Thursday 9/21/2023

Kid’s Night Eskimoe Joe’s @ 5-9 p.m. w/ $1 Buffy meal

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Love, beauty and passion deepen and grow with practice. Express your feelings. Discover amazing possibilities in conversation. Creative projects flower. It could get romantic.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Reorganize and reinvent domestic spaces. Clear out by giving away or selling what you no longer need. Share stories, treats and fun with family.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Get into a juicy intellectual puzzle. Dig for clues. Focus on correspondence and communications. Find hidden meaning. The answer comes when least expected.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Provide valuable services. The more you learn, the more you earn. Focus on making money and creating financial harmony. Conserve and preserve valuable resources.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Take charge for the results you want. You’re gaining confidence. Pursue personal passions. Connect to broaden your reach. Use your power and confidence for good.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — You can get productive in private. Compose your thoughts, ideas and plans. Nurture yourself with peaceful surroundings. Reconnect with nature. Savor music, meditation and rituals.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Get creative to stay connected with friends. Network and share news, data and resources. Community actions now can have long-term benefits. Play your part.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Dreamy professional opportunities are within reach. Update your profiles, presentations and portfolios. Share appreciation and gratitude. Invent what’s next while managing current responsibilities. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Put your talents to work. Prepare for upcoming adventures. Explore and investigate new ideas. Make exciting long-distance connections. Study, listen, and learn. Pursue solutions.