Issuu

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Cheez Champs

Presley shines as OSU tops Miami in Cheez-It bowl Ryan Breeden

Stephen Dowell

The future of the wide receiver group looks bright. In the Cowboys’ 37-34 victory against Miami to cap off the 2020 season, true freshman Brennan Presley showed off his talent in a 118-yard, three-touchdown performance, helping OSU win a close one in Orlando. “Coach [Kasey] Dunn told us some of the young guys will be in the second half as a way to bring in the new year and get the young guys some reps, but if you would have told me I’d have this type of game and all that, I never would have believed it,” Presley said. The Cowboy offense got off to an incredibly fast start in the first quarter, pulling out to a 21-0 lead. The gameplan early on was to throw the ball to try and take away Miami’s athletic defensive line, and they did just that. Fourteen of the first 15 plays from scrimmage were passes, and most of them were completions. Spencer Sanders finished the first quarter with 166 passing yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to Presley, one from 30 yards out and the other from 32. “Our goal was to try to throw the ball 25 times in the first half,” coach Mike Gundy said. “Spencer did execute and play very well. The schemes that we came up with in the first half were very well designed, in my opinion.” Miami was able to close the gap to 21-10 at the half, but it suffered a big-time loss when quarterback D’Eriq King injured his right knee while scrambling and he didn’t return to the game. Going into halftime, OSU fans probably knew that Tylan Wallace had played his last snap. In a decision made by offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn, Gundy, as well as Wallace and his family, it was decided that he would sit the See Cheez on page 2

Despite an up and down offense, Cowboys defeat Hurricanes in Cheez-It Bowl

Dean Ruhl OSU was supposed to run the ball a lot tonight, right? While the Cowboys did, eventually, the game opened up with 15 consecutive pass plays, something that was able to get the OSU offense rolling, scoring a touchdown on the first three drives and stacking up 198 yards. The Cowboys built up a 21-0 lead after 15 minutes, thanks in large part to freshman Brennan Presley being the surprise of the game and scoring two touchdowns. “If you would have told me I would have had this type of game, I never would have believed it,” Presley said. But 15 minutes later, the offense had stalled, totaling just 54 yards in the second quarter, only six of which were rushing yards despite having running back L.D. Brown back for this game. A muffed punt even put the Cowboys on the Miami side of

the field in the second, but they came up empty-handed. The Hurricanes were able to take advantage of this and get back into the game, almost cutting the Cowboys lead in half before going back to the locker room. The start of the third also came with a challenge, as wide receiver Tylan Wallace sat out the remainder of the game, a decision that Gundy said was made for multiple factors, such as getting other players more playing time, and injuries to other players in this game. “(Tylan) has done plenty for us,” quarterback Spencer Sanders said. “If anybody wants to call him a quitter, you just don’t know football.” The absence of Wallace didn’t faze the Cowboys in the third quarter, with Sanders completing five passes for 44 yards and the running backs combining for 52, but OSU was only able to walk away with a field goal as its lead continued to shrink. Similar to the second quarter, the fourth quarter saw the woes return, with the Cowboys putting up a game low 70 yards of offense, but two touchdowns,

Stephen M. Dowell Oklahoma State receiver Brennan Presley (80) pulls away from Miami defender Keyshawn Washington (23) fo

as well as several big stops on the defensive side of the ball, allowed the Cowboys to walk out of Orlando with a victory. “Putting pressure on the quarterback (was key),” line-

backer Malcolm Rodriguez said. “It’s always a big accomplishment to send (the seniors) out with a win. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Wednesday, December 30, 2020

sports

Cheez... Continued from page 1

Joshua Cleary

Column: You’re a buffoon if you think Tylan Wallace is a quitter Ryan Novozinsky Based on his skills alone, one can almost instantly tell how high Tylan Wallace’s football IQ is. He, along with coach Mike Gundy, proved this once again in a premeditated decision going into Tuesday’s 37-34 win over No. 18 Miami. Gundy and Wallace decided before the game that Wallace would only play one half against the Hurricanes to prevent any injuries before the NFL.

During the game though, many on social media referred to Wallace as a “quitter” or “silly” for his decision. Anyone who suggested this clearly struggles to think coherently. Don’t believe me? Just ask Spencer Sanders what he thinks about people saying this. “If anybody wants to call him a quitter, you just don’t know football,” Sanders said. To add further tangibility to Wallace’s case, all you have to do is look across the sideline to the man in crutches: Miami quarterback D’Eriq King. Early on in the game, King, who is one of the best QBs in college football, was sidelined with an apparent leg injury.

This easily could have been Wallace, especially given his history. Let’s look at Wallace’s injury resumé: two torn ACLs, a knee injury and a brother who retired from football because of injury issues. There’s no doubt that Wallace’s football resumé trumps the injury issues, and that’s the point –– why risk it all? If this is a New Years 6 bowl or the Big 12 Championship then this might be a different story, but Wallace is months away from having his name called by Roger Goodell and going to the NFL. An injury in the Cheez-It bowl is not worth it. At all. You can argue that he should have grinded

it out for his teammates in a close game, but hasn’t he done enough? If you look at OSU’s wide receiver statistical leaders, Wallace’s name is all over them. He’s not at the top –– OSU’s had a lot of great receivers –– but he’s consistently in the top 10 or top five in most categories. Wallace could have left last season for the draft, yet he came back to grind it out one last time in a pandemic-filled season. All that considered, there should be no complaints. In fact, with all the things he’s done, I think a congratulations is in order. sports.ed@ocolly.com

sit the remainder of the game, ending his highly decorated Cowboy career. “I said, ‘I’m going to protect you. I know you’ve got a future in this game,’” Dunn said. “So that’s 100%on me as far as who played and when. I told him before the game even started, before he even left the hotel, that I wanted to see Tay in the second half and for Tylan to be prepared to sit that one out.” From that point on, Tay Martin stepped into Wallace’s Z-receiver position, and he showed a lot of promise for next season. Martin finished with 73 receiving yards, including a 35-yard reception on a late touchdown drive. “Based on testdriving Tay Martin at that Z position today, versus a really good team and good corners to see what he could do, I’m pleasantly surprised,” Dunn said. “The kid made some good plays and I think that’s a home for him.” Miami closed the gap to 21-19, then the offenses traded punches. Touchdowns were scored on four straight drives, with the Cowboys’ scores coming from Dillon Stoner and Presley. After the 12-minute offensive onslaught, OSU clung to a 37-34 lead. That’s when the defense delivered. The defense was able to stop the Miami offense twice in the final four minutes. The final desperation from Miami, a fourth-and-9, came up short when linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez made the gameclinching tackle. After that, the offense took a few knees and the game was over. “This win might be as satisfying and gratifying a win for me as any that I’ve had in my career,” Gundy said. “Just seeing the exhilaration and enjoyment on the players’ faces after the game. This was a really, really good could I have game and we beat a good football team.” sports.ed@ ocolly.com

sports

Stephen M. Dowell Oklahoma State players Tyrese Williams (60) and Samuela Tuihalamaka (35) celebrate after winning the Cheez-It Bowl college football game o

“Any time you get a bowl win, it just carries you over to the next season and I’m really happy for the guys,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “They fought hard and obviously till the last play. That was a really good team we played, really good ofOklahoma State is leaving fense and they kept us on our Orlando victorious to finish at 8-3 heels with a lot of trick plays. You on the year. know, it was just good to see our After the win, the Cowboys guys battle till the end.” met with the media one final time Malcolm Rodriguez decides post game. to return in 2021 Leaving Orlando with a win Malcolm Rodriguez could’ve The OSU season didn’t go opted to give the NFL a shot, but how people had expected it to, instead he decided to run it back but despite the ups and downs, it with the Cowboys next season in ended the year with a win. 2021. OSU had to deal with injuRodriguez was vital in the ries and tough losses all season, Cowboys’ final two stops of the but continued to overcome those game to seal the victory. Rodribumps to finish 8-3 and with a guez will provide experience to a Cheez-It Bowl victory. linebacking core that is expected

to lose Amen Ogbongbemiga. Rodriguez will get his degree while honing some aspects of his game. “I talked to my family and the biggest thing was coming back and getting my degree,” Rodriguez said. “And since I switched my major so late, supposed to finish next fall, so that was a big, important part. I still felt like I could work on some key points in my game.” Spencer Sanders improves through the season Spencer Sanders’ road to the end of this year wasn’t smooth. From injuries to turnovers, he’s had to bounce back and overcome every obstacle. He prevailed in the final game of 2020 to the tune of 27 of 40 for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Going into 2021, he’s look-

ing to continue to improve his fundamentals with the help of quarterback coach Tim Rattay. Coach Mike Gundy sees Sanders’ future and sees how he continues to improve. “He continues to improve and get better each game,” Gundy said. “Coach Rattay has done a really good job with him. Coach Dunn puts him in a good position offensively to have success. The one area that he gained big strides in this year was his composure. His composure on the field, off the field, on the sideline; if something didn’t go well, his composure was really, really good. That allows a quarterback to get better in my experience of doing this for 31 years.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

ACTIVE FAITH! (Part #2) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” (Heb.11: NIV) These Ancients of the Bible were commended for their faith. “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” (Gen.6:9 NIV) He believed God existed and God rewarded those who diligently sought him. His faith brought immediate action. (Heb.11:8) He did not put the building of the ark on a long “to do” list. It took 100 years to build. During that time he constantly spoke of the judgement that was coming. (2 Pet.2:5) This was the situation in Noah’s day. How about our day? Do we believe God exists? To so many, God is something of the past; one you give an hour or so every Sunday morning, because of tradition, but he does not truly count

for much in life. So this moves us to turn to things that have only temporary pleasure, and build our life activities around them. Noah and others mentioned in Heb. 11, were looking for something lasting, something God had promised. They realized they were strangers and pilgrims; living here for a short time. They were living for something better. (Heb.11:13-16) It is so worthwhile to read and reread the New Testament and consider what was the hope of the early Christian leaders; they passed on to all the believers. It was not centered in this present life. They were “running a race;” living a life centered in the example of Jesus himself, and in those who walked with him during his earthly life. We can do the same; live for the eternal, present ourselves to Christ, and let him use us to bear lasting fruit.

Page 4 Wednesday, December 30, 2020

sports

Report card: OSU vs. Miami Ben Hutchens Passing offense: A+ The Cheez-it Bowl MVP, Spencer Sanders, was splendid against Miami. Sanders was 27 of 40 for 305 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Sanders led the passing attack, but his right-hand man was freshman Brennan Presley. Presley caught six passes for 118 yards, but the most impressive number in his final line was his three touchdown catches. The most impressive touchdown of his already impressive touchdown total was the first score of the day when Presley jumped at the 1-yard line to make a catch and swivel around his momentum to break the plane of the goal line. The Cowboys passing attack, although it slowed down when star WR Tylan Wallace did not enter the game in the second half, won the Cowboys the Cheez-it Bowl. Rushing offense: CYikes. It was a rough day on the ground for the Cowboys. As a team, they ran for only 113 total yards and averaged only 2.6 yards per tote. The bulk of OSU’s carries from the backfield were divvied up among three players who have seen time this season. LD Brown received 12 attempts while Dezmon Jackson and Dominic Richardson each received seven. In terms of yardage, the Cowboys’ leading rusher was Sanders, who had 45 yards, which illustrates how difficult it was for the Pokes to move the ball on the ground and melt minutes off the clock in the latter stages of the game. Defense: C OSU’s defense limited the Hurricanes to exactly the number of points they averaged this season, 34. That is fitting because, although the Cowboy defense played well enough to win, it was an average performance. The Cowboys allowed 356 passing yards and 156 rushing yards, both higher numbers than

Stephen M. Dowell Miami running back Donald Chaney Jr. (2) leaps for extra yardage under OK State safety Tre Sterling (3) during the Cheez-It Bowl college football game of Miami versus Oklaho

what the OSU offense generated. The ‘Canes star quarterback, D’Eriq King, was injured midway through the second quarter and did not return, but OSU’s defense failed to capitalize. Backup QB N’Kosi Perry played well in the game, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Special teams: B Cowboy kicker, Brady Pohl, missed an extra point and a 33-yard field goal in the game, which gave OSU fans plenty of reasons to be nervous in a game that was eventually decided by three points. Although two kicks were missed, the Pokes still managed to win the special teams

battle. Miami WR Mike Harley muffed a Tom Hutton punt that the Cowboys jumped on to give them momentum. The ‘Canes also attempted a 2-point conversion in the third quarter to tie the game at 21. After it looked like the Hurricanes picked up the conversion and tied the game, the call was reversed, and the Cowboys held onto the lead. Execution of Gundy’s Cheez-It bath: B+ When the camera found Cowboys Tre Sterling and the previously mentioned Presley looking for a Gatorade cooler on the sideline with the game clock dwindling down, everyone knew

what was coming. The duo found a cooler stashed with Cheez-It crackers and ran onto the field looking in every direction for coach Mike Gundy. It was after Gundy shook hands with Miami’s Manny Diaz that the pair found their coach, and they tipped thousands of crackers on their surprised coach. It wasn’t a flawless execution of a celebratory coach-dunking, as it took a while after the game for Gundy to be showered in cheese, but because an estimated 90% of the crackers landed on Gundy and forced him to tug at his collar to get them out of his shirt, it was worthy of a letter grade that would make mom happy. sports.ed@ocolly.com

FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 30, 2020

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Help Wanted Tulsa manufacturing company looking for

Business Squares “We are seeking sponsors for the new Little Free Library Stillwater Program! #LFLStillwater For more allied.arts@ okstate.edu

extra cash? Visit become a donor today! Located on Washington Street and open everydayeven weekends!” Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy! Located on Downtown Stillwater

Business Squares

4pm-9pm you can get steak, a side of your choice, and a salad bar, all for only $10 at Freddie

of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come

Visit us for more information at http:// freddiepauls.com or give us a call at 405-377-8777. See ya there!

Shop located on

Church Meetings

Free Wi-Fi, great place to study, free bottled water and keurig coffee! Fun board games and card games only walking distance

Join us every Sunday for our live streaming services! Matins @ 8:50am and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00am.”

Coffee House at 519 W. 3rd Ave is open

Join the

Come see us on campus corner and

Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”

Furniture Showcase is Furniture & Mattress Store! Located in Downtown Stillwater, we can help you design any room. Visit http://Stillwater FurnitureShowcase.com to see more!

UKirk university group at First Presbyterian Church meets every week! Join us for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.! For more information or for Zoom access, visit us at stillwaterfpc.com

Promote your business here. Business Squares are a great way to get your business noticed. Call Lori at 744-7355 or email lori@ocolly.com

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 Invents, as a word 6 Laugh-a-minute sort 10 Lucas of “Raising Hope” 14 Bandleader’s exhortation 15 Egyptian life symbol 16 Pest on a pooch 17 Red-tide contents 18 Academy attended by James T. Kirk 20 Shape, as clay 22 Mayberry lad 23 Org. in much recent news 24 Artist with a record 32 American Music Awards 26 “We’ll let you know,” on skeds 27 18-Across jr. officer 28 Threaded fastener 29 Claw into 31 Fire truck alert 33 Tourette syndrome symptoms 34 Deeply hurt 39 Brooklyn Coll. is part of it 40 Double duty? 41 Convent leader 44 Shoelace, e.g. 45 NBA’s Heat, on scoreboards 48 Inouye Airport arrival gift 49 Inviolable, as a rule 53 Investment inits. 54 Common ointment ingredient 55 Hall of Fame knuckleballer Phil 56 With immediacy, or a hint to the four other longest puzzle answers 59 Step 60 Worked in a garden 61 “Because You Loved Me” singer 62 Battle zone journalist 63 Criteria: Abbr. 64 Racy message

12/30/20

By Hoang-Kim Vu

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

65 Rotary phone features DOWN 1 Unsullied 2 Prop for the Tin Man 3 Men working on a network, informally 4 One Direction’s “cute one” __ Horan 5 “C’mon, we’re in a hurry!” 6 Late-summer orientation mtg. holders 7 Like many trailers 8 Giraffe relative 9 Frugality 10 Patriots’ org. 11 Exciting, as an atmosphere 12 Survey info 13 Big shots with big balances 19 Honor in a big way 21 Town near Provincetown 25 Editorial “let it stand” 30 Feuding 31 Eyelid ailment

32 Smart students’ org. 34 Two, to eight, e.g. 35 Impartial 36 Sundance’s sweetie 37 “Glee” cheerleader 38 Not yet corrected for publication 39 Islamic leaders 42 1979 exile 43 Soup followers

12/30/20

45 Folk singer Miriam known as “Mama Africa” 46 Gal Gadot’s birthplace 47 Disagreeing 50 Riveting icon 51 Rehab program 52 1938 Physics Nobelist 57 Six-pt. scores 58 Tolkien’s Treebeard, e.g.

Daily Horoscope Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)

Level 1

Consistent action gets lucrative results. Enjoy creative projects. Organize

Stand outside a controversy. Favor private over public participation. Na-

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle -

to advance. -

12/30/20 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk