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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt takes shot at Lincoln Riley during ‘State of the State’ address
By Keith Farner
Published:
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is not just sitting idle following Lincoln Riley’s departure to Southern Cal. Stitt included the former Oklahoma coach in his annual “State of the State” address on Monday.
“Can you imagine leaving a place like Norman, Oklahoma for a place like Southern California,” Stitt said in his speech.
That is, of course, what Riley did in late November. USC hired Riley in one of the more stunning moves of the college football season as a traditional college football powerhouse poached another’s highly accomplished coach.
Riley went 55-10 in 5 seasons as head coach of the Sooners, and won 4 Big 12 titles and with 3 College Football Playoff appearances in his first head coaching job. USC convinced Riley that he could help return the Trojans to their glory days as an annual national championship contender and the West Coast’s premier program.
. @GovStitt takes a shot at @LincolnRiley during his annual State of the State Address. Saying “can you imagine leaving a place like Norman, Oklahoma for a place like Southern California.”
— Reese Gorman (@reesejgorman) February 7, 2022
Caleb Williams, the most sought-after quarterback in the transfer portal, ultimately followed Riley to USC after he took over as Oklahoma’s starter last season. He was just part of a strong recruiting haul for Riley and the Trojans, including 2 other players from Oklahoma.
Oklahoma receiver Mario Williams transferred to USC last month, along with experienced Pac-12 wideouts Brenden Rice (Colorado) and Terrell Bynum (Washington). Oregon running back Travis Dye also transferred home to his native Southern California last month, along with Stanford running back Austin Jones.
Cornerback Latrell McCutchin also made the move from Oklahoma to USC along with cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (Colorado), offensive lineman Bobby Haskins (Virginia) and defensive linemen Tyrone Taleni (Kansas State) and Earl Barquet (TCU). USC also added edge rusher Romello Heights (Auburn) and linebacker Shane Lee (Alabama).
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
