Monday, December 7, 2020
Fort Worth Failure Season of dissapointment continues after loss to TCU
Chris Becker On Saturday, TCU handed Oklahoma State its third loss of the season, which eliminated the Cowboys from the Big 12 Championship conversation. The Cowboys had chances to win, but could not capitalize on offense after the defense caused five turnovers. The disappointments didn’t stop there. Tylan Wallace missed the entire fourth quarter with a knee issue, which gutted the passing game of the Cowboys. Wallace had seven catches prior to exiting the game. The next closest receiver was Dillon Stoner, who had three. “My guess is Tylan’s not out there and it takes away — the safeties can load the box then,” offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said. “We took some shots down the field. At the end of the day the shots down the field
were the difference. We hit ours, we win. They hit theirs, they win. We just didn’t hit enough chunk plays like they did.” After averaging over five yards per carry in the first half, Dezmon Jackson ended the game averaging only 4.1 yards per carry. He ran the ball 29 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown in his second start. “I think they adjusted well on TCU’s defense, by loading the box, so they made it pretty difficult for us to run the ball how we wanted,” Jackson said. “Those guys, I really give credit to them, they had a nice defense and they gave us real trouble in the second half.” The Cowboys’ goal all season had been to make it Arlington for the Big 12 Championship game. With the loss, that goal is no longer an option, but the Cowboys still have to play next week in Waco, Texas, against Baylor to finish off the season. “We just got to come in every week and keep pushing forward,” linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez said. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Cade Cunningham steps up again, leads Cowboys to victory over Oakland half.
Dean Ruhl
Sharon Ellman TCU vs Oklahoma State football at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas on December 5, 2020. (Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Welcome to the latest episode of “The Cade Cunningham Show.” Like he has done already several times this season, Cade Cunningham decides when he wants to take over, and on the basketball court, what Cunningham wants, Cunningham receives. With 4:31 left in the second half, an errant Oakland pass at the edge of the midcourt logo quickly found it’s way into the hands of Cunningham, whose long strides found him all alone, allowing him to cock back his arm and windmill the ball into the basket with authority. The slam highlighted an 18-point performance by Cunningham and all but sealed the victory for the Cowboys, who held on to defeat the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 84-71 in Saturday night’s contest at Gallagher-IBA Arena. With the win, the Cowboys improve its record to 4-0, and the Golden Grizzlies fall to 0-6. “I knew it was about that time to get aggressive,” Cunningham said. “Once that time came I just had to attack.” Despite the double-digit win, the Cowboys got off to a sluggish start against the Golden Grizzlies in the first half, trailing for almost 15 minutes and only regaining the lead with under a minute left before half. Cunningham remained quiet during the first, scoring only six points, but Isaac Likekele was able to make a home for himself in the paint during the first half, scoring all 12 of his points below the basket, leading the team at the
“That’s the key to beating zones,” Likekele said. “You want to get it inside. That’s what it’s about getting paint touches.” The Golden Grizzlies were able to keep pace with the Cowboys thanks in large part to junior Rashad Williams, who shot 4-11 from three and led his team with 12 points at the half. Williams was even more dominant in the second half, dropping six more 3-point shots to finish the night with 10, a Gallagher-Iba record for a visiting team. He ended the evening with 32 points and three rebounds. “(Williams) gave me one 3-pointer in the corner while I was all over him,” Likekele said. “That goal was just looking 5-feet wide to him.” The second half started just how the first ended, with both teams trading buckets, and while Oakland had several chances to build up a lead on the free-throw line, they continued to miss, ending the night shooting 46% from the charity stripe. At this point, Cunningham decided it was time. Along with leading the team in points, Cunningham also filled the role of distributor tonight, finishing the night with eight assists, the most he’s had this season. His most impressive assist came in the form of an alleyoop to Kalib Boone with seven minutes left that several as the momentum changer and helped Oklahoma State start to pull away from a game that had been close to that point. “His greatest strength is he elevates the level of play with the guys with him,” coach Mike Boynton said. “He’s just got to fine tune some things on the defensive end, and that will take him to a whole different level for our team.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
Page 2 Monday, December 7, 2020
sports
By the numbers OSU vs. Alabama Adam Engel Oklahoma State dropped its first game of the season to Alabama 76-72. Here are several numbers to take away from Saturday’s ballgame. 18-19: Alabama’s free throw conversion rate. OSU made just 3-of-8 attempted free throws. 4: Alabama players who made all their attempted free throws. 18: Assists recorded by the Cowgirls. 3: Blocks by OSU’s Natasha Mack. 38: OSU points in the paint. 7: Assists recorded by OSU’s Ja’Mee Asberry. sports.ed@ocolly.com Lauren Fields attacks the basket during Oklahoma State Women's Basketball's victory over Southern on December 2, 2020.
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sports
Notebook OSU looks to push forward despite Big 12 championship hopes gone
Ryan Novozinsky
What’s in a turnover? After forcing five turnovers including four forced fumbles, the OSU defense put a valiant effort in trying to keep this game close. But what goes into perfecting the art of stripping the football away? According to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, it starts with the teaching process. “We do a little circuit every Tuesday and we’ve been doing that for the past year at least. If not year and a half,” Knowles said. “So we go over and review the techniques of actually how to do it at a slower pace to show them how to do it.” Knowles also said that confidence plays a key role in it too. While coaches can teach all day in practice and film, getting on the field offers an invaluable experience to gain confidence. “I think what happens is you get one, two and you start to gain a lot of confidence,” Knowles said. “It’s a confidence thing and that feeds on itself. You do the work, the due diligence to prepare and teach then when you get one, two, things start to roll and guys have more confidence in executing it and going for it.”
The peaks and valleys continue for Oklahoma State. After starting the season as the No. 15 team in the country and climbing up to No. 6 at one point, the Cowboys have now lost their third game of the season and second in the last three weeks. This loss also packs an extra punch considering it eliminates OSU from contending in the Big 12 Championship –– one of the team’s main goals at the beginning of the season. This fact switched some of the player’s mindsets from aiming to achieve that goal to powering through this week’s adversity. “It’s never fun, losing,” said OSU defensive end Brock Martin. “We had the goal of winning the Big 12 championship and all that stuff but sometimes your goals fall out of reach and you’ve got to keep working.” OSU linebacker Malcolm echoed Martin’s thoughts. “We just got to come in every week and just keep pushing forward,” Rodriguez sports.ed@ocolly.com said.
Gregg Ellman TCU vs OSU at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas onDecember 5, 2020. (Photo by Gregg Ellman
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 Monday, December 7, 2020
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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 __-ran: loser 5 Hop-jump connection 9 Crossing the keel 14 Casual greetings 15 Give the job to 16 Full of sediment 17 *The City, to New Yorkers (1979) 19 Unisex designer fragrance 20 Fugitive 21 *Surprise hit (1973) 23 On __ way: sent 24 52-Acrosses, often 25 “Help me out, buddy” 29 Like paper clips 31 Wedding site 32 Roof edge 33 Bridal party’s platform 37 What the answers to starred clues are (their creator turned 85 this month) 40 Gloss targets 41 Los Angeles NFLers 42 Knight’s “shining” protection 43 Depend (on) 44 T-bones, e.g. 45 Mental sharpness 49 Speedometer abbr. 50 *Cream pie fruit (1971) 52 Local traveler’s aid 57 Come up 58 *Concerns of some decorators (1978) 60 One of two in “George” 61 Costa __ 62 Spreadsheet contents 63 “Family Ties” mother 64 How many TV shows air 65 Editor’s “Leave it in” DOWN 1 Sighed words 2 Pastures 3 Match, as sound and video
12/7/20
By Matt McKinley
4 Workplace standards org. 5 “Fiddler on the Roof” village 6 Windy day toys 7 Nest egg letters 8 Ink holders 9 Journey up the mountain 10 Workout equipment with pedals 11 Wed in Vegas, perhaps 12 Where many tennis winners are hit 13 Austin Powers portrayer Mike 18 Collection of beehives 22 Tablecloth material 25 Chastise, with “out” 26 “The Time Machine” post-humans 27 Perched on 28 Knee protectors 29 Mild, as weather 30 Days before holidays 32 Airline with an allkosher menu
Saturday’s Puzzle Solved
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33 Desperate 34 __ mater 35 Assurance from one who’s not hurt 36 Old pol. divisions 38 Big sports venue 39 Sire 43 Go back (on) 44 Butter or jam 45 Put down nastily 46 Song sung house-to-house
12/7/20
47 Bring together 48 Crow’s nest holders 49 Fire starter 51 Rival of Alexa? 53 Lends a hand 54 Castle trench 55 Works in un museo 56 10th-grader’s exam, for short 59 Diarist Anaïs
Daily Horoscope Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS)
Steady focus and action generate lucrative opportunities. Create your dream home. Collaborate around a tricky situation this winter, before stepping into a personal spotlight. Resolve a challenge next summer, before
Level 1
2
3
4
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Physical performance faces avoid accidents. Luck favors advancing your objectives. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Love triumphs, despite temporary delays or setbacks. Forgive misunderstandings. Find a way around obstacles. Ignore gossip or rumors. Avoid risk. Listen to your heart. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — A domestic mess requires resolution. Handle chores and housekeeping. Work out a misunderstanding. Listen to all views. Clean house and enjoy the results. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Edit and revise your communications before sending. Misunderstandings spark easily, causing delays. Avoid expensive mistakes with careful review. Clarify with basic facts and information. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Consider and research big purchases carefully. Avoid impulsive expenses and focus on basic necessities. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Despite temporary setbacks, you’re growing stronger. Reject far-fetched schemes in favor of practical solutions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Avoid travel and focus on completing projects. Tie up loose ends. Temporary delays could frustrate. Patiently put the pieces in place. Rest and recharge. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Bring extra patience to team projects. Tempers may be short. Provide a sense of stability and support. Budget carefully and go for substance over symbolism. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Wait for developments Simplify and edit. Get rid of unnecessary elaborations. Leave misconceptions behind. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Investigate options and study possibilities. The road ahead reveals obstacles, delays and barriers. Slow to review alternative routes. Explore your subject from home. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Financial conditions could feature limitation or restriction. Plan and act strategically. Discuss options with your partner. Abandon old assumptions and try new directions. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Your partner’s opinion is imtomorrow. Reduce risk or stress factors. Prepare for positive results.
12/7/20
Solution to Saturday’s puzzle
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 © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
Page 6 Monday, December 7, 2020
sports
Report card OSU vs. Oakland
Ben Hutchens Offense: AThe Cowboys just missed putting up their highest point total of the season. They scored 84 points, missing their previous highest mark by one point. The offensive success was not surprising because the Cowboys shot the ball well, converting just over 50% of their looks (32-61). It was an extremely balanced attack for the Cowboys offensively, they had five players score double-digit points for the first time this season. Once the Cowboys figured out how to penetrate Oakland’s 1-3-1 zone defense, they found success at the rim and pulled away from the Golden Grizzlies. Defense: B Oakland shot the lights out on Saturday night. The Golden Grizzlies had more points from 3-pointers (51) than they did from the rest of the field (48). They made 45.9% of their 3-pointers, including a scorching 56.3% in the second half. Most of the damage was done by Rashad Williams, who hit an opponent-record 10 3-pointers inside of GallagherIba Arena. Against a player such as Williams, there was only so much the Cowboy defense could do. Williams even made a 3-point shot falling out of bounds with Isaac Likekele’s hand in his face. Bryce Williams came in and found some success against Williams later in the game and OSU prevented enough scoring to win the game. Cade Cunningham’s windmill dunk: A+ When Cunningham picked up the ball at midcourt with 4:35 remaining in the game and not a soul in front of him, something memorable was bound to happen. Cunningham jumped from just under the Big 12 logo painted on the lane and threw down a massive windmill dunk. Not only was dunk a vicious slam, it provided the exclamation mark for a Cowboy victory. Energy in Gallagher-Iba Arena: B The energy in GallagherIba Arena came and went with the momentum of the game. In the first half, when the Cowboys only led by one point, the crowd seemed shocked and in awe of the performance Williams and the Golden Grizzlies were putting on. Although the crowd was a bit quiet in the first half, there were moments such as Ferron Flavors dropping a defender then hitting a 3-pointer and Cunningham’s dunk when it felt like the crowd was back to being the rowdiest in all the land. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Gregg Ellman TCU vs OSU at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas onDecember 5, 2020. (Photo by Gregg Ellman
Column: The lack of ‘blockbuster’ plays is killing the OSU offense
Dean Ruhl There are two numbers you need to take away from this game. Five turnovers. 22 points. On a day that saw the Oklahoma State defense force five turnovers on defense, three of which were forced fumbles by linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, setting a new school record, the offense looked flat. “We just couldn’t muster up much offensively,” Mike Gundy said. When I looked at the stat sheet after the game, I would’ve thought this team put up at least double the points they did. Spencer Sanders completed 16 passes for 270 yards and rushed for 30 more, and running back Dezmon Jackson was able to pound away 118 yards and a touchdown. But somehow the Cowboy offense was only able to score 16 points. Sixteen points against a 4-4 TCU team that allows an average of 355 yards and
26 points a game. So where is the problem? Yes, the simple answer is going to be injuries. Since Alex Hale’s injury right before the Oklahoma game, the kicking game has not been reliable. Today, Brady Pohl missed two field goals from 37 and 42 yards, and Ben Freehill missed a PAT. “He’s the guy that’s kicking for us and we have to continue to work with him,” Gundy said. “We were really good today in special teams with the exception of being really poor in kicking PATs and field goals.” On top of that, you have a beat up offensive line that has three freshmen starters, and to add insult to injury, Tylan Wallace stuck to the sidelines in the fourth quarter after his 55-yard reception with an undisclosed injury. But I think that the biggest problem Oklahoma State has right now is the lack of big plays. From Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon to Mason Rudolph and James Washington, that “blockbuster’”play has not only been the backbone of OSU offense, but of Big 12 offense.
But right now, the Cowboys don’t have it. Rather, they don’t have enough of it. It’s something I noticed last week against Texas Tech. I saw four plays from the Red Raiders that you could classify as “homerun” plays. Two huge rushes and two huge passes, all for touchdowns. The Cowboys? One. The problem continued into today. TCU quarterback Max Duggan rushed for a 42-yard touchdown on fourth down in the third and then threw a 71-yard touchdown to Derius Davis in the fourth. Outside of the 55-yard touchdown by Wallace, OSU missed that big play element against the Horned Frogs. If this team wants to get back on track, I think the offense is once again going to have to start to connect on these big plays, and the defense is going to have to return to form and start stopping the opponent from connecting on its. “The shots down the field were the difference,” Kasey Dunn said. “We hit ours, we win. They hit theirs, they win.” sports.ed@ocolly.com