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NAVIGATING LEASING LINGO • 4

TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD A BUDGET • 8

COMPARING APARTMENT PRICES • 9

ROOMMATE CONFLICT AMID COVID • 10

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Football Group questions School Resource Officer program in full force vs TCU

Sooners celebrate most complete game so far in 2020 season CHANDLER ENGELBRECHT @ctengelbrecht

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

A Cleveland County Sheriff School Resource Officer vehicle Oct. 15.

TAYLOR JONES @wrongtailor

Editor’s note: Members of the group Norman Collective for Racial Justice requested only their first names be used in articles for personal safety concerns. Their identities are known to The Daily.

As an increasing number of organizations answer the call of the Black Lives Matter movement, people have started questioning the interactions between student resource officers and minorities at Norman Public Schools.

According to the Norman Public Schools’ website, the School Resource Officers program has been in place since 2014 and was implemented in collaboration with the Norman Police Department as a law enforcement team in charge of the safety and security of schools across the district. Members of Norman Collective for Racial Justice, a community activist group that opposes the program, claim it has not succeeded in making students feel safe.

“Norman Public Schools do not realize the people mostly being affected negatively are students of color,” group member Ashley said. “They seem to always ignore that and talk about data that says people feel safer (when not all people in the data are of color).”

According to a resource guide provided by the activist group and sourced through Norman Public Schools and NPD data, Black students are over three times more likely to be named in an SRO incident report. The guide also reports Black students are almost five times more likely to be contacted by the NPD for truancy even though they only make up 6 percent of the Norman Public Schools’ population.

“The (data when we first received it) was very disorganized.

It was also hard to get the data as well,” Ashley said. “At the very least, if we have the SRO program, we want them to be more transparent about it.”

Some community members have also argued SROs are perpetuating racial inequalities in Norman.

“The SRO program is unnecessary. The SRO program is upholding systemic racism in our city and is feeding the school-to-prison pipeline,” Norman resident Sariah — who did not give her last

name during the meeting — said in a city council meeting on the NPD budget and associated programs. “The SRO program is unnecessary and it is unacceptable” Norman resident and activist Jess Eddy said in the panel his first experience with disparate policing was from his school’s SRO program.

“My first time to witness police violence was a school resource officer putting his foot on the neck of a Black classmate of mine who was 12 years old,” Eddy said.

However, Kristi Johnson, assistant district attorney from the Cleveland County Juvenile

“

student.

“There are so many factors when it comes to race being a target,” Greenwood said. “I know the stats say that we target minorities, but me being a minority in the SRO program, (I know) that (race) is 100 percent not the case (for targeting students).”

Greenwood said the main purpose of SROs is to form a connection with and be an outlet for student problems and issues.

“I want kids to know they can be comfortable around me.”

Greenwood said. “I play basketball with the kids at lunch time, I’m involved in assemblies, I’m

We do know enough to know that SROs have a differential impact on different communities. ...

We need to pay attention to who benefits and who pays.

“

Norman officer addresses criticisms of SRO’s effectiveness

-Norman Collective for Racial Justice Community activist group

Division said in a panel with the NPD and NPS administration, “I have had the opportunity to review that data and see none that supports (SROs feeding) the school-to-prison pipeline, specifically in Norman Public Schools.”

“In the time that I have been here from 2011, I’ve watched the SRO program come in and … I believe the school resource program in Norman Public Schools has been a force for good,” Johnson said.

Master Police Officer Neelon Greenwood, an SRO officer assigned to Norman High School, said SRO programs are not inherently violent. Greenwood explained when there is a situation where SROs have to step in, it is the school administration that requires their presence.

“It’s usually the principal (writing a ticket for truancy or other issues),” Greenwood said. “If an SRO is writing a ticket, it’s from a direction from an administrator ... We’re not out there saying because you’re a minority, we’re going to hammer you.”

Greenwood also said the SRO program in Norman is diverse, with two Black male SROs as well as a number of female and LGBTQ+ officers. In addition, Greenwood said as a minority member himself, he knows race is never a cause for disciplining a

in (home economics) classes and judging their brownie competitions. There’s a lot of people who don’t realize what we do.”

Wyatt Sullivan, a journalism freshman at OU and graduate of Norman North High School said the SROs were always nice and charismatic, in his experience.

“I really trusted those guys and thought if anything were to happen in school, they would be there to protect us,” Sullivan said. “But, I can also see how (SROs) can be translated to something bad because they were always pretty on top of what was going on.”

When it comes to discipline, Greenwood said he only wants to see an improvement in the student.

“One thing I like to tell kids is that I don’t hold grudges,” Greenwood said. “And I love seeing the progression. I love seeing the troubled kid in the beginning be the successful senior when they graduate.”

However, members of the activist group do not think SROs are beneficial to Norman’s students.

“Regardless of individual personal experiences with SROs, it doesn’t erase the fact that students are experiencing trauma and negative harm from the SRO program,” group member Elisa said.

The members of the activist

group said the SROs are untrained and unqualified to handle students.

“They only created this bandaid solution of putting police officers in schools in middle schools and high schools (to establish discipline),” Elisa said. “It wasn’t well thought out, it was just a quick mandate they tried to create.”

Greenwood said there is actually a lot of intentionality in selecting SROs. “In order to be an SRO, it’s not a position you get thrown into,” Greenwood said. “It’s not a retirement position. You have to interview for it and once you get past the interview, you get sent to countless hours of training.”

The training for the SRO program, Greenwood said, included countless hours of mental health and special-needs scenario testing to make sure SROs have proper training to deal with students.

The activist group members, however, said there are other options than police in schools.

“Having more people (such as) social workers or counselors (would be beneficial),” Ashley said.

Elisa agreed that a difference in how situations are handled is needed.

“Shifting our focus from punishment to giving our students the necessities they actually need, as well as providing resources (that will allow) students to actually grow instead of punishing the negative things that happen,” Elisa said.

The activist group suggests the SRO program is not mandatory within NPS and there is too little information proving the program efficient.

“We don’t know enough about SROs to fully evaluate their costs and benefits,” the group wrote in their resource guide. “We do know enough to know that SROs have a differential impact on different communities . ... We need to pay attention to who benefits and who pays.”

Overall, the benefits and downfalls of the SRO program is up to the opinion of the public, Greenwood said.

“People are quick to judge us based off past incidents in different cities and different states, but don’t realize what we do here in Norman,” Greenwood said. “It’s alarming what the numbers show on paper, but I challenge whoever relies on those numbers to actually come and see what SROs really do.”

Taylor Jones

taylor.p.jones-1@ou.edu

FORT WORTH — Things were starting to feel famili a r f o r d e f e n s i v e l i n e ma n Isaiah Thomas at halftime of Oklahoma’s eventual 33-14 win over TCU on Saturday.

As the redshirt junior and the rest of the Sooners (3-2, 2-2 Big 12) headed to the locker room of Amon G. Carter Stadium with a 10-point lead, they felt like they should’ve been ahead by more.

O k l a h o m a’s d e f e n s e h a d forced four punts and allowed only 171 yards of offense, but the game remained competitive. The reminder that both of OU’s losses happened in games it led at the half hung in the Sooners’ heads.

“We didn’t really say much about it, but it crossed our minds,” Thomas said. “(We thought), ‘Let’s not let what happened these past several games happen tonight.’ And obviously, we put our foot on the gas and we ran away with it towards the end.

“And it was a great feeling to finally finish (and) really close out a game. It builds confidence.”

Oklahoma’s 14 surrendered points to the Horned Frogs (1-3 Big 12) were the fewest the Sooners have held an FBS opponent to since they limited West Virginia to 14 points in October 2019. That, accompanied with sophomore kicker Gabe Brkic’s four completed field goals and a team total of 498 offensive yards, made for OU’s most complete conference game of the season.

Head coach Lincoln Riley was proud of the way his team performed at every facet of the game on Saturday.

“Great all-around team win,” Riley said. “All three sides were major contributors in this one, which was important. … The defense was very solid all day.

Did a good job of limiting the run game (and) the explosive play with all the speed TCU has on the field. … I thought the defensive line made a lot of outstanding plays. Certainly proud of our defense, our guys did a great job.”

Though the Sooners’ defense went without a forced turnover in the game for the second time in the season, the team made up for it by allowing only 351 yards of offense — the lowest it’s given up since OU’s season opener against Missouri State. Oklahoma’s eight forced punts on the day are also the team’s most since week one.

“It’s not easy,” junior defensive back Brendan RadleyHiles said. “No win is easy.

Playing football is not easy, but you have to do it. I feel as if the consistent competition that we have in practice pushes us forward. … Our (defensive line) went to work today.

Every chance I got, I was congratulating them. I’m just glad I’m playing with this D-line, they’re doing their part and trusting us to do our part.”

On offense, a second-half emphasis on the S ooners’ rushing attack allowed jun i o r T. J. P l e d g e r t o h a v e see TCU page 6

2

NEWS

• Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2020

County sees spikes in new cases NEW OU, NORMAN AND COUNTY CASES

Source: OU Data: OU Dashboard, Housing, Athletics and press releases. NORMAN AND COUNTY DATA: Oklahoma State Department of Health.

TOTAL CASES/POSITIVES IN OU, NORMAN AND CLEVELAND COUNTY Numbers are grand totals since OSDH and OU started reporting. Data last updated 10/25.

AREA

TOTAL CASES

Source: OU Data: OU Dashboard, Housing, Athletics and press releases. NORMAN AND COUNTY DATA: Oklahoma State Department of Health.

State hospitalizations, COVID-19 deaths rise Bratzler highlights rise in rural cases, calls for caution TAYLOR JONES @wrongtailor

OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler said COVID-19 cases and death rates are rising in Oklahoma, especially in rural areas.

According to Bratzler, 1,373 cases were reported, and the seven-day average is 1,221 cases of COVID-19 per day as of Oct. 23. Additionally, OU Medicine has confirmed 8,548 cases in Oklahoma in the last seven days. Bratzler also said COVID-19 is now recognized as the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. “Yes, there have been more deaths in Oklahoma this year because of COVID-19,” Bratzler said. “Interestingly, (however), Oklahoma’s death rate has been increasingly low in terms of the actual death rate per population. … But what we’ve seen over the past week has shown a substantial increase in death rates.”

In addition, Bratzler said hospitals — especially in rural areas — are more limited on supplies and resources to provide care. According to him, people in rural areas also have higher risk due to underlying health issues, making it more likely for them to contract COVID-19.

“Okfuskee County, for instance, (does not) have the highest number of cases, only about 320 … but a hundred of those cases have appeared in the last seven days,” Bratzler said. “That’s why we are seeing the increased need to transfer patients from rural hospitals into metropolitan areas because those patients have risk factors for severe disease.”

The day of Bratzler’s update, Okfuskee County reported 199

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler in his office Oct. 12.

new cases, bringing their Oct. 23 total to 535.

According to Bratzler, hospitals are increasingly reaching top capacity. On Thursday, there were 956 hospitalizations, 873 were confirmed positive for COVID-19 and over 300 were in intensive care at the time the data was taken.

“Quality of care has improved, and we have more treatment,” Bratzler said. “But 300 is a lot, and we will likely see more deaths (in upcoming weeks).”

Bratzler also said during the week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed their recommendations to what defined close contact with a COVID-19 patient. Previously, if a person tests positive, one would self-isolate if they have been with that person for longer than 15 minutes within a distance of less than six feet without a mask. The CDC changed the definition Oct. 21 to: If an individual spent an accumulated time of 15 minutes in a 24-hour period within six feet of distance.

To combat the spread of COVID-19, Bratzler suggested residents in Oklahoma focus on activities that have been proven to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding crowds, participating in outdoor activities only

and keeping up with hand hygiene.

“Test positivity rate has not changed. The number is not going down, and I don’t expect our case counts to go down until we start to see slower community spread of the virus, which would be reflected in an increase in (testing) positivity rate,” Bratzler said.

On the subject of a vaccine, Bratzler said he suspects there might be a vaccine for COVID19 by the end of the year.

“I do think … before the end of the year it is likely we will have a vaccine. And yes, there are already doses being manufactured,” Bratzler said. “(However), they will be prioritized.”

According to Bratzler, the vaccine will likely be prioritized to healthcare workers, medical personal and nursing homes. The general population might not have access until the middle of 2021.

Overall, Bratzler warned residents of Oklahoma must focus on doing their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We need a more coordinated response on the national and state levels to slow the spread of this particular virus,” Bratzler said. “We need to do activities that will slow the spread.”

Taylor Jones

taylor.p.jones-1@ou.edu

OU Sophomore Victor Zamudio-Nunez from Boise City, OK

“We at TFCU are so proud to award Victor this $3,000 scholarship,” said Nancy Ward, TFCU VP/Marketing Director. Victor is a full-time student putting himself through college and serving in the Army National Guard. He also joined the Multicultural Community Council at OU to help with service projects in the community.

we get it.

TinkerFCU.org TM

NEWS

Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2020 •

3

Community stands with survivor OU organizations condemn domestic violence, abuse JONATHAN KYNCL @jdkyn

Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of domestic violence. Free resources are listed at the end of the article if you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of domestic abuse.

Several OU organizations have issued statements of support for a student who was admitted to the hospital last week after suffering severe injuries from an incident of domestic abuse.

OU junior Gage Ford was booked into the Cleveland County jail Friday after being accused of repeatedly abusing his girlfriend, OU freshman Ally Stephens. Stephens is pregnant, and Ford was allegedly trying to kill the unborn baby, according to a News 9 article. Stephens told News 9 the baby is healthy.

According to the Oklahoma State Courts Network, Ford has been charged with domestic assault and battery by strangulation, and domestic abuse with a prior pattern of physical abuse.

O U g ro u p s i n c l u d i n g the Student Government Association and two greek life chapters have spoken out to raise awareness of domestic abuse and support ongoing fundraisers for her recovery.

Stephens’ sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, is currently raising money for Stephens to help with medical bills. The sorority acknowledged Stephens’ abuse in an Instagram post publicizing the fundraiser.

“We write this post with mixed emotions. We are heartbroken at what has happened to one of our members, Ally,” the post read. “Yet we could not be more proud of the kind, c o u ra g e o u s, b rav e a n d strong woman she is.”

Alpha Chi Omega said their chapter hopes Stephens’ stor y and the fundraiser will help drive

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

Norman Police Department vehicles are parked at the ready Oct. 15. Police recommended a higher bail for Gage Ford than his judge ultimately dealt.

further change regarding domestic abuse. Oklahoma was ranked third in the nation in 2018 for the per-capita rate of women killed, with 97 percent of victims personally knowing their killer, according to the Violence Policy Center.

“Ou r p h i l a nt h ro py i s domestic violence awareness. Ally’s story is why we so fiercely believe in our cause,” Alpha Chi Omega said in the post. “We can inform, teach and guide.

We can be the creators of change. We stand with all the women who have ever gone through any form of domestic violence. And we stand with our sister Ally.”

S GA released a statement Saturday in support of Stephens and calling for better treatment of women on campus.

“Hear me when I say: Womxn at the University of Oklahoma deserve better,” Justin Norris, SGA president, said in the statement.

“We all deserve better but we must be willing to do better for one another and our community.”

Norris said in the statem e n t h e h o p e s O U ’s Interfraternity Council will denounce domestic violence and lead proactive discussions.

“As the perpetrator was previously a member of the OU IFC, it is my hope the appropriate leadership will work to not only denounce assault and abuse in their many forms, but also to facilitate active discussions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” Norris said in the statement.

Nor r is also urged OU students to come together to support Stephens.

“When something affects one of us, it affects all of us.” Norris said in the statement. “We must be willing to come together and strengthen in the face of injustice, if not for ourselves, then for Ally.”

Ford’s former fraternity, Kappa Sigma, released a statement on the incident Saturday.

“The perpetrator has not been involved as a member for the last eight months,” Kappa Sigma said in the statement. “When we were made aware of the situation, we held an emergency meeting and voted unanimously to remove him from our organization immediately.”

The fraternity also said in the statement it supports Stephens in taking legal action against Ford.

According to the OSCN, Ford was arrested in early October for abuse against his girlfr iend where he kicked her in the stomach and choked her, Stephens said in the News 9 article. On Oct. 8, a Cleveland County judge dismissed a protective order Stephens had filed against Ford.

The Cleveland County district attorney’s office requested the bond to be

Coulter event sparks upset College Democrats oppose hosting Ann Coulter at OU LAUREN GREEN @lauren_greenn

OU College Democrats called for the cancellation of an event featuring Ann Coulter due to it “jeopardizing the safety of the OU community.”

According to a Tuesday release from OU College Democrats, the organization is calling for OU’s chapter of Turning Point USA to cancel its event with speaker Ann Coulter because it is a large, in-person, indoor event and will “amplify a voice of hate.”

“We are deeply alarmed about the decision to bring Ann Coulter to OU. We encourage all members of the OU community to stand together against any representations of hate or bigotr y on our campus,” said OU College Democrats President Anna Hayes in the release.

Coulter has been criticized in the past, particularly for anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric after the Sept. 11 attacks, when she wrote the United States should “invade (Muslim) countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity” as well as proposing

Congress pass a law “requiring all aliens from Arab countries to leave.”

When asked how C o u l t e r ’s v i s i t w o u l d b e p e r c e i v e d b y O U ’s Muslim community, OU TPUSA President Emily Wilkerson said the group does not necessarily share the guest speaker’s views.

“A s a p e r s o n , I d e nounce any hate that c o m e s t o a n y o n e ,” Wilkerson said. “We don’t condone that behavior and it is disgusting.”

Wilkerson said the TPUSA chapter still recognizes Coulter’s right to visit and speak on campus, how e ver, and the event will not be changed due to the OU College Democrats statement.

“We don’t fully agree with everything she says but we do think she has a right to come on this campus and speak,” Wilkerson said.

Coulter’s 2018 visit to the University of Colorado a t t r a c t e d ro u g h l y 5 0 0 people at the event’s beginning, though according to an article from The B oulder Daily Camera about 100 attendees stood and walked out of the event minutes into Coulter ’s speech, with around 50 continuing to protest during the event.

At the CU event, students fees of roughly $2,500 were used to cover Coulter’s speaking

$30,000 according to News 9; however, Judge Scott Brockman issued a $1,500 bond, according to OSCN. Ford then made bail in early October and was released.

Stephens was checked into the hospital Oct. 17 with multiple severe injuries, according to the News 9 article. As of 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Ford was in the custody of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s office.

The Daily reached out to IFC and the university for comment on Saturday afternoon, but did not receive a response by time of publication.

For more information on reporting student, faculty or staff issues related to gender equity, harassment, sexual assault or misconduct and domestic violence, community members can visit the Sexual Misconduct Office’s website, email smo@ou.edu or call 405-325-2215.

Community members

NOAH MACK @thenoahmack

CAITLYN EPES/THE DAILY

fee and around $3,000 went towards event security, according to the Daily Camera article.

O U D i re c t o r o f Me d i a Relations Kesha Keith said OU Turning Point USA listed the Turning Point USA Leadership Institute as the Nov. 5 event’s spons o r a n d sa i d t h e re a re “no contracts with outside groups” related to event costs. At its Oct. 6 meeting, the OU Student Government Association Undergraduate Congress allocated $450 to TPUSA for programs, events and activities.

H a y e s s a i d Tu r n i n g Po i nt U S A ha s n o t re sponded to the OU

College Democrats release about the event.

The OU College Democrats is a group of students “dedicated to educating OU’s campus about left-leaning politics, participating in discourse about current events and disseminating relevant political information,” according to the release.

A n O U stu d e nt, Ja ck MacKay, started a petition soon after the event was announced to oppose Coulter’s visit.

Lauren Green

Lauren.M.Green-1@ou.edu

Jonathan Kyncl Jkyncl@ou.edu

Meet the 2020 SGA candidates Check out 3 student president, VP ticket platforms, ideas

Empty campus in front of the Oklahoma Memorial Union on the first day of online classes after Spring Break on March 23.

can also contact the 24h ou r re p o r t i ng h o t l i n e with reports of bias, discrimination, harassment or misconduct. The hotline can be reached at 844-428-6531.

The Women’s Resource Center in Norman provides 24-hour hotlines for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and offers free, specialized services for victims of stalking, domestic abuse and sexual violence. More information can be found at wrcnormanok.org.

Additionally, OU Advocates is a confidential advocate and referral resource for sexual assault or misconduct issues for students, faculty or staff that can be contacted through their website or any time at 405-615-0013.

Three campaigns have filed to run for Student Government Association President and Vice President this year.

Senior communication major Drew Brown and accounting, economics and management information systems junior Taylor Smail put together a website outlining the three principles of their platform: fighting for equity, protecting students from COVID-19 and improving student life at OU. “Our platform focuses on the idea of standing together as one university in times of adversity,” their website reads. “We are motivated by our shared goal of a more equitable university where students and administrators share the same vision for a brighter future.”

Economics junior Tavana Farzaneh and public relations and women’s and gender studies junior Alex Gray’s campaign website highlights improving mental wellness accessibility, making the political and racial history of OU

better known, creating a more visually inclusive campus, advocating for international students’ voices, unifying SGA and increasing SGA transparency as their main platform goals.

“We have be en w orking tirelessly to collect the most urgent needs of our fellow students. Today, we are confident that our platform addresses these needs in the most feasible, accessible and transparent way,” Farzaneh and Gray’s website reads.

Architectural engineeri n g s o p h o m o re E a s t o n Holloway and community health sophomore Diahn Citty’s Instagram showcases their campaign theme slogan, “Working to create a TRUE student experience.” “TRUE” is an acronym for transparency, reform, unity and equity.

Holloway and Citty held a virtual town hall at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 on Instagram L i v e t o g i v e s t u d e nt s a chance to ask questions about their platform.

The S GA presidential and vice presidential election will be held Nov. 4 and 5. Students are able to vote online or at an on-campus polling site. Locations are yet to be determined.

Noah Mack

Noah.d.mack-1@ou.edu

4

CULTURE

• Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2020

OU alumnus opens pizza joint

Local eatery Sauce It Up prioritizes customer safety JILLIAN TAYLOR @jilliantaylor_

In December 2019, Brian Heermans graduated from OU with his bachelor’s in industrial systems and engineering. He was prepared to enter the workforce with expertise in data collection, mathematics, statistics and logistics that would apply to production- and management-based positions.

As Brian earned his degree, he said it was difficult to find fulfillment in a schedule governed by group projects and graduate courses.

His desire to focus on his two loves of food and cars grew week by week, as did his discontentment. “I’ll tell you now I did not plan on being in the food industry my whole life — it was kind of like the backup plan,�

Brian said. “(But) when I got through engineering and looked at some of the stuff I’d be doing in life, I was kind of hesitant to jump out into that world.�

Passion ultimately outweighed practicality as Brian chose to leave behind four years of education to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant. Brian’s dream became a reality June 9 in the form of a pizza establishment called Sauce It Up. Sauce It Up’s origins balance both past and present.

While modernity is suggested in the establishment’s name — which was inspired by Lil Uzi Vert’s 2017 hit “Sauce It Up� — Brian’s family possesses a rich background in food distribution that left long-lasting roots in Norman’s food community.

It was 1951 when Rosa and Paul Malone, Heermans’ great-grandparents, founded Malone Chili Company in the back of a pick-up truck off of Classen Boulevard.

Brian’s grandparents, Bill and Shirley Malone, continued their legacy, turning the family business into a brand called Malone Products in the confines of a warehouse during the ‘60s.

The warehouse was on 3051 Classen Blvd. in

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Norman, where Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings currently reside, Brian said.

The Malones served as food distributors to companies like KFC and Sonic from the 1980s to 2003, when they sold their business.

Brian said he originally wanted to maintain his grandparents’ legacy with a burger shop, using his family’s award-winning ground chuck burger and chili recipes. After years of planning and consideration, however, he said he sought inspiration from his father’s East Coast roots — choosing pizza over patties. “Every restaurant that doesn’t specialize in something sells burgers — it’s just the easy thing to do,â€? Brian said. “We wanted to put ourselves differently in this industry. One thing I saw was there’s not a lot of good pizza places (in Norman). ‌ I had never worked with pizza before, but last January I decided I was going to start messing around with pizza and it took me that long to get to this point.â€?

L i k e a p e r f e c t l y p re pared pizza, Brian said the

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Brian Heermans, Sauce It Up owner, manager and CEO, sits in a booth in his restaurant during an interview Sept. 9.

Previous Solution

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

development of Sauce It Up was well-thought out and planned — it had all of the right ingredients.

Finances, Brian said, were not an issue in the construction of Sauce It Up because a silent business partner accepted his offer for equipment. He said the franchise provided him with tables, refrigerators and freezers they no longer needed after two of their restaurants were shut down.

Zach Heermans, Brian’s brother and an employee at Sauce It Up, said the former occupants managed a Billy Sims Barbecue franchise, leaving behind a strong aroma of brisket and barbecue sauce. He said the restaurant’s shell was bland and had an inefficient layout for serving pizzas.

The Heermans, Malones and any volunteers they could gather were left with the task of revamping the establishment in January. “Another reason I lucked out with having my parents around is that a lot of the people who did work for us and helped build this place are their tailgate friends,�

Brian said. “Having that relationship with my parents ... brought in so much outside work. People were so eager to help because I’ve grown up with them my whole life.�

Brian said things like the establishment’s woodwork, crimson and cream paint, and restroom signs would not exist without their assistance. He also said his degree in engineering proved helpful in creating an effective layout. “Everything is laid out super easy and super quick so it’s not hard to do your job,� Brian said. “People always ask me, ‘How are you so quick? How are you so fast with getting the food out?’ Well, we designed it to be that way.�

Zach said Brian’s ardor comes from the way he and his brother were raised as their parents encouraged them to work hard and remain perseverant. He said Brian’s eagerness to serve the people of Norman is ultimately what encouraged their family to contribute in every way possible.

Brian and Zach’s aunt Susan Von left her job in the

HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2020, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Let your imagination lead the way. You’ll crave change and jump at the chance to learn something new. Set your sights on a new adventure that will encourage personal growth and enlightenment. Love, peace and happiness are within reach. Now’s the time to take action.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You must be smart and willing to work hard if you want to achieve your dreams. Demonstrate how you want things to unfold, and you’ll set a high standard.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Keep your guard up when working with others. Be private regarding your beliefs, ideas and intentions. Stick close to home, and you’ll avoid interference.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- A unique project will interest you. Consider the changes you will have to make to accommodate what you want to pursue. Share your plans with a loved one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Refuse to let someone lead you in the wrong direction. Consider what you want and follow your heart. It’s up to you to pursue your dreams. Let go of the past.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- You’ll inspire others to do what’s right and best for everyone. Put your leadership qualities to work and make a difference. Romance is featured, and a lifestyle change looks promising.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Keep secrets to yourself. Take proper care of your health, and stick to a budget. Patience will pay

off. Be judicious when it comes time to talk about your plans.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You’ll gravitate toward trendy options and set the pace for those who look up to you. Turn an idea into something spectacular and lucrative. Self-improvement is favored and will boost your confidence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Think twice before you act on someone’s random comment. If you let your emotions rule your head, you’ll be misled. Focus on fitness, health and personal gain.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Put your creativity into play at your place of employment, when working on your resume or at an interview. Separating yourself from the competition will help you stand out. Celebrate with a loved one.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be careful what you wish for. If you meddle or get involved in gossip, it will lead to setbacks. Pour your energy into doing your own thing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- If you share your thoughts and beliefs, you will build a solid base for projects. Opportunity and hard work will result in positive change.

Romance is in the stars.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Refuse to let anyone dominate you or stand in your way. Focus on the things and relationships that are important to you. Don’t make a move or buy into something because of peer pressure.

child nutrition department at Noble Public Schools to serve as the manager of Sauce It Up. Von said it is difficult to seek and experience change at 57. She said she had to do a lot of soul searching as she thought about whether or not she should take the position.

Her decision, she said, was based on a pros and cons list she kept over a couple of months. “I am a very visual person, so I had to have a notebook piece of paper with Noble schools on one side and Sauce It Up on the other,â€? Von said. “Change is scary ‌ especially (as) a widow because I didn’t have anybody to fall back on. ‌ (But) one day, I woke up and decided to take the lead.â€?

After her husband passed away two years ago, Von said her enthusiasm for her previous job was waning. She said Brian offered her the position so she could monitor the kitchen and advise employees on how to pass health inspections.

Now, Von said she looks forward to spending her days at work.

“I love coming to Sauce It Up every day, and that was part of my discontentment after my husband died — I felt myself not being happy,�

Von said. “Other people didn’t know that because obviously, I’ve become a very good actress ‌ but I actually love coming to work.â€?

Although the initial project lacked certainty concerning things like a steady paycheck or insurance, Von said this position took her out of her comfort zone — reminding her of what passion looks like. “I left the stability of knowing that Noble Public Schools is going to be there no matter what,� Von said. “A lot of people always say you go into the restaurant business and about 90 percent of those fail within the first year. Do I think this is going to fail?

Absolutely not. ‌ (Initially) I had to make some adjustments in my life financially, but it has worked out amazingly.�

Personal sacrifices, however, are not the only challenges Sauce It Up has faced in its opening. Starting a restaurant during the pandemic is something Brian said presented unique challenges.

Food and drink distribution companies like CocaCola and U.S. Food cut down service times, resulting in the delay of product deliveries. As Brian was forced to wait three months for a Coke machine and four for a tea tower, he said he was compelled to address supply issues creatively. “We started without a fountain drink machine and just had bottled cokes from the gas station or Sam’s Club,�

Brian said. “I think it’s about being innovative — you really want to put your customers above yourself.�

In terms of sanitation, Brian said he worked diligently to create a hygienic dining environment. He said he wants people to feel like they can safely eat inside his establishment. “It was tough to open up ‌ (and) to get our name out there,â€? Brian said. “But what really helped us keep going is knowing that we’re safe or sanitary. ‌ You’ll have times where people are scared to see PIZZA page 5

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg October 27, 2020

ACROSS 1 Words on a dirty car 7 Low-visibility auto accessory 14 Block houses?

15 Formed a thought 16 Employment opportunity at a ski resort?

18 Tony who sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco�

19 Vigor 20 Osiris’ wife 22 Short time, for short 23 Worry about, informally 25 Place for a bubble bath 27 Marsh plant 31 Employment opportunity on a fishing boat?

34 “Fingers crossed�

37 Seating sections 38 Word on all U.S. coins since 1938 39 Triumphant cries 40 Letter before iota 42 Stand up 43 It’s rarely taken at night 44 Small particle 10/27

45 Complained 47 Employment opportunity in a piano bar?

50 Department that works closely with marketing 51 Cal Poly city, briefly 52 Buzz from a mill?

56 Place for a mud bath 58 Luke’s mentor 60 Individual 61 Mix drinks 65 Employment opportunity in a flower garden?

67 Put on a pedestal 68 Breadwinner 69 It may return your cursor to the start of a line 70 The magic word?

DOWN 1 Bits of hair 2 Former vice president Spiro 3 Place to ski 4 “___ can I help?�

5 Cocktails with lime juice 6 Those, in Tijuana 7 Little lie 8 Celebratory poems 9 Lot’s wife’s book

10 Surgeon’s tool 11 Dined 12 Satisfied, as a need 13 Seattle summer hrs.

17 Vampire’s attack 21 Very well 24 Certain simians 26 Kick out 28 Dinner invitation?

29 Word after “Mother� or “Canada�

30 Pulled the plug on 32 Numbers game 33 Wise Hindu 34 Puts up, like a picture 35 “Schitt’s Creek�

Emmy winner Catherine

36 Of the Holy See 41 Uses a pogo stick 42 Sauce brand 44 Talk about what to buy?

46 Making a blip 48 Get cozy 49 Novice, slangily 53 Mars has two of them 54 Beginning 55 So out it’s in 57 Poker pot part 59 Extremely insightful 61 “___!

Humbug!�

62 Brouhaha 63 Ingredient in 5-Down 64 TV actress Susan 66 Lead-in to “school�

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER PREVIOUS ANSWER

10/26 Š 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal 10/20 Š 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com www.upuzzles.com

Help Wanted by Gary Larson

CULTURE/SPORTS

Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2020 •

5

JOSHUA R. GATELEY/OU ATHLETICS/POOL PHOTO

Freshman wide receiver Marvin Mims runs the ball during the game against TCU on Oct. 24.

Mims + Rattler = Powerhouse

‘Superstar in the making’ catches sixth season TD CALEB MCCOURRY @CalebMac21

In the postgame press conference, quarterback Spencer Rattler couldn’t think of a time where he overthrew a pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims.

Throwing too far certainly wasn’t a problem as Rattler connected with the true freshman for a 61-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of

the Sooners’ 33-14 win over TCU Saturday in Fort Worth.

Mims hauled in all four balls thrown his way, and finished the game with 132 yards and two touchdowns.

“His speed, his awareness, how he changes to get the ball in the air — there’s a lot,” Rattler said. “I saw a quote his high school coach said where he’s like, ‘You cannot overthrow Marvin,’ and I can’t really think back to when I have overthrown Marvin, so just his ability to go get the ball is just different.”

Mims solidified himself as OU’s most dynamic

playmaker Saturday. Through five games, Mims has garnered a team-high six touchdown catches on the season, a program record for freshmen in as many games. He now leads the team with 328 receiving yards, the next highest being sophomore H-back Austin Stogner with 258.

He’s O k l a h o m a’s most-needed playmaker as well, a tall task for a player who was unknown until his name appeared in OU’s first depth chart released in August. Standing at 5-foot-11, he serves as a fast and elusive wide out that often appears

downfield wide open.

Of his half-dozen touchdown receptions this season, half of them were with defenders nowhere near him.

In his 50-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter Saturday, Mims was all alone at TCU’s 30-yard line, prompting an easy stroll to the endzone. Mims also has three of OU’s longest touchdown catches this season with 50, 58 and 60 yards.

“He keeps answering the bell,” Riley said. “Seems like every time he gets an opportunity, he makes a play. ...

You see him making such big

plays early on in his career, both offensively and in the return game. This has obviously been a big thing for this team.”

As an OU newcomer, Mims is now in the elite company of former Sooner greats CeeDee Lamb and Ryan Broyles, who as freshmen both tallied four touchdowns in their first five games. Mims’ 328 yards this season is also more than Lamb’s 307 and Broyles’ 317 in as many games, foreshadowing a promising future for OU’s youngest offensive weapon.

“Marvin Mims is a superstar in the making. And if you

were to have a conversation with him, you have no idea.

He’s one of the most humble kids that you could probably possibly meet, and I’m just so happy for him. He works hard. Ever since he came in, I believe, in the spring, he’s showed flashes of what he’s coming to be, and I’m happy for him. He’s young. The sky’s the limit for him, and I can’t wait to see his development over the years.”

Caleb McCourry

caleb.a.mccourry-1@ou.edu

QB relishes TCU win amid tough season Rattler displays growth in explosive performance MASON YOUNG @Mason_Young_0

Spencer Rattler faked the handoff, dropped back and rolled right as TCU’s defense fell into coverage.

Downfield, he saw his receiver threatening to break away from his man. One effortless flick of his wrist, and the ball landed 52 yards later in Marvin Mims’ hands as the freshman wideout trotted 16 yards to the end zone for his second score of the day and OU’s longest play from scrimmage in 2020.

Rattler’s touchdown passes to Mims were just two of many perfectly placed deep shots he launched Saturday as the Sooners (3-2, 2-2 Big 12) torched TCU (1-3 Big 12), 33-14. He finished the afternoon 13 of 22 for 332 yards and two scores, while averaging 15.1 yards per completion. For the first time since OU’s opener against Missouri State, Lincoln Riley’s redshirt freshman quarterback played turnover-free football, looking highly composed from start to finish.

“I knew (number) seven was ready for the task,” junior

PIZZA:

continued from page 4

sit in but then they see that we’re socially distanced or sanitizing and it just makes me feel better. We have a lot of returning customers that simply return because they feel safe.”

The best pizzas, Brian said,

running back T.J. Pledger said after the game. “We had a great week of practice and he put it together today on the field.”

Rattler faced little pressure Saturday and was sacked only once. Marked offensive line improvement and his own continued adjustments flipped the script after an uncomfortable first half against Texas on Oct. 10 that saw him fumble, throw an interception and briefly get benched before engineering a quadruple overtime victory.

“I just felt like Spencer needed to win that game in overtime,” said Mike Giovando, Rattler’s longtime quarterback coach. “And so today I think he was just carrying that ... I think that win, I think that what he did in overtime last week probably gave him a little bit of that air, that breathing space where he’s like ‘You know, I’ve got this. I’m good. I’m starting to figure this out a little bit more each week.’”

Riley made a similar observation about his QB1’s renewed poise after Saturday’s game.

“I think he’s getting more used to the emotions, the ups and downs, kind of just what it feels like,” Riley said. “And I thought he had just a really good feel today of winning football, and managed it and

made some explosive plays along the way.”

Highlights like the pass to Mims stacked up quickly as Rattler bullied a TCU defense that entered the game having given up only eight passes of 40 or more yards. Before his 61-yard bomb, he tossed a 50-yard score to the freshman phenom and added 44- and 43-yard dimes, respectively, to sophomore receiver Theo Wease and freshman running back Seth McGowan.

Asked how the pass he caught Saturday measured up to a similarly placed 30-yard toss during OU’s season opener, Wease was candid about his quarterback’s sharpening precision.

“It’s definitely a close number two,” he said with a smile.

The Horned Frogs also paid respect to the man who picked apart the defense that’s still giving up only 188 yards per game on average after the beatdown.

“Playing at Oklahoma, he’s gonna be a really good player in the future,” TCU junior safety Trevon Moehrig said. “(He) played well against us today.

Obviously we didn’t get the ‘W,’ but yeah, he’s gonna be pretty good down the road, I think.”

Unfazed by the No. 16 passing defense in the country, Rattler blasted the opposing

secondary for one of the better passing performances against TCU in recent OU history.

His 215.9 passer rating against the Horned Frogs was higher than the marks of Heisman winners Baker Mayfield (131.3 in 2015, 175.4 in 2016, 206.9 in 2017) and Kyler Murray (208.7 in 2018) and finalist Jalen Hurts (132.3 in 2019).

Rattler is also the only member of the group besides Mayfield to throw for over 300 yards against TCU. Mayfield didn’t accomplish that feat until his 2017 Heisman

season, while Rattler did so in his first year.

Ironically, Rattler’s longest bomb to Mims was the lengthiest touchdown pass by an OU quarterback against TCU since Mayfield and Dede Westbrook connected for a 67yard score in a 2016 win.

“I’ve seen a couple of the games against TCU with guys like Baker, and Kyler, and of course, Jalen in front of me,” Rattler said, “So getting to watch those and getting out here to play and win the game, it was a great team win and it felt good to get out there and

do a good job.”

After dismantling a stout Gary Patterson defense, Giovando feels like the sky’s the limit for what Rattler could do next Saturday against a Texas Tech defense that’s the worst in the Big 12.

“He could have a huge game just based on the amount of snaps they’re gonna get,” Giovando said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he threw for over 400 (yards) next week.”

are not made great because of the sauce or cheese — rather, they are prepared and served with an emphasis on customer service.

Von said her goal as the store’s manager is to help customers feel at home when they eat at Sauce It Up. She said she encourages employees to wait until customers leave to vacuum or fill the Coke machine so they can take time to enjoy their meal.

“When I go out to eat, I go out to visit with my girlfriends and to relax,” Von said. “If girlfriends come in here to eat and they’re drinking a glass of wine, I’ll clear their table after they’ve eaten so they can just talk. … (I think people) should be able to take as long they want to enjoy their meal and they can stay all day with us if they want and visit.”

Brian said he also stresses the importance of

maintaining a five-star rating on Sauce It Up’s Google page.

He said any rating that fails to meet this standard is followed up by a comment from him.

“My mom always jokes with me that I’m super critical of our Google and Yelp ratings because it’s five stars — it has been five stars,” Brian said. “So I’ll see one four-star and immediately want to know what happened. … My goal with this place is to have

the best service, best pizza and best restaurant — not only in Norman but in the metro (area).”

Ultimately, Brian said he hopes to see Sauce It Up continue the legacy of Malone Products by serving high-quality food to people in Norman. He said he cannot imagine bringing his dream to life anywhere but here.

“It is all about the heritage,” Brian said. “We have been in

Norman for three or four generations … (and) I think one of the reasons that I’m here and continuing is that I want that same level of customer service Malone Products had when our customers come in.

I think that level of quality and commitment to customers is continuing what Malone Products were all about.”

JOSHUA R. GATELEY/OU ATHLETICS/POOL PHOTO

Redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler looks to throw the ball during the game against TCU on Oct. 24.

Mason Young

mason.e.young-1@ou.edu

Jillian Taylor

jillian.g.taylor-2@ou.edu

6

SPORTS

• Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 2020

D-line dominates TCU offense Coaches, athletes praise defense for performance AUSTIN CURTRIGHT @AustinCurtright

As TCU faced thirdand-11 late in the second quarter, junior defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey stepped up to make a play.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan ran up the middle and was clobbered as he met the 6-foot-3, 297pound lineman, forcing the Horned Frogs to punt, keeping the score at 17-7.

The Sooners have strugg l e d ma i nt a i n i n g t h e i r leads at times this season, allowing their opponents to comeback in three of the five games thus far. And as TCU looked primed to bring the score within one possession, it was the defensive line that stepped up with nine tackles for loss and three sacks on Saturday.

“We play a fast, intense level and we’re very productive these last few w e eks,” re dshir t junior defensive linemen Isaiah Thomas said. “And I think that speaks volumes to our coaches with how we’ve handled adversity this year, and also how well we’ve been producing. So it’s really, really fun to play with them and see how fast we’re maturing out there.”

Although the defensive line has been a bright spot for the Sooners’ defense this season, they’re playing without starters i n re d s h i r t s o p h o m o re Jalen Redmond and junior Ronnie Perkins, who both led the team in sacks last season.

Defensive coordinator

coach Grinch would never take you out in the game.”

Grinch’s defense, with the consistent rotation, had 10 players contribute to nine tackles for loss. Four of the tackles for loss were contributed by players without significant playing time until this season.

“G i v e c o a c h ( Ca l v i n ) Th i b o d e au x a n d c o a c h ( Jamar) Cain credit because I think they’ve really done a good job bringing in so many guys along,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. “There’s a lot of guys playing for us across that front that’ve either played zero, or very limited snaps.

They’ve really done a nice job. And they’re doing it obviously without some key pieces, and which I think makes it all the more impressive.”

The defense allowed just 75 rushing yards against TCU Saturday, a big improvement from 141 yards g i ve n u p aga i n s t Te x a s two weeks prior, and only 11.04 yards-per-completion against TCU opposed to 18.61 from the Kansas State game.

With the defensive line’s strong play, it allowed the secondary to pick up their play and trust the defensive backs on the outside.

“Our D-line, they went to work today and I’m proud of them,” junior defensive back Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles said. “Every chance I got I was congratulating them and going JOSHUA R. GATELEY/OU ATHLETICS/POOL PHOTO up to them. So I’m just Redshirt sophomore Jordan Kelley celebrates during the game against TCU on Oct. 24. glad I’m playing with the D-line. They’re doing their A l e x G r i n c h i s l e a n i n g a productive line that is “To have a couple snaps individuals who come in thing and (they) trust in us o n n e w a n d i n e x p e r i - surprising many with its on the sidelines and read the game (have) to perform to do our part.” enced players with lots playmaking ability and out, refocus before going at a certain level ... Your of rotations and combi- p re s s u re a t t h e l i n e o f b a c k i n t h e r e i s c r i t i - mind has got to be perAustin Curtright nations, but the result is scrimmage. cal,’’ Grinch said. “Those forming (at) the level that austincurtright@ou.edu

Women’s soccer promotes breast cancer awareness JOSHUA R. GATELEY/OU ATHLETICS/POOL PHOTO

Junior running back T.J. Pledger runs the ball during the game against TCU on Oct. 24.

TCU: continued from page 1

Redshirt senior midfielder Lauren Haivala during the game against West Virginia on Oct. 23.

Sooners hold West Virginia to 1 point in pink game KARA MERCER Sports reporter

Despite ending Friday night with a 1-0 home loss to then-No. 6 West Virginia, the Sooners played what head coach Mark Carr claimed was their best game yet.

“The performance tonight was quite similar to the game against Texas Tech but tonight I think you saw the best in us,” said Carr. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work my team put in tonight.”

Though the temperature was in the low 40s, the Sooners were not phased by the chilling winds.

“I don’t think we even took a focus to the weather at all tonight,” said senior goalkeeper Nikki Panas. “We really just focused on our performance and what we could control on the field and what the coach was telling us pre-game.”

Rather than taking to the field in their usual home colors, the Sooners donned something different — fluorescent pink socks — for their annual ‘pink game.’

In doing so, the team expressed their solidarity with those battling breast cancer.

Panas described the meaning of Friday’s game as something more than just searching for a win on the field. Not only were the Sooners competing for a victory but they were also fighting for a cure.

“I think in any game we play, we play for something

bigger than ourselves,” Panas said. “To play for something bigger is to play with pride and with a fire which drives us not only 100 percent but 101 percent — always striving to achieve a higher standard.”

Carr also emphasized the importance of the Sooners’ efforts to heighten others acknowledgement of the issue.

“Breast cancer awareness is an important cause to raise awareness for,” said Carr. “For a lot of our girls they have had someone close to them such as family or a friend who was affected by it. So it’s always a special moment when the girls get to recognize the people that have been affected by it.”

As the Sooners fought long and hard to hold the Mountaineers to one goal, they showed the strides

EDWARD REALI/THE DAILY

they’ve made to reach that level of play. Taking on challenging teams week after week, it was a team effort for OU to stay in the game and execute plays.

“Tonight was a step in the right direction,” said Carr. “I think we controlled the game for long periods of play. We started to grow in the game and got some confidence and we had some really good chances at the end.

“I am really proud of this team. This was a positive step, but it means nothing if we don’t take it to the next level following this performance.”

Oklahoma is set to play its next game against No. 6 TCU at 7 p.m. Friday in Norman.

Kara Mercer

karamercer1107@gmail.com

percent red-zone scori n g p e rc e n t a g e — t h e team’s lowest since 2014.

Oklahoma helped those numbers by scoring all four times it reached the red-zone, but only one was a touchdown.

Ye t , b e c a u s e o f t h e S ooners’ high level of play from its other units, OU’s offense didn’t need touchdowns. Going forward, if Oklahoma can replicate its defensive efforts, hope of competing for a sixth-straight Big 12 title is not completely out of the picture.

“Now we’re on the right trajector y,” Riley said.

“And then we just got to do everything we can to continue to push that.

And I just commend our players, staff, everybody, it’s been a really productive last two weeks after the Texas win. We had a good plan together. The guys executed the plan, we got better and came down here and got a win o n t h e ro a d a g a i n s t a tough opponent.

“It was an important game for us, no doubt, to build off the momentum of two weeks ago to handle the bye week. (I’m) so proud of this team.”

another field day. The Pacoima, California, native had over a 100 rushing yards for the second consecutive game.

Finishing with 122 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, Pledger was quick to credit his line.

“I just think my O-line has done a tremendous job,” Pledger said. “(Those) guys come out there every Saturday and just do their thing. I’m just so thankful to have the O-line I (have). (And) the receivers blocking downfield made it easy for us backs, honestly. …

We understand that we have a lot to work on (as a team), but we’re getting better (every day). … We’re working hard on the practice field, we’re finishing our runs. “(We’ve taken it) day by day. … The sky’s the limit for us.”

Th ou g h O k l a h o ma’s win gave fans reasons for optimism, it was far from perfect. Though Brkic’s made kicks helped the Sooners, each came on drives where OU was forced to settle before the Chandler Engelbrecht socially distanced crowd chandler.engelbrecht@ou.edu of 12,440.

Entering the game, the Sooners had only an 85