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For now, Cox won't televise Oklahoma State-Arizona football game
Aug 11, 2012 (The Oklahoman - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Pac-12 President of Enterprises Gary Stevenson called Oklahoma State's contest at Arizona a "blockbuster" game for the new Pac-12 Network, which launches Wednesday.
But as of Friday, that game will not be shown on Cox Cable in Oklahoma.
Stevenson said during a media teleconference Friday that Cox, the dominant cable provider in Oklahoma, has opted not to carry the Pac-12 Network on its sports tier. He said he found that decision "a little bit curious."
"We've had conversations with them," Stevenson said. "Not sure why they would make that decision. I'm sure that fans in Oklahoma who have Cox would want to let them know that you want to see that game."
The Cowboys' game in Tucson, Ariz., will be their first road contest of 2012 -- and the first road start for true freshman quarterback Wes Lunt. It is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 8.
LITTLEHEAD'S ARREST WARRANT RECALLED
The arrest warrant for Oklahoma State defensive tackle Christian Littlehead was recalled Friday after he was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery in Cherokee County earlier this week.
As first reported by the Tulsa World, Littlehead is accused of punching a woman in the face at a party in March, according to court documents. A warrant for his arrest was issued Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Sept. 24.
Littlehead did not practice Friday morning, a program source told The Oklahoman.
This is Littlehead's third run-in with the law in the past eight months. He was charged in December with one count of misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession after OSU police found two homemade smoking devices with residue at his on-campus residence. He pleaded guilty in February, and his final sentence was deferred until Aug. 27. He was also suspended for the Fiesta Bowl by OSU coach Mike Gundy.
In May, Littlehead was arrested in Tahlequah on a complaint of public intoxication.
Last season, Littlehead started four games as a redshirt freshman and recorded 16 tackles and a sack. He is listed as a backup on the preseason depth chart.
SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE: JUST THE BASICS
Three weeks from the season opener, the Cowboys have arrived at their first extensive scrimmage, set for Saturday night.
Unlike a year ago, when the major emphasis with a veteran team was meshing with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, this preseason involves a much heavier teaching load. For this first scrimmage, Gundy said he'll have an eye on the fundamentals -- and an eye on Lunt.
"We want guys to be in the right spot, want them to play hard," Gundy said. "We want the offensive guys to eliminate penalties, mistakes; defensive guys to force turnovers.
"Just basic fundamentals, to kind of see where we're at, find out where the quarterback's at. I have a pretty good feel for every other positions. I understand where the young wideouts are at, young corners, those guys that could very well play in the first game."
INJURY UPDATE
OSU announced Friday that incoming freshman linebacker Jeremiah Tshimanga is out indefinitely with a right knee injury, while redshirt freshman inside receiver Torrance Carr (foot) and sophomore defensive end Jimmy Bean (knee) are both expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
Tshimanga, a 6-foot-2, 226-pound prospect, arrived at OSU for spring practice but had not cracked the preseason depth chart. He was rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.
Bean played in three games as a true freshman last season, finishing with two tackles. He was listed third on the preseason depth chart behind Ryan Robinson and Tyler Johnson.
Carr was listed as a backup at inside receiver on the preseason depth chart.
POSITION WATCH: CORNERBACKS
Entering camp, cornerback rated as one of OSU's positions of strength. At least concerning the starters.
Brodrick Brown and Justin Gilbert, both returning starters, make up one of the top corner tandems in the Big 12, if not the country.
Behind them, however, there was much concern, with Devin Hedgepeth and Andrae May recovering from injuries and no other proven depth on the roster.
Through one week of practices, concern is lifting. With the emergence of true freshmen Ashton Lampkin and Kevin Peterson to push redshirt freshmen Miketavius Jones and Jonovan Griffin, competition seems to be bringing out the best.
"It's created some competition," said cornerbacks coach Jason Jones. "Between those four guys, they're battling to see who is going to be in the two-deep. Competition always makes you better. It's good.
"Now after practice, I see guys working harder. I see guys competing harder and things like that."
___ (c)2012 The Oklahoman Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com Distributed by
MCT Information Services
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