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2024 College Football picks Week 4: Back Michigan, Oklahoma State to cover

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2024 College Football picks Week 4: Back Michigan, Oklahoma State to cover


The college football season seems to be flying by already, right? 

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Here we are, in Week 4, and we’ve already got some huge games on tap. 

It’s mainly due to conference realignment, but still.

In addition, USC will make their Big Ten debut this Saturday as they face Michigan in the big house.

Utah @ Oklahoma State (4 p.m. ET, Saturday, FOX and FOX Sports app)

You will not find a bigger fan of the Utah program who did not attend than me. I covered Utah for six seasons on Pac-12 radio with a co-host who played for the Utes. 

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I love everything head coach Kyle Whittingham’s program has become. Tough, physical, gritty and a pain in the ass for every team they play. With that being said, we have to discuss the elephant in the room. 

Utah has not won a big road or neutral-site game since the Utes beat 17th-ranked Arizona State in 2019. That Sun Devil team finished less than .500 in conference play for the rest of that season. 

Quarterback Cam Rising’s home and road win-loss record drives the point home even further. 

He’s 13-0 when starting a game at home; he’s 7-6 when starting a game on the road or at a neutral site. There are two Rose Bowl losses in the six overall, with Rising not being able to finish those games. There are two road losses to ranked teams, including Oregon and UCLA in 2022. There’s the Florida loss that can be pinned on a poor defensive performance and a late Rising interception as Utah looked to take the lead. 

The final road loss was at Oregon State in 2021.

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It’s difficult to come up with concrete reasons why Utah has struggled on the road compared to at home. The Utes do the things one would think are important on the road. They are excellent in the trenches and play good defense. Cam Rising throws a tad more interceptions, but it’s not anything eye-popping. 

The reason I believe Utah struggles on the road is its inability to generate explosive passing plays, which is something you need against a quality opponent in a road setting. Cam has only nine touchdown passes in his six road losses. Playing the dink and dunk game on offense takes too long and leaves you vulnerable to making mistakes on offense. 

Utah may catch a break with Oklahoma State’s defense, though. The Pokes have allowed the third-most plays of 10 yards or more through three weeks of the season. They are 125th in plays allowed over 20 yards. My point is that this Pokes defense can be had, but Utah has not shown the ability over the years to be consistent in throwing down the field.

I have worried about the Utes’ run defense as they’ve had more defensive linemen and linebackers go to the NFL. It just hasn’t been as good, and on paper, Oklahoma State should be able to run the ball. However, it has been a poor rushing squad so far this season. Ollie Gordon is averaging only 3.5 yards per attempt compared to 6.1 last season. It’s an issue for the Pokes, and it’s difficult to know whether they can just go back to rushing the ball well this weekend.

That being said, I have to take the points with Oklahoma State in this game with Utah’s track record of playing away from home with Cam Rising as the quarterback. It’s not a small sample size either. 

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Give me Oklahoma State +1.5

PICK: Oklahoma State (+1.5) to lose by fewer than 1.5 points (or win outright)

Lincoln Riley talks USC-Michigan, Miller Moss’ development

USC @ Michigan (3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, CBS)

How does the saying go? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. 

Well, I must feel no shame because I’m going back to Michigan this weekend after the Wolverines did not cover against Texas or Arkansas State in their last two games. 

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Michigan is the right side, even if it’s ugly. The Wolverines benched Davis Warren in favor of Alex Orji because Warren could not stop throwing the ball to the other team. While Orji may not be the passer that Warren was supposed to be, this does not mean the offense won’t be able to function with Orji taking over.

Michigan may turn its offense into an RPO, QB-run and play-action pass squad. USC’s run defense has not been challenged this season, and Michigan has the bulk upfront to possibly make this game ugly by running the ball. 

The Trojans offense has been crushing it with Miller Moss through two games, and they’re off a bye. 

SC will have something for Michigan, and if the Trojans start fast, it may be over for the Wolverines because they do not have the ability to come back from a large deficit. However, I’m not sure USC is ready to face a Michigan defense that’s this physical. 

That physicality bothered USC last season, and without circus plays, I don’t know if SC can move the ball that well against UM. 

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Finally — and this is one of the toughest parts about handicapping a game — you have to consider the emotions of college football players. 

Everyone is “out” on Michigan after getting blown out by Texas and narrowly beating Arkansas State. This is the time to buy in on Michigan. The Wolverines still have talented players and a coaching staff that still knows how to coach. I like Michigan to cover.

PICK: Michigan (+5.5) to lose by fewer than 5.5 points (or win outright)

Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. He started at right tackle for the University of Oregon for three seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz.

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Oklahoma teacher turns PB&J’s into a lifeline for students

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Oklahoma teacher turns PB&J’s into a lifeline for students


OKLAHOMA CITY –

Teaching is easily one of the most challenging and rewarding professions anywhere. And while most deserve to be recognized, when we heard about Deanne Strothers, we had to come meet her.

The Harding Charter Prep teacher has been teaching life through math for 30 years.

“My goal is to make them understand that they can get through tough stuff,” said Strothers.

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But seven years ago, there was some tough stuff put on her plate that was really tough to swallow.

“I had kids that would come in, and they didn’t have any. They didn’t have a lunch card, so they couldn’t eat,” said Strothers.

She recalls one student in particular, at a previous school.

“She came in, and she’s like, I’m hungry,” said Strothers.

After giving the student the peanut butter and jelly sandwich she had brought for lunch, Strothers made a decision: as long as she was teaching, no child would go hungry.

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“And so, I’m like, I’ve got to get something that is universal, and we landed on peanut butter and jelly,” said Strothers.

So, for the past seven years, each night she and her husband have prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, totaling over 30,000 sandwiches.

It’s always grape jelly, you don’t have to be in any of her classes and the sandwiches are typically gone before 9 a.m.

“I would rather have a well-fed child than a child sitting here, not having the capability to really pay attention because they are hungry,” said Strothers.

As word spread of her personal feeding program, it prompted a visit from Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education, Dan Hamlin, who didn’t come empty-handed.

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“Well, we wanted to give you a check for supplies,” said Hamlin.

“I think it’s incredibly important that we recognize the great work that our teachers are doing across the state,” said Hamlin.

“I’ll keep doing this as long as I am teaching,” said Strothers.

As expected, Mrs. Strothers says she will use the check for more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The $250.00 donation will paY for about one semester of sandwiches.

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Sponsored Content: The Spotlight – Winter Park

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Sponsored Content: The Spotlight – Winter Park


Today on the Spotlight, our crew explored why Winter Park Resort is so much more than a snowy winter destination. Nestled in Colorado’s breathtaking Fraser Valley along the Continental Divide, this mountain escape transforms into an outdoor paradise once the snow melts—offering cool temperatures, endless sunshine, and adventures for every kind of traveler.

Just 70 minutes from Denver and one of the closest major mountain resorts to Denver International Airport, Winter Park makes it easy to trade city life for alpine views. Surrounded by towering 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks, the resort delivers postcard-worthy scenery with summer temperatures that rarely climb above 80 degrees. Add in more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors are discovering Winter Park as a perfect warm-weather getaway.

The resort village itself offers plenty of charm, with lodging, dining, shopping, and activities all conveniently located in one walkable area. Whether you’re looking for high-energy thrills or a laid-back mountain retreat, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

One of the most popular summer attractions is the scenic gondola ride, which carries guests up to 10,700 feet for unforgettable panoramic views of the Continental Divide, colorful wildflowers, and towering aspen groves. Adventure seekers can race down Colorado’s longest alpine slide or hit the trails to explore more than 3,000 acres of scenic hiking terrain. For those wanting to relax, Sunspot Mountain Lodge offers mountaintop dining with incredible views.

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As the sun begins to set, the mountain comes alive with happy hour gatherings and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a day of adventure.

Winter Park is also home to the legendary Trestle Bike Park, one of the top downhill mountain biking destinations in the country. Opening Memorial Weekend, the park features more than 40 miles of gravity-fed downhill trails designed for riders of all skill levels. Advanced bikers can tackle technical terrain, while beginners can ease into the sport with mellow trails, rental gear, and lessons available onsite. Visitors who prefer a more relaxed ride can explore the area with e-bike rentals and guided mountain tours.

Beyond the resort, Winter Park serves as an ideal base camp for exploring some of Colorado’s most iconic outdoor destinations. The quieter west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park is only about 35 minutes away, offering fewer crowds and incredible opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and elk.

And for travelers wanting to spend time on the water, Grand Lake, Lake Granby, and Shadow Mountain Lake are all within about an hour of the resort, offering boating, fishing, paddling, and even more mountain recreation opportunities.

From scenic gondola rides and alpine slides to mountain biking, hiking, lakeside escapes, and national park adventures, Winter Park truly lives up to its reputation as Colorado’s gateway to summer fun. Visitors looking to plan their next mountain getaway can find lodging deals, trailside stays, and a full calendar of summer events at Winter Park Resort.

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Two state senators are stalling Clemishire bill in Oklahoma; victims are asking why

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Two state senators are stalling Clemishire bill in Oklahoma; victims are asking why


Convicted felon Robert Morris — a megachurch pastor who abused 12-year-old Cindy Clemishire in 1982 — walked out of an Oklahoma prison in the early hours of March 31.

But time is running out to get legislation aimed at helping abuse victims such as Clemishire — and a bill named for her unanimously passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives— to Gov. Kevin Stritt’s desk.

The Cindy Clemishire Act, HB 4227 would eliminate Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse and prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in related settlement cases.

The NDA provision is also known as “Trey’s Law” in remembrance of Trey Carlock, who was sexually abused at Camp Kanakuk, a Christian retreat in the Ozarks. Part of his legal settlement included a restrictive NDA that prohibited him from speaking about his abuse or Kanakuk’s role.

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Carlock died by suicide, aged 28, after having told a therapist, “they will always control me, and I’ll never be free.”

Your tax-deductible gift supports our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. Donate $50 or more to The Roys Report, and you can elect to receive our featured offer, “Kiss and Tell: The Innocent Moment That Shattered Mark Driscoll’s Cult” by Vince Manuele – click here.

Cindy Clemishire, pictured in 2024. (Courtesy Photo)

Yet for unknown reasons, the Oklahoma Senate’s leadership hasn’t yet brought the measure to the floor, and the legislative session is slated to end this Thursday (May 14).

“I’ve just been told they’re not going to hear it. No reason,” Oklahoma state Sen. Darrell Weaver (R-Moore) told online news outlet NonDoc.com on May 5. “I am baffled. Disappointed and baffled.”

Apparently standing in the way are state Sens. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, the Senate floor leader, and Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, Senate pro tempore. Daniels, according to the NonDoc.com report, won’t schedule a hearing for the bill, and Paxton reportedly is deferring to her on the matter.

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The Roys Report (TRR) has contacted Daniels and Paxton for comment, as well as state Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. None immediately responded.

In a statement, Clemishire admonished Oklahoma lawmakers to get the bill passed.

robert morris court
On Sept. 4, 2025, Robert Morris enters his vehicle as he leaves the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. (Photo: Sheila Stogsdill

“For decades, predators like Robert Morris have hidden behind outdated laws to evade justice, but the time for silence is over. To the members of the Oklahoma Senate: you have the power to ensure no other child is forced into the shadows, but your work is not done until these protections are sent to the governor,” she said.

Elizabeth Phillips, sister of Trey Carlock and founder of No More Victims, was also emphatic about the need for passage.

“Predators rely on silence and time–the law shouldn’t reward either,” said Phillips. “We are calling on Oklahoma Senate leadership to stand with survivors by ending the forced silence imposed on them by NDAs, like the one that silenced my brother to his grave, and remove the criminal statute of limitations for child sex crimes just as 44 other U.S. states have done. Please, don’t let the clock run out on survivors.”

Oklahoma is one of six states — along with the U.S. House of Representatives — where measures aiding victims of clergy sexual abuse have been filed. Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and West Virginia are the others where legislation has been introduced.

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In 2025, similar legislation was enacted in Texas, Missouri, California, and Tennessee, while Alabama and Georgia did so this year.

Mark A. Kellner is a reporter based in Mesquite, Nevada. He most recently covered statewide elections for the New York Post and was for three years the Faith & Family Reporter for The Washington Times. Mark is a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands and also attended Boston University’s College of Communication.





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