Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Third-down defense shines in Cowboys’ win

ASU’s opening drive, and the linebackers and secondary allowed a few big plays, which let the Sun Devils score the game’s first three points.

But the front took Braden Bush over.

Staff Reporter On ASU’s 11 failed third downs, OSU OSU coach Mike forced four quarterback Gundy saw flashes of hurries, a tackle for loss, his 2021 defense Satur- a forced fumble and a day night. couple of short gains.

That is, the The pressure from the defense that mastered rush wore on the Sun getting off the field on Devils. third down and finished “We got good fourth in the country in pressure,” Gundy said. opponent third-down “And that’s kind of how conversion percentage. we’ve made our living.”

This year’s renThat front shored dition of the defense, up the entire defense, while more youthful and taking pressure off the green, did its best imita- young linebacker and tion, pressuring Arizona secondary groups by State into a lowly 2-13 forcing quarterback on third downs in the Emory Jones into rushed Cowboys’ 34-17 win situations. inside a rainy Boone The ASU runPickens Stadium. ning attack was also “That’s where we hampered by the surge were really good last of the Cowboy defenyear, we were fantastic sive line. After the long on third downs,” Gundy opening rush, the Sun said. “That’s why I Devils only rushed for say I saw some things 89 yards on 36 carries – tonight that looked a less than 2.5 yards per little bit like (last year’s carry. defense).”

That’s what OSU The Sun Devils defensive coordinator started 0-9 on third Derek Mason expects downs and didn’t pick from his veteran front up their first converline, though. It’s his sion until the 1:20 mark defense’s strength and of the third quarter. the rest of the unit feeds The defense allowed a off it, he said.

42-yard rush to running back Xazavian Valladay on the first play of See Defense on page 2

Oklahoma State defensive end Brock Martin had two tackles for loss against Arizona State on Saturday.

Mackenzie Janish

Cowboys use physicality, Martin’s big play to beat Sun Devils Cowboys up to score their first points of the game.

“I think the tight end was supposed to come over and get me,” Martin said. “I hate to say this, but, how many times have I done that in the past where they Sam Hutchens try to bring a puller on short yardStaff Reporter age plays? I do the same thing every time. It’s kind of almost become natural to me.”

Brock Martin knew what Oklahoma State beat Arizowas going to happen. na State 34-17 on Saturday night In the second quarter, he ex- in Stillwater. ploded off the right side of OSU’s Martin’s play jumpstarted defensive line. Case Hatch, Arithe Cowboys (2-0), who had been zona State’s 235-pound fullback, stagnant until that point. was running full speed toward “Obviously turnovers are Martin in an attempt to clear him big…At that time, they went back out of the backfield. to the weak side and we had a Instead, Martin, OSU’s nice charge, blew the thing up and senior defensive end, did the the ball was on the ground so we clearing. covered it,” Oklahoma State coach Martin was too fast for Mike Gundy said.

Hatch, who was pulling behind Before Martin’s forced fumASU offensive linemen. Martin ble, No. 11 OSU had not scored. slammed into Sun Devil running On the ensuing OSU drive after back Xazavian Valladay, knockthe hit, junior OSU running back ing Valladay to the ground and Dominic Richardson capped off a the ball free. OSU’s Tyler Lacy five-play drive with a three-yard jumped on the fumble, setting the touchdown run.

It was the inciting incident in OSU’s 17-point second quarter.

Senior quarterback Spencer Sanders (21-of-38 for 268 yards) scored on a six-yard scramble with 2:45 left in the second quarter, and OSU’s Tanner Brown tacked on a 43-yard field goal two minutes later.

The Cowboys defense played well enough to hold the lead. After a shaky opening series where ASU (1-1) marched 78 yards and opened the scoring with a field goal, the Cowboys settled in. The Sun Devils converted just two of 13 third downs.

Allowing 17 points was a significant improvement from the 44 OSU allowed to Central Michigan in week one.

“Overall, kudos to (the defense) tonight,” OSU defensive coordinator Derek Mason said.

“I thought they were remarkably better, and we challenged those guys to be better. I’m glad to see that that’s part of the week one to week two process.”

See Martin on page 3

Run game provides answer for slow OSU offense in win over ASU

Mackenzie Janish Tyler Lacy had one sack against Arizona State in Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday.

“He played really well against TCU last year, so that’s the guy I expect to see,” OSU offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said. “He’s a talented guy, and he’s gotta be the guy for us.”

After Sanders threw 406 yards and four touchdowns against Gabriel Trevino Central Michigan in week one, Sports Editor Arizona State came into the game playing back with its secondary, The conditions were set for a particularly the safeties. running back to thrive.

But through the first half of The quarterback? In the Saturday’s game, Sanders didn’t first half, OSU’s Spencer Sanders find the magic he did before, comcompleted fewer than 50% of his pleting 11 of 24 passes with one passes with one interception and pick and 94 yards. Not to help the no touchdowns. cause, two penalties set the OSU The wide receivers? offense farther back.

Dropped passes and struggled to At halftime, and after the get open downfield consistently. rain settled in, coach Mike Gundy, The weather? Rain began Dunn, and the rest of the offenand progressively got worse. sive staff adjusted, deciding to So it’s not really a surprise pound the rock more. To do so OSU junior running back Domieffectively, the offensive line, who nic Richardson ran with his shoul- Gundy said found it troublesome der pads down in the Cowboys’ to run block in week one and in 34-17 win over Arizona State on the first half of week two, needed Saturday night in Boone Pickens to step up.

Stadium.

And it did.

It wasn’t a career night for “We did not play very Richardson — that happened well,” Dunn said. “Let’s not call in his 134-yard, two touchdown it anything else. We didn’t play performance on only 13 carries well. We had some drops, some against TCU a season ago— but miscues, penalties. We had it all.

175 total yards with a touchdown I was really pissed off at halftime. on Saturday night showed signs of But the guys stepped up and made his ceiling. some plays. The offensive line was fantastic in order to run the ball

as well.”

In the second half, Richarson did not lose yardage on a handoff for the remainder of the game. Wider, and additional holes for the backs opened up, and when there weren’t, Richardson broke through, evaded arm tackles and created gains out of nothing. “(The run game) wasn’t there in the beginning,” Richardson said. “But it started to open up and I started to read my offensive line more, and they did better. I couldn’t do it without my O-Line.”

Leading by 17 points and wanting to drain any leftover time ASU could have used, OSU needed to keep running, but this time when the Sun Devils knew it was coming.

To do so, the Cowboys stacked the line of scrimmage with two tight ends — a formation not often seen in the OSU system — to even the numbers in the trenches and allow the run game to finish the game they played a major part in winning.

“They played five guys back, so that means we have to rush the football,” Gundy said. “It becomes a numbers game. In the last 10 minutes when they knew we were going to run, and we could still run it. That’s a good way to close a game out. sports.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Tuesday, September 13, 2022

sports

O’Colly

Defense...

Continued from page 1 “I think the D-line was the tip of the spear,” Mason said.

“What those guys do up front, we follow. Rushing coverage, you have to work together, and tonight I think I saw more of that.”

The only two conversions came on ASU’s final touchdown drive, early in the fourth quarter.

One, a 10-yard pick-up on thirdand-six, and the other a 20-yard reception on third-and-18. But when the Cowboys locked up on third downs, good things happened.

“Guys are taking the challenge of understanding that you have to win situational football to win games,” Mason said. “How do you play in the red zone? How do you play on third down? It matters, right? … If you don’t get teams off the field, then it’s more possessions, and more possessions lead to more explosives.”

Mason has been preaching that concept to his defense, as well as to communicate clearer with each other. Defensive end Tyler Lacy heard those sermons. He recovered a fumble on a third-andone in the second quarter, added a tackle-for-loss that forced a thirdand-long and helped clog running lanes all night.

The less he’s on the field, the better he feels about his unit.

“It’s always a good ability for us to get off the field,” Lacy said. “If we’re on the field less, that means somethings going good for us. So I feel great about that.”

Just like last year’s defense, this squad showed it can get out of third-down situations Saturday night.

“To say we were two for whatever (13), I think it’s pretty good,” Mason said. “That’s what you want to be.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Photos by Mackenzie Janish

O’Colly

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Page 3

sports Martin...

way on runs.

“I’m excited for (the offensive linemen),” SandContinued from page 1 ers said. “I hope they go out and have a few drinks.

At the start of the They played good, they third quarter, the drizzle deserve it.” over Boone Pickens StaThe key moments dium turned into somein the game — Martin’s thing more. Rain drove forced fumble, Richardfans to the concourse, and son’s full-bore effort late it turned the pre-arranged — came about through a striped pattern of black, treat that OSU coaches white and orange clad fans had been harping on. into a patchwork of colors “Coach told us comas ponchos came out. ing into the game that we Richardson was key needed to be physical, beto closing out the game as cause their linebackers are conditions got sloppy. He pretty physical,” Richardcarried the ball 27 times son said. “We knew that for OSU and gained 131 coming into this game...If yards. you hit them first, you’re Gundy said Richgoing to fall forward and ardson blossomed, and get the first, so we needed played especially well in to be physical.” the second half. Sanders complimented Richardson, and also doled out a wish for the players carving the sports.ed@ocolly.com

Photos by Chase Davis and Mackenzie Janish

ETERNITY IN MIND! “ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

(1 Co.15:58 NKJ) Just about everything in this life is temporary. Yet, most people work very hard to have a pleasant few years in their lifetime. I would like to remind the true Christians that God is offering us an eternity of blessing as we serve him and his purposes now.

In 1 Co.15 the Apostle Paul is reminding these believers of Christ’s resurrection and how true and real it was. He continues by emphasizing the sure promise of God that we are going to share in that resurrection one day. We will have a new, eternal body like Jesus has now. As we help in the work of God, furthering his kingdom;

demonstrating the love of God in blessing and serving others; as you and I get involved with helping missionary work, even going to help in short term mission trips or providing finances for others to go, we are laying up treasure in heaven “where moths cannot corrupt and thieves cannot steal.”

Actually, this kingdom of God, with forgiveness of all our sins and a new relationship with God as our Father, is offered to all mankind. If you have never opened your heart to Christ, asking for a clean heart and a new life; the door is open wide for you to come. You will not be turned away.

Then you too can begin to live for the eternal: laying up treasure in Heaven. I encourage all to consider these words, no matter your age, and choose the best and most satisfying life. It is a life following Christ as your Lord, and going for God’s best in eternity. It is a great and sure future!

Page 4 Tuesday, September 13, 2022

O’Colly

News

OSU to receive $1.2M to fund new program Teyte Holcomb News Editor OSU has been included in the U.S. National Science Foundation announcement Thursday of five new NSF Innovation Corps Hubs that will scale the NSF-led National Innovation Network.

OSU’s I-Corps program, which is a part of the Spears School of Business, will receive $240,000 a year for five years as part of the regional alliance of eight universities in the Southwest region.

Along with OSU, other Hub programs receiving funding are the University of Texas at Austin, Louisiana State University, New Mexico State University, Rice University, Texas A&M University as well as other institutions.

OSU School of Entrepreneurship associate professor of professional practice and director of the OSU I-Corps Site Program Richard Gajan said this is giving universities extra resources that are much needed.

“The NSF has created this program to give universities such as OSU the extra manpower and a proven technique to commercialize research funded primarily by the U.S. government branches,” Gajan said in an OSU press release. “This process will lead to startup companies and economic growth. Importantly, it will begin to shift the focus of scientific research at the university to topics with greater commercial appeal.”

The annual funding includes an option to renew for another five years, and is designed for researchers to take the first steps by applying to I-Corps.

Funds for the Hub award will be available in January.

Since implementation of the program in 2017, OSU has been awarded $300,000 for its site program and an additional $500,000 in I-Corps grants.

“The NSF I-Corps Hub award to OSU will serve as a key program in facilitating business understanding by OSU’s research and development teams who want to see their technology-based solutions translated into commercially viable products or services,” said Daniel Will, executive director of OSU’s Brightest Orange Ventures, in an OSU press release. “As part of Cowboy Innovations’ overall mission to connect OSU and industry, Brightest Orange Ventures provides business assistance resources and venture capital funding to help commercialize Oklahoma State University technology through successful startup companies.”

Gajan said the funding will pay for getting teams to participate and prepare to attend nationals.

“This program can be instrumental in commercializing research conducted at OSU and other research institutions in Oklahoma,” Gajan said.

“Successful technology commercialization leads to licensing revenues as well as startup companies and that brings economic growth to the state.”

I-Corps Hubs provide entrepreneurial training to academic researchers across all fields of science and engineering. I-Corps Hubs from the operational backbone of the National Innovation Network that help research-

ers translate fundamental research results to the marketplace.

“I am delighted the I-Corps Hubs that we are awarding today will expand the footprint of the National Innovation Network, harnessing the innovation potential that exists all across the country by establishing clear pathways for researchers to engage with NSF’s Lab-to-Market Platform,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Jaiden Daughty OSU has been included in the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announcement Thursday of five new NSF Innovation Corps Hubs that will scale the NSFled National Innovation Network.

away! e d i H inal g i r he O t t ou k c e Ch

SINCE 1957,

230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074

Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!

O’Colly

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Page 5

News

Courtesy of OSU Extension/ Kristin Knight

New plant and soil sciences department head announced Wade Thomason joins recruitment activities for Agronomy Club and other organizations in the OSU Plant and Soil Sciences Department.

Teyte Holcomb News Editor There’s a new face in OSU agriculture, the new department of plant and soil sciences head.

Wade Thomason began his role at OSU after a 19-year career as a professor at Virginia Tech University, where he guided leadership in production management of corn, small grains and sorghum for grain and silage. He has also served as the associate director in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

“We worked a lot on the advancement of notill production, and our success led to a much better understanding of the overall soil health benefits of reduced tillage and organic matter,” Thomason said in an OSU press release.

Thomason is not only an OSU graduate, but his professional colleagues are also members of the Cowboy family. As well, Thomason was named a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy in 2017.

“I’m very familiar with what our folks are studying in the areas of modeling and data science,” Thomason said. “The extent of development of the OSU Wheat Improvement Team is special, and the size and scope of its work is impressive.”

OSU’s Wheat Improvement Team is a program of the plant and soil sciences department. The group of scientists develop highly adapted winter wheat cultivars with marketable grain quality. Researchers support the Oklahoma wheat industry by creating wheat genetic resources and partnering with ag research.

Each new variety developed by OSU’s wheat breeding

team involves at least 10 years of research and is well received worldwide.

“The department’s faculty and staff are very knowledgeable and skilled in their roles,” Thomason said in an OSU press release. “My job is to help them get where they want to go and keep the trains running on time.”

Thomason said his return to OSU is an opportunity to help other students and give back to his home state. Thomason’s Extension experience and agronomy background will help further the success of his department, and hopes it will attract top-level researchers to campus.

news.ed@ocolly.com

STILLWATER’S MATTRESS STORE 424 SOUTH MAIN STREET, STILLWATER,OK 74074

405-624-3212

WWW.STILLWATERFURNITURESHOWCASE.COM

MONDAY-SATURDAY | 9:30 - 6:00 SUNDAY | 1:00 - 5:00

Page 6 Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Lifestyle

O’Colly

Red dirt country music is back in Stillwater at OCL Mallory Pool Assistant News Editor

tonight and that’s what I love about the band. They have that effect on everyone, even if you didn’t necessarily come to see them.”

The one criticism McNichol had didn’t even have anything to do with the bands playing.

She said the setup for the concert was not good.

The VIP section was in front of the stage, but it was elevated about 3 feet, so the general admission could not see the bands very well.

“We are making the best out of it, but I don’t like the setup at all,” McNichol said. “If I would’ve known about the VIP section being elevated, I would’ve just paid the extra $30 and had a way better view. I also almost wish it was outside like Calf Fry. I think that would’ve been more enjoyable with the nice weather.”

Even with these issues, people still had a great time with all the bands that performed.

Seeing Randy Rogers Band perform one of the songs off their upcoming album, “Nothing but Love Songs,” was the highlight of my night. Randy Rogers is set to open for Luke Combs in his upcoming tour, so keep on the lookout for more coming from them. “Homecoming” is set to release on Oct. 14.

Tumbleweed Dance Hall was home to some of my favorite artists this past weekend.

Outside City Limits is a music festival hosted in Stillwater that is similar to Calf Fry but on a smaller scale. Friday night, Randy Rogers Band, who is set to release a new album in October, headlined the show. With openers from William Beckmann, Angie K and Flatland Cavalry, the night was one to remember.

Flatland Cavalry is one of my favorite red dirt country music bands, so seeing them live for the first time was absolutely insane. It played some of my favorites like “Some Things Never Change” which was their opening song.

Randy Rogers Band, the main reason I went to the concert, did not disappoint.

Olivia McNichol, a chemical engineering major from Owasso, also agrees.

“I love Randy Rogers because they have a lot of good dancing songs,” McNichol said. “I love the environment of their concerts. They play to the crowd and just make you want to have a good time.

Everyone has been really into the music so far entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Party/Semi-formal Pageant/Performace Wedding

Tumbleweed Dance Hall hosted “Outside City Limits” this past weekend.

121 E 9th Ave, Downtown www.formalfantasy.com 405-780-7720

Karlie Boothe

O’Colly

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Page 7

Classifieds Business Squares Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main “The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University.

Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Business Squares Murphy’s Department Store 815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday

Business Squares Guaranteed Weekday Parking, 1 block from Eskimo Joe’s, $100/year.

Go to salemosu.org or call 405-372-3074 for info.

Company Coming?

Check out “Cowboy Cabin” 550 steps east of Boone Pickens Stadium Airbnb.com/h/cowboy-cabin

Houses for rent Now Available Nice Home at 2214 E. 6th Ave. 2-bedroom, 1- bath, Living Room, Dining room, all appliances, washer/ dryer hookups, CHA. 405-372-7107

Help Wanted Small medical office seeking reliable employee in Stillwater.

Flexible scheduling. Must be friendly and willing to learn. No experience necessary.

Call 405-743-3668

Check us out on the web at www.ocolly.com

Daily Horoscope

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Shed tears 5 Candy __ Saga: match-three game app 10 Fourth-yr. students 13 Org. with a Women’s Rights Project 14 Small cap 15 Split __ soup 16 *Sibling by marriage 18 Old tee, perhaps 19 Can opener 20 “Am __ time?”

21 Bad habit 22 Barnyard bird 23 *Best Picture Oscar winner directed by Barry Jenkins 25 Fictional wolf’s disguise 28 “Get Smart” crime org.

29 *Wee 31 Floats on the wind 35 Pretend 36 Video game princess 39 Early ISP 40 “Such a tragedy” 43 *Lengthy warranty period 46 __ hog 49 Played the lead 50 *Retrace one’s steps 54 Fin. neighbor 55 Mid-month date 56 “__-ching!”

57 Leash 60 __ & Perrins steak sauce 61 Coffee creamer option, or what can precede both parts of the answers to the starred clues 63 Trains that rumble overhead 64 “Murder on the __ Express” 65 “Just teasing ya” 66 Match, in poker 67 Raise a glass (to) 68 Salty expanses

9/13/22

By Jerry Edelstein

DOWN 1 Stinging insect 2 Prefix with -plasm 3 Tusked animals 4 Small camping shelter 5 VIP with a corner office, perhaps 6 Mathematical comparison 7 Loosen, as a bra 8 “Burnt” crayon color 9 That woman 10 Parsley piece 11 Get through to 12 Bob who had a recurring role on “Fuller House” 14 Texter’s “Gimme a sec” 17 Music groups 21 Travel document 23 Pencil puzzle with dead ends 24 Fan setting 25 Honor roll figs.

26 Puerto __ 27 “Les __”: musical nickname 30 Shape of some building additions 32 Equal chance 33 Heavy book

Monday’s Puzzle Solved

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

34 Iditarod vehicle 37 Floppy __ 38 Toward a boat’s rudder 41 Boats like Noah’s 42 “j” topper 44 Dog-__: folded at the corner 45 “To be honest ... ” 47 Hall of Fame jockey Eddie 48 National flower of Mexico

9/13/22

50 Olympic gymnast Simone 51 “Rolling in the Deep” singer 52 Halt 53 Sidewalk eateries 57 Demo stuff 58 Director Kazan 59 Country mail rtes.

61 Like habanero peppers 62 Picnic pest

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (09/13/22). Shared fortunes rise this year. Build health and strength with daily routines. Delicious family connections make autumn sparkle, before undertaking a professional makeover. Your investigation reveals hidden gold next spring, leading to summer home improvement projects. Collaborate to grow what you love.

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 a 9 — Your head is full of ways to make money. Hidden opportunities get revealed. Take advantage of a surprising development cautiously. Look before leaping.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — You’ve got the confidence to make things happen. Check your course, before plunging ahead. Watch your step. Avoid assumptions. Keep your patience. Look around.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 6 — Indulge in peaceful solitude for private contemplation. Avoid noise, chaos or crowds. Consider circumstances from a higher perspective. Look for benefits hiding in change.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Support and be supported with recent changes. Help your crew adapt around a challenge. Go for distance, and not speed. Don’t overextend. Together, you’re formidable.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take charge to resolve a professional puzzle. New circumstances require new solutions. Things may not go as planned.

Discover an unusual option with potential.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Expand your horizons. Explore uncharted territory and take notes. Study, research and investigate a subject that takes you in unexpected directions. Follow intuition.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Cash flows in with greater ease. Take advantage of an unexpected opportunity. Collaborate for common gain. Together, find new markets, profits or savings.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Connect with your partner at a deeper level. Change directions intuitively together. Collaborate to adapt with recent changes. Strengthen foundations. Conversation leads to romance.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Prioritize vitality, fitness, labor and health. Stay open minded with shifting circumstances. Discover unusual solutions. Learn from experts. Practice to build strength and endurance.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Relax and have fun with someone you love. Take advantage of an unexpected opportunity. Enjoy sweet moments together. Share delicious flavors and perfect sunsets.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Manage practical domestic objectives. Fixing one thing can reveal another repair needed. Make upgrades and improvements to avoid greater expense later. Paint works wonders.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially brilliant. Capture ideas, musings and creative possibilities in writing. Research from multiple perspectives. To learn something deeply, teach it to others.

Level 1

2

3

4

9/13/22

Solution to Monday’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

© 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 8 Tuesday, September 13, 2022

O’Colly

Lifestyle

Molly Jolliff

Review: McKnight Center kicks off pep rally series Many tailgated with Pistol Pete and food trucks before the Sara Evans performance concert at the McKnight Center on Friday night.

Jacob Plaxico Staff Reporter

This past Friday was the first in a series of pep rallies at the McKnight Center. It was shockingly pretty empty, which meant there was plenty of room to breathe and enjoy some of the great food trucks provided.

I had Vanessa’s, a Mexican food truck, and it was delicious. I was unable to try the other two food trucks but from the people I spoke with, both “Wicked Hangry” and “Snow S’more” were just as good. “Wicked Hangry”

had some of the tallest burgers I have ever seen.

“It’s the most biggest and tastiest burger I’ve had,” a boy said.

“Snow S’more” received praise from customers. The food truck serves shaved ice, craft coffee, and s’mores.

I was not to find anyone who got the coffee, but I did track down and ask some people about the s’mores and they looked absolutely divine.

“I know [my kids] are gonna make a huge mess out of it, but they’re so good I think it’s worth it,” a mother said.

The main show for that night, Sara Evans, broadcast on the big screen

outside of the McKnight Center for everyone to see. Tickets were available for purchase to see her in person, but it was a packed show, selling out the VIP section. Though after hearing and seeing her country performance, it’s no wonder she sells tickets. Her natural charisma and showmanship even had people outside dancing.

Don’t feel too left out if you don’t listen to country music. The next pep rally, on Oct. 7, will feature a performance from the legendary blues guitarist, Buddy Guy. He will be performing songs from his new album. The third pep rally, on Nov. 11, will have a showing of the musical “Legally Blonde”.

If you want tickets to that you’ll have to act fast, the front of the theater is almost sold out.

Tickets for these shows are reasonably priced, ranging from $27 to $123 for a seat. If you are an OSU student, you can present your ID on show night and buy tickets for $15 each. There is a two-ticket per student ID limit.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com