Oklahoma

Oklahoma Baseball: Sooners Ready for Super Regionals Slugfest With Virginia Tech

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2022

Oklahoma Baseball: Sooners Ready for Super Regionals Slugfest With Virginia Tech

Two wins away from Omaha.

That’s the place Oklahoma (40-21) stands heading into this weekend’s Tremendous Regionals date with the No. 4 Virginia Tech Hokies (44-12) in Blacksburg, VA.

However, whereas this run has been actually memorable, the Sooners are nowhere close to glad simply but.

“I feel all the pieces is beginning to click on proper now,” shortstop Peyton Graham stated this week. “That’s why we’re sizzling, I assume you may say. However I imply, this crew, it’s unbelievable what we’ve carried out up to now and hopefully we are able to proceed being good.”

Oklahoma, who was picked simply sixth within the Large 12 preseason ballot, is one in every of simply 16 groups remaining within the chase for a nationwide title.

Only a few anticipated the Sooners to be standing two wins away from the Faculty World Collection, however that’s greater than effective for a membership that has used doubt as gasoline all season lengthy.

“We’ve type of been doubted the entire season,” left fielder Kendall Pettis stated. “We had been alleged to be picked behind Kansas State and quite a lot of groups within the Large 12. No person anticipated us to be right here. So we’ve at all times had that chip on our shoulder.”

After a number of weeks of offensive play that will stack up proper with another crew within the nation, the OU pitching workers has discovered its stride on the proper time as properly.

David Sandlin

Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK

Now, the 2 sides feed off of each other with an offense that is aware of it’s pitchers will throw zeroes on the scoreboard and a gaggle of arms that know they are going to get run assist – making a deadly mixture for the Sooners shifting ahead.

“Yeah I feel that is (pitching success) the most important factor,” head coach Skip Johnson stated. “I feel quite a lot of it’s our offense, too. As a result of they (pitchers) do not should exit and fear about being excellent. They will exit and simply make pitches. We discuss taking it one pitch at a time, on a regular basis. They usually get higher each week. That is been the most important secret is simply making an attempt to get higher each week. Day in and day trip as a result of baseball is usually a merciless sport at occasions. What you need to do is attempt to get higher at it and keep your confidence.”

“Oh it’s unbelievable,” Graham stated concerning the pitching as of late. “They stand up a zero and we come again within the dugout and get slightly momentum on our aspect. After which begin free swinging.”

Proper on the middle of Oklahoma’s success have been three freshmen seemingly unbothered by the second or strain of postseason baseball.

Second baseman Jackson Nicklaus, third baseman Wallace Clark and proper fielder John Spikerman have all change into mainstays within the OU lineup regardless of nonetheless being within the midst of their first collegiate seasons.

“I feel that is the factor the place we discuss rising as a crew and people guys rising up in a sport the place you take a look at (Jackson) Nicklaus, and also you take a look at (Wallace) Clark, and also you take a look at (John) Spikerman and what they’ve carried out … it is actually particular,” Johnson stated. “They’re actually sophomores now. They’ve performed sufficient video games now by means of the autumn and within the spring. They perceive what we are attempting to undergo. (Jackson) had a tricky week. Then he will get an enormous hit that finally ends up being the sport winner. Rolls over a ball within the 4 gap. He is had an amazing yr. Wallace Clark is like possibly one of many unsung heroes. It actually helped us getting Cade (Horton) placing him on the mound. Actually getting him to give attention to pitching and Cade has gotten higher each week. I am actually pleased with what he is carried out and the work he is put in.”

Regardless of understanding of the bullpen closing out Monday night time’s regional last in opposition to Florida, the expectation is for left-hander Jake Bennett to nonetheless take the mound in Friday’s opener in opposition to Virginia Tech.

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The right way to Watch:

Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech: Friday, 2:00 p.m., ESPN2
Oklahoma vs Virginia Tech: Saturday, 11:00 a.m., ESPNU
Oklahoma vs Virginia Tech: Sunday, TBA (If-Crucial)

Bennett, who has been the OU ace from starting to finish in 2022, shall be seeking to construct on one other rock strong weekend in Gainesville.

“It is similar to a bullpen for him,” Johnson stated about Bennett pitching in Monday night time’s sport. “If we’re having a brief week like he did at (Texas) Tech his bullpen could be on Monday. In his bullpen we throw 35-40 pitches and he threw 28 (on Monday). It is slightly extra depth most likely so I ask him … he is not sore (however) we’ll see what occurs. Proper now we’re sticking with it and if one thing adjustments it adjustments. We’re not likely naming a beginning pitcher but so I feel that is the most important factor.”

The Sooners will definitely want all arms on deck this week as they flip their consideration to a Hokies crew that has put collectively a particular season of their very own.

Virginia Tech has confirmed to be one of many actually elite offensive groups within the nation, batting .313 as an entire – ok for ninth-best in all of school baseball.

“They’re (Virginia Tech) actually offensive,” Johnson stated. “They have been within the top-10 the final month, month and a half however I do know they’re actually good at what they do. Effectively coached and it will be a great take a look at for us.”

Along with dealing with an clearly proficient Hokies squad, the Sooners may even be entering into yet one more hostile setting in Blacksburg.

However, after a weekend in Gainesville with rowdy Gators followers, Oklahoma seems like they’re prepared for the problem as soon as once more.

“That provides us quite a lot of confidence,” Pettis stated concerning the Florida wins. “However we nonetheless have that chip on our shoulder. We at all times see stuff on social media that we’re nonetheless the underdog. However we wish that. We don’t need anybody to bandwagon us. We’re making an attempt to be the fellows that individuals are doubting on. So, we like that. That’s what provides us confidence and power.”

BB - Kendall Pettis — Kendall Pettis
Cyndi Chambers / USA TODAY NETWORK

“We actually take pleasure in going into these sort of conditions and listening to these followers discuss loopy. We like that, that offers us power. So with the ability to shut these guys up and exit and dominate is simply what we dwell for.”

“I feed off of the trash discuss,” Graham stated. “It means you’re good once they’re (opposing followers) speaking trash. I take it as a praise and simply roll with it.”

Johnson stated that “everyone” is wholesome going into the weekend for the Sooners, with the gamers realizing they’ll must dig deep for one more high-pressure weekend of baseball.

Whereas the belief is the weekend rotation will keep the identical because it has been with Bennett on Friday adopted by David Sandlin on Saturday and Cade Horton on Sunday, Johnson didn’t rule out utilizing Horton earlier within the collection if the scenario referred to as for it.

“It simply will depend on what the sport exhibits you and tells you what to do,” Johnson stated. “He’s (Horton) thrown within the again finish for us, he’s began for us. So, no matter we are able to do to attempt to win the baseball sport, we’re going to do it.”

First pitch of Sport 1 of the best-of-three Tremendous Regionals collection between Oklahoma and No. 4 Virginia Tech is about for two p.m. CT at English Discipline at Atlantic Union Financial institution Park in Blacksburg and shall be broadcast on ESPN2.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

Published

3 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

College football bowl season continues Friday as the Oklahoma Sooners square off against the Navy Midshipmen in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

The Sooners are seeking a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging first season in the SEC, while Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables tries to avoid a second consecutive seven-loss season. Moving forward, the Sooners will turn to true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. to lead the offense at quarterback after starter Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal and subsequently committed to Auburn. This season, Hawkins Jr. made five appearances for the Sooners, achieving a 62.3% completion rate, while throwing for 536 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. On the ground, he recorded 143 rushing yards and one touchdown.

On the other hand, the Midshipmen head into the Fort Worth, Texas, on a high note after defeating arch rival Army 31-13, finishing the regular season with a record of 9-3 and placing third in the American Athletic Conference. Navy is led by quarterback Blake Horvath, who has returned from a thumb injury. Horvath completed 57.5% of his passes for 1,261 yards, along with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. On the ground, Horvath recorded an impressive 1,099 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

Follow along for scores and highlights from the Armed Forces Bowl as Oklahoma takes on Navy:

When is the Armed Forces Bowl between Oklahoma and Navy?

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen kicks off at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

How to watch Oklahoma and Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl

The Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Oklahoma take on Navy with a Fubo subscription

Oklahoma vs. Navy: Armed Forces Bowl odds

The Oklahoma Sooners are favorites to defeat the Navy Midshipmen, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Dec. 27

Spread: Oklahoma (-1.5)
Moneyline: Oklahoma (-120); Navy (+120)
Over/under: 43.5

USA TODAY: Writers split on winner

Scooby Axson: Navy
Jordan Mendoza: Navy
Paul Myerberg: Oklahoma
Erick Smith: Oklahoma
Eddie Timanus: Navy
Dan Wolken: Oklahoma

ESPN: Navy 24, Oklahoma 20

Adam Rittenberg writes: “The Sooners return to a Big 12 stadium seeking a better result than their last appearance in Fort Worth, a 55-24 loss to TCU in 2022. They take on a Navy team capable of piling up points with a new offense coordinated by Drew Cronic and featuring dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath. But Navy’s offensive mojo slowed in the second half of the season, and Oklahoma will need to lean on its own stout defense after quarterback Jackson Arnold and others are headed to the portal. Sooners coach Brent Venables is trying to avoid his second 6-7 season in three years, ahead of a pivotal 2025 campaign. Oklahoma’s defensive opt-outs are worth watching, and there are more guarantees on the Navy side.”

Docs Sports: Take Navy

Staff writes: “The Midshipmen have earned 4,131 total yards for the year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, Navy has amassed 13 touchdowns through the air and 33 touchdowns via the ground. Navy has accumulated 195 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 57 penalties for 475 yds. As a team they have an average of 247.4 yards via the ground game ranking them 8th in the nation. Concerning scoring points, the Navy Midshipmen are averaging 32.3 points per outing.”

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

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Oklahoma

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Published

11 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Oklahoma football has one more shot to close out its 2024 season on a high note.

The Sooners (6-6) take on Navy (9-3) in the Armed Forces Bowl at 11 a.m. CT Friday in Amon G. Carter Stadium, located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas, with a chance to finish 2024 with a winning record. Oklahoma earned a clutch upset victory over Alabama on Nov. 23 to become bowl-eligible and keep alive the second-longest bowl streak in the nation.

The last time the Sooners played, LSU defeated them 37-17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The team will look to bounce back and close out coach Brent Venables’ third year with a winning record. He has a 22-16 record with Oklahoma.

Watch Armed Forces Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

Navy defeated Army 31-13 to earn the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on Dec. 14, having defeated Air Force earlier in the season. The Midshipmen are seeking their first 10-win season since 2019. Navy is 1-0 all-time vs. Oklahoma, earning a 10-0 win on Oct. 2, 1965, in Norman.

Here’s how to watch the Oklahoma vs. Navy game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Oklahoma vs Navy on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The Sooners will take on the Midshipmen on ESPN. Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst) will be on the bowl matchup broadcast.

The game can also be streamed on the ESPN app (with a cable login) or Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers select users a free trial.

Oklahoma vs Navy time today

Date: Friday, Dec. 27
Start time: 11 a.m. CT

Oklahoma and Navy will play at 11 a.m. CT at Amon G. Carter Stadium, located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas.

Oklahoma vs Navy predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Dec. 26

ODDS: Oklahoma (-3)
O/U: 43.5
Moneyline: Oklahoma (-155) | Navy (+130)

Prediction: Oklahoma 24, Navy 20

Oklahoma football schedule 2024

Friday, Aug. 30: vs. Temple (W, 51-3)
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Houston (W, 16-12)
Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. Tulane (W, 34-19)
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. No. 6 Tennessee* (L, 25-15)
Saturday, Sept. 28: at Auburn* (W, 27-21)
Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 1 Texas* (L, 34-3)
Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. South Carolina* (L, 35-9)
Saturday, Oct. 26: at No. 18 Ole Miss* (L, 26-14)
Saturday, Nov. 2: vs. Maine (W, 59-14)
Saturday, Nov. 9: at No 24 Missouri* (L, 30-23)
Saturday, Nov. 16: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Alabama* (W, 24-3)
Saturday, Nov. 30: at LSU* (L, 37-17)
Friday, Dec. 27: vs. Navy (Armed Forces Bowl)
Record: 11-2, 2-6 SEC

* Denotes SEC game

Navy football 2024 schedule

Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Bucknell (W, 49-21)
Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Temple* (W, 38-11)
Saturday, Sept. 14: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. No. 23 Memphis* (W, 56-44)
Saturday, Sept. 28: at UAB* (W, 41-18)
Saturday, Oct. 5: at Air Force (W, 34-7)
Saturday, Oct. 12: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. Charlotte* (W, 51-17)
Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. No. 11 Notre Dame (L, 51-14)
Saturday, Nov. 2: at Rice* (L, 24-10)
Saturday, Nov. 9: at South Florida* (W, 28-7)
Saturday, Nov. 16: vs. Tulane* (L, 35-0)
Saturday, Nov. 23: BYE
Friday, Nov. 29: at East Carolina* (W, 34-20)
Saturday, Dec. 14: vs. No. 18 Army (W, 31-13)
Friday, Dec. 27: vs. Oklahoma (Armed Forces Bowl)
Record: 9-3, 6-2 AAC

* Denotes AAC game

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma State’s Star WR Might be Most Difficult to Replace

Published

19 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Oklahoma State’s Star WR Might be Most Difficult to Replace

Oklahoma State has plenty of talent to replace next season, but no one will be more difficult to replace than its star receiver.

Over the past few years, no one has embodied the OSU program better than Brennan Presley. Since he stepped on the field for the first time in 2020, he has been a symbol of consistency for the Pokes.

Although he has played significant roles on a couple of OSU teams that made the Big 12 Championship, he had no issues staying focused throughout the three-win campaign in 2024. In a season where it was easy to find the negatives in just about everything the Cowboys did, Presley remained a bright spot. Entering the season on the Biletnikoff watch list, Presley finished his final collegiate season with 90 catches for 767 yards and seven touchdowns.

The reason Presley will be so difficult to replace is not only because of his impressive numbers each season but also because of how consistent he has been at putting those numbers up.

His consistency led to him breaking the Cowboys’ all-time receptions record in 2024, becoming the first player to cross the 300-catch mark in an OSU uniform by ending his career with 315.

Without Presley out there to be a reliable target next season, there will be some growing pains for whoever suits up under center. Along with always being available for a pass, Presley could be used in a variety of ways.

While it wasn’t his best ability, Presley was also occasionally used as a rusher throughout his career. He ended his OSU tenure with 30 rush attempts for 160 yards and six touchdowns, with most of his carries used as a wrinkle near the goal line.

Of course, the five-year Cowboy was well-known for his ability to return on special teams. His most notable was a kickoff return touchdown in Bedlam in 2021, and 1,667 kick and punt return yards helped him break 5,000 career all-purpose yards.

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