Tag: Jason White

Can Jackson Arnold be the next great Oklahoma quarterback?

Being the quarterback at Oklahoma brings a lot of pressure and Jackson Arnold is ready to live up to the hype.

Being the starting quarterback at a blue-blood program brings a lot of pressure. Being the starting quarterback at a place like Oklahoma with all of its recent success is another animal all on its own.

That’s what [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] is stepping into. He’s following [autotag]Josh Heupel[/autotag], [autotag]Jason White[/autotag], [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag], [autotag]Landry Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag], [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag] and [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag].

That doesn’t even include the guys pre-2000 or even guys like [autotag]Spencer Rattler[/autotag] and [autotag]Caleb Williams[/autotag]who were extremely talented but finished their careers elsewhere.

Arnold spoke about how much that played into his decision to come to Oklahoma.

“It definitely impacted my decision,” Arnold said. “Just knowing the caliber of QBs that came before me and just knowing that I wanted to be a part of that group really stood out to me. Being in the lineage of Heisman winners is obviously something I want to join and follow those footsteps. This is the place that I wanted to be.”

The thing for Arnold is for him not to try to be too much like them and let that pressure get to him. Instead, he just needs to be himself. That’s what earned him five-star status. It’s why the expectations are so high for Arnold.

He’s got all the talent in the world to be a successful college quarterback. But so much of what goes into playing the position goes beyond the scouting report or the box score. But early in his career, Jackson Arnold has shown he’s capable of overcoming adversity. He’s made up of the right stuff. 2024 is the season we see Arnold have a breakout year.

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Top 20 Oklahoma Sooners all-time in career passing yards

A look at the top 20 passers in Oklahoma Sooners history in career passing yards.

The Oklahoma Sooners have had their fair share of quality quarterback play over the years. That play has earned numerous All-American awards and four Heisman trophies.

Oklahoma has had success with a variety of offensive styles and quarterback play. That shows up when you look at the Sooners’ all-time leaders in career passing yards. Sure you have [autotag]Landry Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], who threw for more than 10,000 yards in their career with the Sooners. Then you have a player [autotag]Jamelle Holieway[/autotag] who is top 20 in both career passing yards and career rushing yards. Holieway and [autotag]Jack Mildren[/autotag] had more rushing touchdowns in their career than they did passing touchdowns.

There is one quarterback inside the top 10 all-time in career passing yards that didn’t play in the last 20 years and that guy is still with the Oklahoma Sooners: wide receivers coach [autotag]Cale Gundy[/autotag]. Gundy is No. 6 in career passing yards. Makes you wonder what kind of damage he could have done in a modern spread offense.

After two seasons in Norman, Dillon Gabriel was productive enough to enter the top 10 in career passing yards at the University of Oklahoma. His 55 passing touchdowns ranks fifth all-time and he finished tied for 17 in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Gabriel had a prolific career with Oklahoma and now will hope to have continued success with the Oregon Ducks.

Here’s a look at the top 20 Oklahoma Sooners in career passing yards.

Where does Dillon Gabriel rank among the best quarterbacks in Oklahoma history?

Dillon Gabriel was only in Norman for two seasons but where does that put him in OU history?

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] wrapped up his final season as an Oklahoma Sooner a couple of weekends ago because he is entering the transfer portal to pursue other options. Gabriel finished his Oklahoma career with 6,828 yards, 55 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 66% passing.

His yardage and touchdown total put him in the top six in OU history. So, where does he rank among the greats that played this prestigious position in Norman? Keep in mind, the Sooners have had four Heisman-winning quarterbacks. Gabriel also only played two seasons in the Crimson and Cream.

So where would he rank among Oklahoma’s best quarterbacks all time? Let’s take a look.

Dillon Gabriel named a finalist for two prestigious awards

Dillon Gabriel has had a great season for the Sooners so far and that has landed him as a finalist of two awards.

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] has been as good as advertised this season for the Oklahoma Sooners. He’s currently completing a career-high 71.4% of his passes for 2,302 yards, 19 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

His play this season has earned him a spot as a finalist for two prestigious awards; the [autotag]Davey O’Brien[/autotag] QB Class of 2023 and the Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Gabriel is a member of the 35-player Davey O’Brien QB Class making him an official candidate for the 2023 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, which will be presented on Dec. 8, 2023.

A Sooner has won the Davey O’Brien award six times. [autotag]Billy Sims[/autotag] won the first one in 1978 when it was given to the most outstanding player and not just the most outstanding quarterback. [autotag]Jason White[/autotag] won the award twice, in 2003 and 2004. [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag] won the award in 2008. [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag] in 2017, and [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] in 2018.

He was announced as a top-10 finalist for the [autotag]Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award[/autotag] on Tuesday. That award is given to the top quarterback who is a college senior or fourth-year junior on schedule to graduate with their class. White is the lone Sooner to win the award.

Gabriel is certainly deserving of both of those awards. Per a release from the University of Oklahoma, He ranks in the top 10 nationally in points responsible for per game (20.2; third), total offense (324.5 yards per game; fifth), pass completion percentage (.714; eighth), passing efficiency rating (169.6; ninth) and passing touchdowns (19; 10th). He also leads the Big 12 in passing offense (278.8 yards per game; 13th nationally) and yards per pass attempt (9.1; 14th nationally).

He has a big opportunity to build upon his stellar season with a rivalry game this weekend.

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Oklahoma is ‘QBU’ but where do they stand in ESPN’s ‘Position U’ rankings?

The Sooners have been spoiled with a ton of elite players at just about every position, here is how they stack up all-time, according to ESPN’s “Position U” rankings.

Let’s face it, Oklahoma fans have been spoiled by the quarterback place since the turn of the century. From [autotag]Josh Heupel[/autotag] to [autotag]Jason White[/autotag] to [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag] to [autotag]Landry Jones[/autotag] the Sooners have witnessed some fantastic quarterback play..

Arguably, the best of the bunch came recently with [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag], [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag], and [autotag]Caleb Williams[/autotag] for a season.

It’s one of the reasons [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] has been so heavily criticized. Sure, he has his flaws, but he’s a very good quarterback who should end up top 10 in the NCAA in career passing yards. He could even pass Mayfield at No. 7 if he has a decent year.

While he’s a good college quarterback, he’s not all-time great like his predecessors. But it is all of the success that has Oklahoma holding onto the top spot as “QBU” in ESPN’s updated position U rankings (ESPN+)

Dillon Gabriel was a solid addition to Oklahoma’s QB legacy, which includes Heisman Trophy winners Jason White, Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, along with runner-up Jalen Hurts, but it’s hard not to consider the one who got away. When Lincoln Riley left for USC, he took Caleb Williams with him, and the Trojans’ new star won the Heisman last season. That cut Oklahoma’s lead at QBU in half from 2022, setting up a potentially huge swing next year, should Williams go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft, as many pundits expect. – David Hale ESPN

That last line however is key. The USC Trojans are No. 2 on the list. They have a guy who could win a second Heisman or, at the very least, go first in next year’s draft.

 

Video: Fighter disqualified for cup repeatedly falling out of boxer shorts in bizarre scene

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in MMA…

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in MMA, a detached protective cup determined the result of a fight.

Fans who watched Flex Fights: Tiki Takedown 25 in Patchogue, N.Y. were treated to that exact unusualness Saturday during an amateur flyweight bout between [autotag]Tommy Cox[/autotag] and [autotag]Jason White[/autotag].

According to the broadcast’s announcers, James Leonelli and Charlie Quinn, from the time of the fighters’ pre-fight checks, it was evident something was wrong with White’s cup.

“I want to point out how much Jason, the fighter in white, was fiddling with his cup,” one announcer said before the fight started. That’s a distraction. It’s not in there properly. Again, fighters: Invest the money. They’re not expensive.”

The first cup drop took place at the two-second-mark of the first round, as the piece of protective plastic equipment fell to the canvas. White hopped up, out of frustration. The overseeing ISKA official retrieved the cup and handed it back to White, who inserted it back down the trunks, only to have fall out seconds after the action resumed.

According to the Unified Rules of MMA, “a Male mixed martial artists shall also wear the appropriate groin protection.” While New York’s amateur bylaws may have its own unique language, after the cup dropped to the canvas a second time, the official disqualified White. Cox was declared the winner without having even thrown a strike or attempting a takedown.

Visibly disappointed, White crumpled to the canvas, as Cox shrugged his shoulders.

Check out the unusual sequence in a video clip posted below (per Harry Mac).

Six Oklahoma Sooners included in ESPN’s top 75 QB’s of the 2000’s

Six Oklahoma Sooners were included among ESPN’s top 75 quarterbacks since 2000.

Oklahoma’s history of quarterback play is well known at the college football level. Oklahoma and Notre Dame are the only schools with four Heisman trophy winners at the QB position.

The end of the century saw football as we know it change from a run-first style to a game that emphasized balance and explosive plays generated by the passing game. The late Mike Leach brought the air raid to Oklahoma, and it has permeated throughout college football.

Oklahoma’s offensive identity since the turn of the century has been dynamic and explosive. At the core was innovative play calling and extraordinary quarterback play. It should be no surprise that six Oklahoma quarterbacks are ranked in ESPN’s top 75 quarterbacks of the 2000s rankings (ESPN+).

Kyler Murray to be honored in Heisman Park at Oklahoma Sooners’ Spring Game

Athletic Director Joe Castiglione revealed to 94.7 The REF in Norman that Kyler Murray will get his Heisman statue unveiled at the 2023 Oklahoma Sooners Spring Game.

[autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] will be getting his statue added to Oklahoma’s Heisman Park this April at the OU Football Spring Game, Athletic director Joe Castiglione told The REF on Thursday.

Castiglione confirmed the news while on the “T-Row in the Morning Show” with the voice of the Sooners, Toby Rowland. Murray’s likeness being added to Heisman Park will, for now at least, complete the collection of OU’s Heisman Trophy winners outside of [autotag]Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial[/autotag] Stadium.

Last year’s “Pack the Palace” campaign for the 2022 spring game, which involved the unveiling of Baker Mayfield’s statue, was a huge success. Giving Murray his statue a year later as Brent Venables tries to build momentum for his program is a no-brainer.

The 2022 spring game was a good get-right moment for both the football program and its fans. Both of which were still feeling the effect of Lincoln Riley’s departure for USC. That game was the first time a lot of OU fans became reacquainted with Venables since his return to Norman.

Mayfield was on the verge of being traded during his statue unveiling, and Kyler Murray will still be recovering from an ACL tear sustained last December while playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

A former two-sport star at Oklahoma, Murray attended last year’s spring game in an OU Baseball jersey. Murray will be immortalized alongside past Heisman winners Mayfield, [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag], [autotag]Jason White[/autotag], [autotag]Billy Sims[/autotag], [autotag]Steve Owens[/autotag], and [autotag]Billy Vessels[/autotag].

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Meet Heisman winner Jason White on Saturday before Bedlam

Former Heisman winner Jason White will be in Norman doing a meet and greet with former Cowboys quarterback Josh Fields on Saturday. Presented by Phillips 66.

Only one other school has as many Heisman trophy winners as the University of Oklahoma since the turn of the century.

Jason White’s 2003 Heisman season set the stage for the Sooners to become synonymous with high-level quarterback play and Heisman contention. Sam Bradford, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray followed in White’s footsteps as winners of the award and have helped Oklahoma stake its claim as “QBU.”

During his Heisman-winning season, Jason White threw for 3,846 yards and 40 touchdowns in his first full season starting for the Sooners. He followed that 2003 performance with another strong season in 2004, throwing for 3,205 yards and 39 touchdowns.

Jason White will be in Norman on Saturday for a meet and greet as part of a series of events presented by Phillips 66.

As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for this year’s Bedlam matchup with Oklahoma State in Norman on Saturday, Phillips 66 is sponsoring several pre-game activities in the build-up to Saturday night’s pivotal in-state showdown.

The Details from Phillips 66

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – college football season! To celebrate the latest game in the Bedlam Series, Phillips 66® is sponsoring an array of pre-game activities to help students and fans get their heads in the game.

Bedlam Series Beats & Bites concert: Friday, Nov. 18

Kicking off game day weekend, country music acts Wade Bowen and The Eli Young Band will perform at the Bedlam Series Beats & Bites concert, presented by Phillips 66®. The concert will take place Friday, Nov. 18 at Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. Whether you are rooting for OSU or OU, all football and country music fans are welcome. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at https://www.riverwind.com/entertainment/events/ or at the door starting at 5:30 p.m.

Pre-Game Meet-and-Greets with Jason White and Josh Fields

To keep the game day spirit alive, Phillips 66 will also be at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium for the Nov. 19 Phillips 66 Bedlam Series game, offering meet-and-greets with former University of Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jason White and former Oklahoma State University quarterback Josh Fields.

Bedlam Series attendees are invited to stop by to receive autographed posters and pose for photos with White and Fields at Heisman Park on the east side of the stadium, starting three hours before kickoff. Fans who come by the booth will also have a chance to receive free vouchers to fuel up at their local Phillips 66® station after the game.

The fun continues during the game where all attendees are eligible to participate in a trivia contest and one lucky winner will receive a year’s supply of gas*, which will be awarded after the third quarter.

*Subject to terms and conditions. Total prize value is $3,900.

About Phillips 66 Gas

Phillips 66 manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The diversified energy company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. Using a network of branded marketers and dealers operating approximately 7,000 outlets, its U.S. Marketing business supplies TOP TIER® Detergent Gasolines under the Phillips 66®, 76® and Conoco® brands. For more information, visit www.phillips66gas.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn or Twitter. 

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A look back at Oklahoma vs. Kansas State in stunning still images

Take a walk down memory lane of some of the best still images of Oklahoma’s history with the Kansas State Wildcats.

The Oklahoma Sooners and the Kansas State Wildcats will be meeting for the 103rd time this Saturday night in Norman. It’s a series that dates back to 1908, when the Sooners won 33-4. While Oklahoma carries a 77-21-4 record into the border rivalry, Kansas State has been known to be a thorn in the side of the Sooners at times in the last two decades.

From 1937 to 1992, the Wildcats beat the Sooners just two twice. Since then, they’ve had much more success going 10-14 since 1993. Much of that success came in the dark days of the mid-’90s.

Since 2000, Kansas State has only beaten the Sooners five times. The biggest win came in the 2003 Big 12 Championship game. Oklahoma was the No. 1 team in the country and undefeated before the Wildcats pulled off the improbable upset, holding the Sooners’ vaunted offensive attack to just seven points.

The Wildcats certainly know how to spoil a good time. Like in 2003, Kansas State would hand the Sooners their first loss of the season in each of 2012, 2019, and 2020 seasons. Oklahoma’s 3-0 heading into the matchup, can Kansas State pull off the unthinkable yet again?

At 3-0 on the season, the Sooners are playing some good football. There’s room to improve, and Kansas State provides a stiff test for Oklahoma.

As the Oklahoma Sooners and Kansas State Wildcats get set to kick off Big 12 play, let’s take a look back at some of the best moments in stunning still images.