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Alan Bowman’s Second Season Might Have Been a Mistake for Oklahoma State

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Alan Bowman’s Second Season Might Have Been a Mistake for Oklahoma State


Oklahoma Stae’s quarterback returned for a seventh season, but a lack of results has made that decision questionable.

Last season, Alan Bowman transferred to OSU for his sixth and seemingly final season of college football. Despite his years of experience playing for a power conference team, Bowman couldn’t separate himself in fall camp and was thrust into a three-man battle for the starting spot.

After three weeks, Mike Gundy named Bowman the starter ahead of conference play, and OSU stuck with him for the rest of the season. Over those final 11 games, Bowman led OSU to a victory in the last Bedlam, a Big 12 Championship appearance and a 10-win season.

In 2023, Bowman threw for 3,460 yards, the seventh-most in a season in OSU history, trailing only Mason Rudolph, Brandon Weeden and Taylor Cornelius. Although he seemingly got the job because of a lack of other reliable options at quarterback, Bowman quickly established himself as a gunslinger the Cowboys could count on.

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After the season, Bowman applied for a seventh season of eligibility and was soon set to return for a second year in Stillwater. While it was not the original plan, no one seemed to have an issue given 2023’s successful campaign.

Through five games in 2024, Bowman has 1,537 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. While his touchdown-turnover ratio is better than last season, and he is on pace to surpass his yardage mark, Bowman’s individual stats have not translated to the scoreboard. OSU is only 3-2, and the offense has looked bad in both of the Cowboys’ Big 12 contests. 

Bowman’s return gave the Cowboys stability at quarterback to go along with starters returning at almost every position on both sides of the ball. However, his return has handicapped the Cowboys’ long-term future.

Garret Rangel has seen minimal opportunities to prove himself in his third season. Gundy has said Zane Flores’ opportunities to see practice reps are limited because two guys are in front of him.

Bowman’s return gave OSU an opportunity to chase something special. But with a slow start and an uncertain future at quarterback, the Bowman era in Stillwater could be in the final stages.

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READ MORE: Could Ollie Gordon’s Slow Start Delay His Jump to the NFL?

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Oklahoma Highway Patrol seeks $25M for trooper training

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Oklahoma Highway Patrol seeks M for trooper training


OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety requested over $25 million to train highway patrol troopers. Commissioner Tim Tipton told House lawmakers during budget hearings Monday that the funding to hold more academy classes is necessary to in order to train and hire the number of troopers needed to adequately patrol the state […]



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Three Takeaways From OKC Thunder’s Fiery Win Over Heat

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Three Takeaways From OKC Thunder’s Fiery Win Over Heat


The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Miami Heat Sunday night, 124-112, in Paycom Center. The Thunder used a 32-10 third-quarter run to take control of what was a close game.

This win is OKC’s third straight, improving its record to 33-7 on the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 29 points and eight assists and Chet Holmgren added 16 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

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The Heat shot 53.1% from behind the arc, but still could not come out on top. Here are three takeaways from the run-filled Thunder victory:

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Jan 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) speaks to the media following their game against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

1. Sheer Brilliance From the MVP

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After a first quarter full of struggles, scoring just three points on 1-of-6 shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander used a stretch of 10 consecutive made field goals to score 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting. The reigning MVP saw double teams throughout the night, assisting on eight made shots as well.

Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 16 third-quarter points, sparking a dominant Thunder stretch of play. He was a +8 in 32 minutes.

The Canadian guard adjusted to the Heat’s heavy pressure following his early-second-quarter rest, looking comfortable scoring the rock the rest of the way. Gilgeous-Alexander now has scored 20-plus points in 109 consecutive games, approaching closer to the NBA record of 126.

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Jan 11, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) passes in between Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and forward Nikola Jović (5) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

2. Third Quarter Thunderstorm

A key sign of the Thunder looking to be coming out of the midseason rut, playing at a.500 level for a six-game span, is the team’s patented dominant third quarters returned against the Heat.

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Oklahoma City went on a 32-10 run throughout the bulk of the third quarter to power itself to an eight-point lead at the break. The Thunder won the period by 13 points, 39-26.

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Effort was contagious, with the team forcing turnovers and forcing misses at will, pushing the ball on the fast break at high speeds, replicating the Heat’s high-pace style of play. The shooting stroke came alive as well, with OKC shooting a blistering 5-for-11 (45.5%) from long range after hitting just two threes on 15 attempts in the first half.

The three-point line had not been kind to the Thunder in recent games, but it sparked a run full of top-tier offensive basketball for them tonight.

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Jan 9, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) shoots during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

3. Jalen Williams’ Offense Is Coming Alive

Following a strong 26-point, 10-assist effort in the Thunder’s comeback win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 9, Williams tallied 18 points and four assists in 29 minutes of play against the Heat. Williams was an efficient 9-of-13 on the night, picking up two steals on defense as well.

As he continues to get back in form following two offseason wrist surgeries, continued efforts to string together efficient basketball are vital for the All-NBA forward’s performance. Williams cut and drove to the rim consistently, finding efficient looks inside.

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Despite missing his only three-point attempt, Williams hit multiple midrange jumpshots, with his wrist looking more comfortable every game.


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Missing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe

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Missing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe


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Missing 12-year-old Ryan “RJ” Davis has been found safe, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 11, the OSBI said Davis was located in Chickasha.

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“The OSBI appreciates all our local law enforcement partners and search groups who assisted us throughout the week,” the OSBI posted. “We will provide updates when they become available.

The boy had been missing since Jan. 2.

News9 reported Sunday afternoon that OSBI spokesman Hunter McKee said the United Cajun Navy made contact with RJ and took him back to a hotel, where authorities processed him and took him to the hospital. Authorities said RJ appears to be fine physically, according to News9

The United Cajun Navy is a nonprofit grassroots group out of Louisiana that assists in search and rescue efforts and disaster recovery.

The boy’s mother, Kimberly Kay Cole, and stepfather, George Franklin Cole Jr., were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of child abuse and as of Sunday were still listed as being in custody at the Caddo County Jail in Anadarko. It’s not yet clear whether the charges are directly related to RJ’s disappearance, but the arrests came after officers interviewed the parents and obtained evidence from search warrants.

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Authorities said Thursday, Jan. 8, that they believed RJ was still alive. Prior to Sunday, he was last seen Jan. 2 near the Chickasha Quality Inn.

Searchers were targeting a vast rural area from Cement to Chickasha, which is within an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City. The search included properties associated with the family. It was unclear from the OSBI’s Facebook post where in Chickasha the boy was found.

This story was updated to add new information.

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Contributing: Staff writer Dale Denwalt



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