Tag: Thomas Harper

Notre Dame: Why Thomas Harper didn’t play against Louisville

Safety Thomas Harper was unavailable Saturday night for Notre Dame at Louisville. We now know why.

Notre Dame wasn’t one player away from beating Louisville on Saturday night as the Cardinals shredded the Irish, 33-20.  However, one key player Notre Dame went without was defensive back Thomas Harper.

Harper was officially ruled out of the contest about an hour before kickoff.  Marcus Freeman shared why Harper was out after the disappointing loss.

“He’s in concussion protocol,” Freeman said after the game “He wasn’t ready to return to play.

“Obviously, you do not want to lose a great player like Thomas Harper, but (we) expect him to be back next week.”

-Marcus Freeman

Harper had five tackles in each of Notre Dame’s previous two games prior to the Louisville contest.

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Notre Dame statistical leaders through five games

Who can get the Irish back on track after their heartbreaking loss?

Notre Dame doesn’t have time to think about what could have been against Ohio State. Its focus now must shift to a resurgent Duke team. Wins continue to be necessary because you never know what can happen over the next two months. The College Football Playoff might still remain in play.

Here are the Irish’s statistical leaders to watch for against the Blue Devils:

Notre Dame statistical leaders through four games

Here are the players most equipped to take down the Buckeyes.

Notre Dame got through its four games unscathed, and now it’s time for the really big test. Ohio State is coming to South Bend, and this could more or less decide the Irish’s fate for 2023.

It will be tough, but they’ve shown they have the personnel to meet the challenge.

Here are the statistical leaders to watch out for in the upcoming contest:

Notre Dame offers transfer defensive back a scholarship

The Irish are looking for some depth

It might not seem like [autotag]Notre Dame[/autotag] head coach [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag] is concerned with his secondary this fall, but an offer to a transfer suggests that might not be the case.

With [autotag]Benjamin Morrison[/autotag] and [autotag]Cam Hart[/autotag] holding down the starting spots and transfer [autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag] most likely taking care of the nickel, it seems like the Irish would be set.

An offer to Rhode Island transfer cornerback Antonio Carter might tell a bit more of what Freeman thinks about the group. The three starters will be fine, but the depth might not be up to the head coach’s standard at the moment.

Carter has made a few visits already since entering the portal and the Irish are a bit late to the party. We will see if the timing of the offer matters for Notre Dame and the transfer corner.

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Notre Dame Football: Transfer portal tracker for 2022-23

Who do you most want to see Notre Dame bring in via the portal?

Whether you like it or not, the transfer portal has taken college athletics by storm and changed the landscape of college sports forever. Notre Dame has experienced this in recent years. It has had players exit and players arrive via the portal.

So who is leaving Notre Dame via the portal in 2022-23? We’re keeping you up to date on who enters the portal, where they end up and who Notre Dame lands via the portal this offseason.

Here are all the Notre Dame players to enter the portal since the start of the 2022 season. Those who transfer into Notre Dame will be tracked as well.

Notre Dame defender returning for sixth season

At Notre Dame, this is called the Shaun Crawford plan.

Notre Dame is getting an added boost of experience in the secondary for 2023 as safety [autotag]D.J. Brown[/autotag] has announced he’s returning for his sixth and final season of eligibility.  Brown redshirted in 2018 and is exercising the extra year of eligibility granted to all players due to the COVID year of 2020 to make this possible.

Brown has three career interceptions, all of which came in the 2021 campaign.  He started 10 games for Notre Dame in 2022 and finished fourth on the team in tackles with 48.  Brown’s experience will at least aid Notre Dame in what happens at safety in 2023 after [autotag]Brandon Joseph[/autotag] declared for the NFL draft and Houston Griffith used up his remaining eligibility.

Brown brings experience to the position which juniors [autotag]Xavier Watts[/autotag] and [autotag]Ramon Henderson[/autotag] will also return to play.  [autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag] transferred in from Oklahoma State last week to join the group while [autotag]Justin Walters[/autotag] returns as a sophomore in 2023 after not playing a single snap there as a true freshman.  Freshmen [autotag]Ben Minich[/autotag] and [autotag]Adon Shuler[/autotag] are set to join the safety group this coming season as well.

Enjoy some of the best photos from Brown’s first five years at Notre Dame below!

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Notre Dame lands second transfer portal addition in as many days

It might not draw the headlines that Hartman’s commitment did but this one is mighty important for Notre Dame!

For the second day in a row Notre Dame has landed a graduate-transfer and for the second season in a row they’ve landed a defensive back in the portal.  Former Oklahoma State safety/nickel corner back Thomas Harper was on campus this week and announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Friday.

Harper’s fifth and final year of eligibility will be played with the Irish where playing time appears to be mightily available.  He racked up 93 tackles, five tackles for loss, and a pair of interceptions during his four seasons at Oklahoma State.

It’s not an earth-shaking move for Notre Dame but it certainly makes the Irish better on paper for 2023.

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Is a Big 12 safety next in transfer portal for Notre Dame?

With Hartman done, who does Notre Dame need the most now?

Notre Dame is attacking the transfer portal differently this off-season than they have in years past.  Whether you like it or not, that’s the new world of college football and it won’t be going away anytime soon.  A day after landing their quarterback for 2023 however, Notre Dame might soon be getting some help in the back half defensively.

Thursday saw not only Sam Hartman on campus but also graduate senior safety Thomas Harper of Oklahoma State.  Harper tweeted about being in South Bend and not long after, Tom Loy of 247Sports gave a crystal ball prediction of Harper ultimately choosing Notre Dame.

Harper is coming off a year where he missed five games due to injury for Oklahoma State.  In 36 career games he’s amassed 93 tackles and a pair of interceptions for the Cowboys.  Safety is certainly among the biggest positions of need for Notre Dame, along with defensive line and wide receiver.

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Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

Latest lines and betting preview for the Oklahoma Sooners’ in-state matchup with Oklahoma State. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners play host to the No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds, and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet at BetMGM.

The game starts at 6:30 p.m. CT and can be seen on ABC.

In their loss last week against West Virginia, Oklahoma failed to cover a spread yet again, falling to 3-7 on the season. In inclement weather,  the two sides played a low-scoring affair that also failed to hit the over and fell to 4-5-1 against the point total.

Despite having a worse record, Oklahoma is more than a touchdown favorite at home against their in-state rivals. While the all-time series record heavily favors the Sooners and Spencer Sanders may be limited, it’s hard to fathom Oklahoma being that big of a favorite with the season they’ve had.

Let’s take a look at the betting lines from BetMGM.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM.

  • Point spread: Oklahoma minus-7.5
  • Money line: Oklahoma minus-300 / Oklahoma State plus-230
  • Over-Under: 66

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag], S: Questionable (Knee)

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Shoulder)

[autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag], S: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Blaine Green[/autotag], WR: Questionable (Wrist)

[autotag]Tyler Lacy[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Garret Rangel[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Undisclosed)

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Advice and prediction

It’s expected to be 40 degrees at kickoff, and at the moment, there isn’t any moisture or wind in the forecast. Still, by halftime, the temperature will be at or below freezing in Norman. That could play a factor in Oklahoma’s ability to find a rhythm offensively.

As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the best part of the Oklahoma offense is their running game led by [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag]. Oklahoma State’s run defense is a little bit better than Oklahoma’s, but the Cowboys still allow 163 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry. Gray is second among Power Five runners with at least 150 carries on the season at 6.7 yard per carry.

On what will be a cold night, Oklahoma should continue to lean on the ground game to take the pressure off of a passing attack that’s been inconsistent in recent weeks.

In this game, the big question comes down to how healthy is [autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag]. He’s expected to play and will be a threat, but after missing the Kansas game and being limited against Iowa State, there’s no clear expectation on how much he’ll be able to do. Still, he’s a threat with his legs and that’s caused Oklahoma a lot of trouble in 2022. Expect that to keep the Sooners off balance, even if Sanders isn’t at full strength throwing the ball.

The Sooners have struggled to cover spreads in 2022, and I don’t think they will here. With the chilly temps and Oklahoma State’s excellent third-down defense (ninth in the nation at 28.8%), the Sooners will struggle to score a ton of points in this game. Take the under.

Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Oklahoma State 23

Record against the spread and O/U in 2022: 11-8-1.

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowboys: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find Bedlam on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (5-4, 2-4 Big 12) will face Oklahoma State (7-3, 4-3) on Saturday night in Bedlam, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to end their two-game skid against in-state rival Oklahoma State, who’s been playing some up-and-down football after a 5-0 start. The Cowboys are 2-3 over their last five, and starting quarterback Spencer Sanders has been dealing with a shoulder injury that’s limited him over the last three weeks.

This game has Big 12 title implications for Oklahoma State, who can stay alive with a win over the Sooners. Oklahoma is looking to crack bowl eligibility with a win to avoid missing out on bowl season for the first time since 1998.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
  • Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

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Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Justin Broiles[/autotag], S: Questionable (Knee)

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Shoulder)

[autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Thomas Harper[/autotag], S: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Blaine Green[/autotag], WR: Questionable (Wrist)

[autotag]Tyler Lacy[/autotag], DE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Garret Rangel[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Undisclosed)

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Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 63.9% for 2,217 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. 33 carries, 304 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 42 receptions for 776 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 25 receptions for 347 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 28 receptions for 357 yards and 2 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 10 kickoff returns for 242 yards at 24.4 yards per return.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 83 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 30 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 19 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Oklahoma State

[autotag]Spencer Sanders[/autotag], QB: 58.5% for 2,261 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions. 60 carries, 386 yards, and 8 rushing touchdowns.

[autotag]Bryson Green[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brennan Pressley[/autotag], WR: 47 receptions for 544 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]John Paul Richardson[/autotag], WR: 37 receptions for 430 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Dominic Richardson[/autotag], RB: 149 carries for 543 yards, 8 touchdowns at 3.9 yards per carry.

[autotag]Collin Oliver[/autotag], DT: 21 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks.

[autotag]Mason Cobb[/autotag], LB: 77 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.