Demarco Murray had himself quite a 2022 recruiting cycle.

DeMarco Murray continues to prove his worth as a recruiter with the commitment of Jovantae Barnes, another elite running back and player in the 2022 class. Barnes is viewed as a top running back in the class and has announced his committed to the Sooners over several other programs such as Alabama, Florida State, and even Lincoln Riley going after him with the USC Trojans. Commitments are always fantastic news, but commitments that happen live on national television are even sweeter. Add in the fact that he’s actually already signed, and it provides even more hope for the future of the running back position.

Murray has gone from inexperienced coach and hopeful recruiter to rainmaker for the Oklahoma Sooners when they need him most. Not only has he previously secured the commitment of Gavin Sawchuk, he’s also been on the recruiting trail before Venables was even hired to try his best to keep the current recruiting class held together.

Although Barnes is from Vegas — and the trip to Southern Cal may have been easy — Murray is a Vegas man himself. He currently stands with a frame of 6’ and 200lbs. He’s not a finesse running back, he’s ready for contact. Not only that, he is also a very good backfield blocker for his age and somebody that has good hands. Lebby notably likes to run the ball more than the previous regime and can be an every down back. He’s an incredibly strong runner, but also a great climber when it comes to cuts going up field.

Since Tashard Choice spurned the USC Trojans and decided to coach at Texas less than 24 hours later, rumors suggested Lincoln Riley’s people reached out to the folks that represent Demarco Murray to hire him with more money and a fancier title. I would say Demarco was going to acquire a raise this year regardless, but after the recent commitment of Barnes and the signing of Sawchuk, it only furthers that he is a necessity on staff and not a luxury. According to 247Sports Composite, Barnes is the No. 10 RB in the US, the No. 3 player in the state of Nevada, and the No. 116 overall prospect in the country. Barnes is now the 17th commit to the Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class, which sits at No. 10 nationally.

Without Tanner Groves, Jacob Groves and Bijan Cortes, Porter Moser’s team still found a way.

The Oklahoma Sooners were without three contributors, but they were still able to claw out a 71-69 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats to open Big 12 play.

Entering the game without Tanner Groves — its leading scorer and rebounder — as well as Jacob Groves and Bijan Cortes due to health and safety protocols, Oklahoma knew it would have to rely on its defensive intensity to open the new year on a high note. That’s exactly what happened to open up the game, as OU held the Wildcats to 22 points on 32 percent shooting while forcing nine turnovers. However, K-State would catch fire in the second half, and the Sooners would need four clutch free throws from Umoja Gibson to pull it out in the end.

Offensively, Elijah Harkless carried the torch for the Sooners, scoring 21 points on 7-12 shooting and hitting all four of his three-point attempts. After Kansas State was able to tie the game at 65 in the closing moments, Harkless took it upon himself to make a play, and make a play he did with just 35 seconds remaining.

The importance of pulling out this win can’t be overstated, as Oklahoma’s upcoming schedule is as challenging as any in the country. Here’s the remainder of OU’s January:

• 1/4 at No. 1 Baylor
• 1/8 vs. No. 8 Iowa State
• 1/11 at No. 17 Texas
• 1/15 at TCU
• 1/18 vs. No. 6 Kansas
• 1/22 vs. No. 1 Baylor
• 1/26 at West Virginia
• 1/29 at No. 11 Auburn (Big 12-SEC Challenge)

If the Sooners can win three of these games, they’ll probably be in okay shape moving forward. Going .500 or better would have me over the moon.

The Sooners will be down three players due to health and safety protocols.

After a strong start consisting of a few quality wins, the Oklahoma Sooners open Big 12 play against the Kansas State Wildcats at the LNC. Unfortunately, per OU Athletics, the home squad will be without Tanner Groves, Jacob Groves and Bijan Cortes due to health and safety protocols.

Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Kansas State (8-3): Saturday, 7 p.m. CT at the Lloyd Noble Center (Norman, OK)

TV: ESPNU

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Commentary: Mike Corey and King McClure

Radio: Sooner Sports Radio Network (KRXO 107.7 FM The Franchise in Oklahoma City; KTBZ 1430 AM in Tulsa; Varsity Radio App) with Toby Rowland and Kevin Henry announcing

Line: Oklahoma -8 (as of 6 p.m. CT Saturday)

About Kansas State

• The Wildcats are 8-3 on the season, suffering losses to Arkansas, Illinois and Marquette — all big single digits. K-State has won its last three contests, including a 67-58 win at Nebraska on Dec. 19. Their most recent scheduled contest — Dec 29 vs. North Florida — was cancelled due to COVID absences in the UNF program.
• K-State sits at No. 66 in KenPom’s team efficiency rankings, sitting at No. 131 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 38 in adjusted defensive efficiency. As usual, Kansas State operates at a slow pace, ranking No. 236 nationally in adjusted tempo.
• The Wildcats are led in scoring by Nigel Pack, who is averaging 14.9 PPG while connecting on nearly 44 percent of his three-point attempts.

One Big Thing

OU will be without the services of Tanner Groves, Jacob Groves and Bijan Cortes this evening due to health and safety protocols. Tanner, the elder Groves brother, leads the Sooners in scoring and rebounding at 14.2 and 6.0. respectively. The younger Groves has averaged 3.5 PPG in 13.3 minutes per outing, while Cortes has averaged 1.6 PPG and 1.3 AP in 9.6 MPG. The latter has served as the primary backup to Jordan Goldwire at PG as of late, so we’ll likely see a bit of true freshman Alston Mason this evening.

Prediction

Ins site of the absences, OU’s defensive intensity should win the day on its home court. This will likely be an ugly won, but a win in Big 12 play can’t be taken for granted.

Oklahoma 66, Kansas State 60