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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

PSO shares safety, preparedness tips for Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness Week

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March 5, 2026

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PSO shares safety, preparedness tips for Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness Week


As Oklahoma Severe Weather Awareness Week continues, Public Service Company of Oklahoma is urging customers to take steps now to stay safe and prepared as the threat of spring storms returns.

In a news release dated March 5, 2026, PSO said it is monitoring the potential for severe weather across its service area this week.

The company said severe thunderstorms, large hail, high winds and isolated tornadoes could cause power outages.

PSO said crews are ready to restore power “safely and quickly” if outages occur.

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The utility encouraged customers to review storm preparedness tips, including what to do if the lights go out; download the company’s mobile app to stay connected and report outages; sign up for outage alerts and email updates; and review power line safety.

“We’re always monitoring weather conditions and preparing our system to handle whatever Oklahoma’s spring might bring,” said Dwayne Apple, PSO vice president of distribution operations. “Now is a great time to review your emergency plans, check your supplies, and make sure your loved ones and neighbors are ready too.”

PSO said it prepares for severe weather year-round by trimming trees near power lines, upgrading equipment and installing smart technology intended to help reduce outages and improve response times.

The company also said it recently held a comprehensive storm drill to prepare employees for the unique challenges of Oklahoma’s weather.

PSO said the exercise included real-time response activities such as weather forecasting, resource management and restoration planning, aimed at ensuring the company can respond safely and quickly when storms strike.

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Oklahoma audit says OTA operated unchecked for decades; lawmakers seek reforms

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19 hours ago

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March 5, 2026

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Oklahoma audit says OTA operated unchecked for decades; lawmakers seek reforms


Oklahoma City, Oklah. — A new investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is fueling renewed calls at the state Capitol for lawmakers to rein in an agency the state auditor says has operated “unrestrained and unchecked” for nearly 80 years.

The state auditor and inspector said the problems highlighted in the audit can only be solved by amending legislation.

Among the issues cited: “handpicked contractors naming their own prices,” according to the report’s findings.

The reaction is also coming from Pike Off OTA President Amy Cerato, who said she is filing two lawsuits against the OTA over the Southern Extension project, which she said would level more than 70 homes. “The Legislature has no excuse not to bring this up in session,” Cerato said.

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Cerato said the larger issue is a lack of accountability in state law. “My problem is that we don’t have a state law to hold anybody accountable so they could say too bad too sad and keep going on for the next 70 years,” she said.

The state auditor said it is up to the Legislature to make changes.

State Sen. Mary Boren, a Democrat representing District 16, said she is willing to “continue to empower Oklahomans to hold their government accountable.”

Boren also warned about the potential cost to drivers if the agency remains unchecked. “The way it could be going, people could be paying $200 bucks a month to get to work on a toll road,” Boren said.

State Sen. Shane Jett, a Republican representing District 17, said the audit reflects a broader issue in state government. “There is a rampant problem of state agencies that have more sway and more influence on the legislative process than the taxpayers who are footing the bill,” Jett said.

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Boren and Jett both voted yes on a bill authored by Lisa Standridge that would eliminate the transfer of property to a state agency taken by eminent domain.

Still, the lawmakers said change will not begin until some candidates serving on committees are voted out.

Jett urged people to run for office, pointing to upcoming filing dates. “If you are sick and tired of people representing state agencies or industries instead of taxpayers, well the filing deadline is April 1, 2, and 3. Run for office,” Jett said.

Boren echoed concerns about whose interests are being represented. “We have people that are there to stick up for Oklahomans, and we have people that are there to stick up for the people making a lot of money off of Oklahomans,” she said.

The state auditor said the audit took so long because of a backlog of investigative audits with 25% fewer employees.

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The audit covers the last four years out of the last 79.

The OTA released a statement after the audit findings were revealed Wednesday.

“The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority would like to thank the State Auditor and Inspector’s office for their in-depth, extensive work on this first-of-its-kind investigative audit of the Authority. During the past three years, the auditor’s office has been inquisitive and intentional, learning as much about the OTA as possible to allow them to complete this investigative audit. While OTA has an annual financial audit conducted by an independent, nationally recognized firm, we were glad to collaborate with the State Auditor’s office for its examination of whether OTA complies with state law. OTA is pleased to have this independent confirmation that the agency follows all state statutes and there is no evidence of non-compliance with Oklahoma law. OTA will review the audit in more detail, and it is committed to considering how and where we can strengthen our policies and improve the documentation of our procedures and internal controls.”

ADDRESSING ENGINEERING CONTRACT SELECTION

“Even with the breadth and scale of construction programs like ACCESS Oklahoma, which is the largest reinvestment and expansion project in OTA’s history, we have been deliberate about keeping OTA staffing levels relatively flat. Instead, the Authority uses professional services contracts to procure engineering and construction management services through one of two lawful solicitation methods as allowed by Oklahoma Title 69-1708.2. OTA may use a project-specific solicitation focused on that individual project. OTA also may use an on-demand solicitation for specific types of professional services. This lawful and intentional administrative choice helps OTA keep construction costs at a minimum, manage changing project details, staffing capacity, and timing while still relying on a competitive, qualifications-based selection process. The method selected depends on project maturity, scope, and operational efficiency. It’s important to note that these contractors are selected by an internal review committee. This committee does not include the executive director, which was mistakenly stated Wednesday and incorrectly reflected in the audit report. As a matter of policy, that does not happen. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all work approved by OTA staff has been completed on time and on budget and to the highest standards of safety. We remain focused and committed on safely operating and maintaining Oklahoma’s turnpike system while responsibly managing infrastructure investments.”

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The Spring adds immersive walkthrough to annual Encounter Hope gala in Sand Springs, Oklahoma

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1 day ago

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March 4, 2026

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The Spring adds immersive walkthrough to annual Encounter Hope gala in Sand Springs, Oklahoma


TULSA, OKLA. (KTUL) — A Tulsa-based nonprofit is adding an immersive, walkthrough experience to its annual fundraising gala, aiming to give attendees a closer look at what survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking face — and how support services can help.

The Spring, which provides services to people impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking, will feature the walkthrough as part of Encounter Hope, its annual gala set for April 9 at the Arvest Convention Center.

The experience is designed to guide guests through the story of an abuse survivor across four stages of interaction with The Spring: the inciting incident, the crisis call, time at the emergency crisis shelter, and moving into safety.

“The idea is really to put you in the shoes of the people that we serve every day,” Allison Wells,

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The Spring’s events and environments coordinator, said. “It’s easy to throw out stats about violence and trafficking in Oklahoma, throw out our service numbers each year, but these are really peoples’ lives. We want to put our attendees in the mindset of one person, one story. What would you do if you were facing this?”

After the walkthrough, attendees will have the opportunity to assemble move-in kits for The Spring’s shelter guests and write personal notes of encouragement.

The program portion of the evening will include a panel discussion hosted by Karen Larsen, an Emmy Award-winning journalist who anchored Tulsa’s Channel 2 for almost 30 years.

“Tulsa is an incredibly charitable city, and we know that these kinds of gala events aren’t rare here,” Leslie Clingenpeel, The Spring’s CEO, said. “Our goal is to go beyond the model of these fundraising-only type events. More than anything, we want people to understand what we do, to know that we’re here, to know what our frontline advocates are doing every single day. Domestic violence and trafficking are hard to look away from once you’re aware of them. We want to build that awareness to the people of this city.”

Individual tickets and table packages are available for purchase.

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Attendees are encouraged to register before April 1 because space is limited.

More details and purchasing information are available at www.thespringok.org/encounterhope.

The Spring is a Tulsa-based nonprofit offering services to those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.

The organization provides emergency crisis shelter, transitional living, and non-residential services.

More information is available at www.thespringok.org.

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