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Head to Head: Comparing Arkansas football, Oklahoma State at each position | Whole Hog Sports

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Head to Head: Comparing Arkansas football, Oklahoma State at each position | Whole Hog Sports


Arkansas football plays its first road game of the 2024 season at No. 16 Oklahoma State on Saturday. It’s an early test for both teams, which both opened the season with wins over Football Championship Subdivision opponents.

It’s the first game between the Razorbacks (1-0) and Cowboys (1-0) since 1980, when Arkansas won 33-20 in Little Rock. Arkansas owns the all-time series with a record of 30-15-1.

Here’s a look at what the Razorbacks and Cowboys have at each position before kickoff Saturday (11 a.m., ABC).

Quarterback

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Advantage: Oklahoma State

Both Taylen Green and Alan Bowman have areas of concern and potential for growth.

Bowman put up impressive numbers with Oklahoma State last season with 3,460 yards through the air (247.1 per game), good for third-most in a pass-happy Big 12. His completion rate of 60.7% left something to be desired, though, as did his 14 interceptions to 15 touchdowns. Bowman enters 2024 with problems to fix but plenty of talent around him to help.

Green is in a similar spot. His 57.1% completion rate in 2023 is cause for concern, and he threw 9 interceptions to 11 touchdowns. Like Bowman, he led his team to the conference title game — though Green did it in the Mountain West while splitting time at quarterback with a true freshman for part of the year. He performed well against UAPB in Week 1, and he’ll have his first big test against the Cowboys.

Offensive line

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Advantage: Oklahoma State

Experience matters on the offensive line, and Oklahoma State has one of the most veteran fronts in college football. Eight players have at least 12 career starts, allowing the Cowboys to rotate with what they hope isn’t much drop-off. All five starters are sixth-year players, and all played more than 750 snaps for Oklahoma State last season. On3 rated the unit fifth-best in the country this preseason.

Arkansas’ line was a problem last season, but the Razorbacks have plugged holes with talented transfers and are optimistic about their new front. Depth is a concern, especially after starting left guard Patrick Kutas missed most of the preseason and Week 1 with a back injury. E’Marion Harris shows promise as his replacement, but Arkansas can’t afford to lose much more on the line. It’s an untested unit that could prove to be an improvement over last season but must perform well against opponents like Oklahoma State.

Wide receiver

Advantage: Oklahoma State

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Much like on the offensive line, Oklahoma State has a lot of experience at receiver. Its top three players are all coming off good seasons in 2023.

The Cowboys’ top two receivers from last year, Brennan Presley (991 yards on 101 catches) and Rashod Owens (895 on 63), are both back. They join De’Zhaun Stribling, who stood out in the first four games of 2023 before a broken wrist cut his season short. The group has the opportunity for big numbers again with defenses trying to stop Gordon in the run game.

Arkansas’ receiver corps is also led by returning players. Andrew Armstrong and Tyrone Broden are the clear top two, but there is some concern about depth as Armstrong dealt with a hamstring issue in preseason camp. He is questionable for the game, per coach Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks’ receivers didn’t put up big numbers in 2023 in a generally ineffective passing offense, and they’ll need a better passer and more consistency to show improvement. A solid showing against the Cowboys would be a good place to start.

Tight end

Advantage: Arkansas

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Tight end is one of the Razorbacks’ deepest and strongest positions. Led by Luke Hasz, whose breakout freshman season was cut short by injury in 2023, Arkansas’ tight ends figure to feature prominently as receivers in Bobby Petrino’s offense. The group’s blocking ability against Power 4 teams remains to be seen, and Petrino stressed it as an area that needed some improvement in the preseason.

Oklahoma State’s tight ends are a relative unknown. Ohio graduate transfer Tyler Foster, who is the most experienced tight end on the roster, figures to be the starter. Fifth-year Quinton Stewart hasn’t played much on offense in his career, and the other tight ends don’t have much experience.

Running back

Advantage: Oklahoma State

Arkansas’ running backs are expected to be a strength this season, but Oklahoma State can trump almost anyone’s RB room thanks to Ollie Gordon. He won the Doak Walker Award for the best running back in the country in 2023 and finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. Gordon led the nation in rushing yards (1,732) and rushing touchdowns (21).

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Arkansas’ run game was its biggest strength as it dominated UAPB, with four running backs scoring at least one touchdown in the blowout. Ja’Quinden Jackson leads the group, and he  ran for 101 yards against UAPB. The Razorbacks have solid depth with Rodney Hill and Braylen Russell. Still, a healthy Gordon is a game-changing player for Oklahoma State and gives them the edge any time.

Defensive line

Advantage: Arkansas

Arkansas’ defensive line has solid starters with veteran end Landon Jackson and tackles Eric Gregory and Cam Ball. At the other end spot, the Razorbacks have two solid options with Nico Davillier and Anton Juncaj. Depth is a concern at tackle, but in general, the Razorbacks should feel confident about their front. Jackson will likely be the most talented defensive lineman on the field in Stillwater.

Oklahoma State’s line has potential, but it has a lot to prove. The Cowboys dismissed their defensive line coach after last season. Statistically, the unit was around the middle of the Big 12 in rushing defense (ninth – 166.9 yards allowed per game) and sacks (eighth – 1.93 per game), and they came in at fourth in tackles for loss per game with 5.93. The Cowboys could have a good unit, but seeing them in action against a team like Arkansas will give a better indication of whether they’ve improved.

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Linebacker

Advantage: Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have the veteran talent back after a solid year, while Arkansas is the group with potential that needs to be tested. The Razorbacks are confident in the transfer-heavy group of linebackers it assembled, plus returning sophomore Brad Spence. How they fare against Oklahoma State will be telling.

The Cowboys have a potent duo in the middle of their defense with Collin Oliver and Nick Martin. The two tied to lead the team in sacks with six last season. Martin had a team-best 16 tackles for loss, and Oliver was second with 15.5. Martin had a shocking 140 total tackles, second-most among power-conference players. Pro Football Focus ranks Oklahoma State’s linebacker corps the ninth-best in the country.

Defensive back

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Advantage: Arkansas

Arkansas’ pass defense improved dramatically last season, and many of its secondary players are back for 2024. At corner, Jaylon Braxton will look to build off a great freshman season, and Arkansas seems to feel confident in Marquise Robinson, Jaheim Singletary and Kee’yon Stewart. At safety, Jayden Johnson returns, the versatile Larry Worth will be intriguing to watch, and TJ Metcalf and Hudson Clark have been battling. Tennessee transfer Doneiko Slaughter won the starting nickel job, and the Razorbacks have some other versatile defenders who could get time there, too.

The secondary was a weakness for Oklahoma State last season. The Cowboys were last in the Big 12 in pass defense and passing plays of 10-, 20- or 30-plus yards. The Cowboys have a gifted corner in Korie Black, but the depth is uncertain. The safeties will look to improve in deep coverage, but there are some veterans back to help.

Special teams

Advantage: Arkansas

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Arkansas and Oklahoma State have similar special teams situations. Both have punters they’re confident in — Devin Bale for Arkansas and Hudson Kaak for Oklahoma State — and promising return men — Isaiah Sategna for the Razorbacks and Brennan for the Cowboys. But both also have questions about field goal kicking.

Oklahoma State will have Logan Ward at kicker. He kicked some PATs last season and handled kickoffs, but whether he will be a consistent field-goal kicker is something the Cowboys are watching. He got off to a strong start in Week 1: He went 3-for-3 with makes from 25, 42, 52 and yards out.

Arkansas has the advantage in terms of experience Abilene Christian transfer Kyle Ramsey, who made all of his PATs in Week 1 is first on the depth chart at kicker. The Oklahoma State game could include his first field goal attempt as a Razorback.



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Oklahoma

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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