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Oklahoma’s Offensive Line Issues Won’t Magically Disappear With Coordinator Change

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Oklahoma’s Offensive Line Issues Won’t Magically Disappear With Coordinator Change


NORMAN — Oklahoma quarterbacks have spent most of the 2024 season under siege. 

The Sooners rank 132nd out of 133 FBS programs in sacks allowed after surrendering nine sacks to South Carolina in last week’s 35-9 debacle. 

This week could get ugly again. 

OU (4-3, 1-3 SEC) is preparing to take on No. 18 Mississippi (5-2, 1-2), who is tied for seventh in sacks per game. 

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The offensive coordinator change this week may have brought new energy to the practice field, but it will do little to help a group that has allowed Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins Jr. to get sacked 29 times through seven games. 

“If you watch film, it’s here or there,” center Troy Everett said on Tuesday. “It’s one play or one thing. It’s like ‘that’ much. It’s nothing major like guys going the wrong way or anything. Little technique, details. We have to do our job.”

Those issues, one bust here or there, have persisted all season. 

First, Oklahoma’s offensive line needed to get healthy. 

Then as Branson Hickman, Everett and Jake Taylor returned to the lineup, Bill Bedenbaugh was forced to tinker with his unit because it offered little more resistance than a revolving door. 

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The names involved won’t change this week, meaning the offensive line will continue to look within to try and take a leap forward in Oxford (11:00 a.m., ESPN). 

“You don’t reinvent the wheel in a week’s period of time,” Venables said on Tuesday. “You just get better at the basics, and we’ve got to get a lot better. That’s where the focus is, is make an improvement and put guys in a position to help them have some success, too.”

The Sooners were forced to dip into the portal to fill multiple spots this last offseason. 

Those returns have been poor. 

Right guard Febechi Nwaiwu, who has played the most snaps for Oklahoma’s offense this season, has struggled to make the jump from North Texas to the SEC.

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Michigan State transfer Spencer Brown has been used sparingly at right tackle after looking lost against Temple, one of the worst teams in the country, in Week 1. 

USC transfer tackle Michael Tarquin was a steady presence, until Bedenbaugh randomly yanked him against Texas after one bad rep. 

“In a perfect world, you have high school guys that you develop on that side of the ball, that group, the best performing groups typically are ones that have spent a lot of time together,” Venables said. “And if you went back and looked at all the guys that we’ve had over the last several years there, we’ve had a lot of turnover.”

Venables hasn’t started a season with the same pair of right tackles yet at Oklahoma as Bedenbaugh has produced draft picks, but the talent behind the Anton Harrison, Tyler Guyton and Walter Rouse was unable to develop over the past few years. 

“Ideally, you have that position built up of foundation of high school guys that have been in the program and have developed over the course of time,” Venables said. “We’ve probably missed on some guys. Several years ago, we didn’t have this amazing group of backups that were ready when guys left. You want to build that, if you’re building that appropriately. So everything matters when you’re building that.”

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At some point this year, the Sooners will have to make a decision — persist with the veterans who have proven they can’t compete in the SEC or turn the page and start to hand reps to younger guys.

Eddy Pierre-Louis and Eugene Brooks could be candidates for increased playing time as the season winds down, but tossing that duo into the fire might not be in the cards this weekend. 

First, an uptick in action on the road against an excellent defensive line could be a bad recipe to build confidence early in a career. 

Second, there are redshirt considerations for a talented freshman like Pierre-Louis. 

Pierre-Louis saw action against Temple, meaning he can only appear in three more regular season games and maintain his redshirt. Venables said on Wednesday the coaching staff has yet to settle on what they want to do with Pierre-Louis’ redshirt this year, meaning OU may have to be selective about which of the remaining five regular season games he enters. 

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“Eddy has done a lot of great things. Unfortunately for Eddy, he didn’t get here until the summer,” Venables said. “There’s just so much to learn. It’s one of the positions on any football to transition straight out of high school. It takes a special guy… Eddy has gotten better as the season has gone on. We’ve gone back and forth about using that redshirt. 

“… We’re really excited. He’s been running with the 2s, gotten a ton of valuable reps in practice. Expeditiously you see him getting better as the season has gone on. More confident, more aggressive, physical. It’s been noticeable for coaches on both sides of the ball in the last two weeks where you’ve seen the light has really go off for him.”

All that means is it’s likely OU will roll out the same unit that has struggled mightily in 2024, and Bedenbaugh will continue to play musical chairs up front until the Sooners find a combination that can protect the quarterback — even if it sacrifices continuity by playing multiple lineups each game. 

“A lot of people see that like it’s hard to gel with one group, but we are a very close team in there,” Everett said. “It’s not any different. It doesn’t feel like it ever changes. When we go out there, I’m confident with everyone that comes out there for the offensive line. I have confidence in all of them.”



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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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