Monday, September 19, 2022
Wacky special teams night mark history, dedication On Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s opening drive, the Golden Lions punted. The ball never got past the line of scrimmage, as senior defensive end Trace Ford blocked and returned the punt for a touchdown. With the depth on OSU’s roster, even the Cowboys special teams unit is Gabriel Trevino full of starting-quality players. Sports Editor “I like the guys, I like the bodies on special teams,” said OSU coach Saturday night’s game could be Mike Gundy. “Their willingness to an episode of a cartoon for the wacky, compete on special teams is really zany and downright crazy plays and mo- good. (Ford) practiced full speed and he ments. took it seriously. He worked for it.” The final score is rather insignifiLater in the first quarter, Syncere cant. OSU clobbered Arkansas-Pine Jones knocked Cowboys kicker Tanner Bluff 63-7. An expected outcome for Brown to the turf after an extra point. when an FCS team visits the No. 8 The ensuing penalty allowed OSU to team. kickoff from the 50-yard after the PAT. What wasn’t predicted were blocked punts, an accidental onside kick See Wacky on page 2 and friendly-fire field goals.
Molly Jolliff Trace Ford after blocking a punt, picking up the ball and running for a touchdown.
Homecoming hardships
SAE removed from cowboy homecoming
Mallory Pool Assistant News Editor America’s Greatest Homecoming will be without another fraternity. The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon were removed from celebrating Cowboy homecoming this past week for their actions toward the men of Beta Theta Pi. A couple of members of SAE threw a firecracker into Beta’s pomping room this past weekend, potentially causing damage and harm to the room and its contents. No one was present during the time of the incident. This is the second Homecoming removal for a fraternity in two years. In 2021, Alpha Tau Omega did not participate after a hazing incident. The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon were paired with the women of Alpha Delta Pi, who were not involved in the event. SAE is no longer allowed to participate in the famous decoration building that America’s Greatest Homecoming is known for or any other homecoming events the week of Oct. 16. The OSU Alumni Association released a statement regarding the incident and expressed their support to the women of Alpha Delta Pi and their want for the women to still participate in homecoming activities. “In the Homecoming process, health and safety of all participants is of the utmost importance,” the statement said. “The extensive Homecoming expectations regarding health and safety are frequently communicated to chapter and Homecoming leadership alike, and these practices are expected to be followed throughout the entire process. The OSU Alumni Association, the Office of Student Support and Conduct, and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority for See SAE on page 5
Abby Cage
New faces make their first plays Stephon Johnson Jr. (6) was one of several young Cowboys who appeared in OSU’s 63-7 win over UAPB.
before halftime. Gunnar Gundy tossed one to Talyn Shettron. Freshman to freshman. New and young faces such as Gundy and Shettron were a common theme in OSU’s 63-7 win over FCS foe ArkansasPine Bluff in Boone Pickens Stadium on Braden Bush Saturday night. Staff Reporter “They played well,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said of his reserves. “… We It looked like a traditional OSU like those young guys. We like where fade to the corner of the end zone. Simi- they’re at. They’re a long way off, but lar to touchdowns scored earlier in the they need to get reps. They might have to game between quarterback Spencer Sand- be in games this year when money is on ers and wide receiver Braydon Johnson, the line.” or to Tay Martin a season ago. Along with Shettron’s 16-yard Except a freshman threw this touchdown catch, another freshman touchdown pass, less than two minutes receiver, Stephon Johnson Jr., recorded a
quartet of catches and 55 of Gunnar’s 128 passing yards. A pair of receptions – one an 18-yarder and the other for 15 – on the same drive set up Shettron’s touchdown. It was more than just receiving and route running for Johnson Jr., who also got in on the run game with an 11-yard gain on a wide receiver reverse on that same touchdown drive, showcasing his speed. Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said he was excited to see the young receiver gain experience and turn practice into performance.
See New on page 3