Budget constraints bench Oklahoma band for road trip to Temple

Budget constraints forced The Pride of Oklahoma marching band to watch from the sidelines this weekend rather than traveling with the Oklahoma football team to Temple. The band announced its issue on social media before the game.

“The Pride of Oklahoma will be traveling to all conference away games this year,” the band wrote on Twitter. “The full band will travel to Texas and pep bands will travel to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama.

“Due to budget constraints, we are not traveling to Temple this weekend. We are grateful to the St. Joseph’s University Pep Band for filling in for us at all of the OU events and during the ballgame.”

Fans were upset with the lack of the band at the game, with some chiming in on social media. After one user suggested a public fundraiser, the band’s account chimed in.

“Our development officer, Chauvin Aaron is always willing to speak with potential donors for the furtherment of the Pride!” it wrote.

Oklahoma ejection costly for Auburn game

Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas was ejected from Saturday’s game against Temple for targeting. Since the ejection came in the second half, he is set to miss the first half of the Week 4 matchup against Auburn.

Thomas laid a big hit on Temple quarterback Evan Simon and got flagged for roughing the passer in the process. Before the next snap, though, replay buzzed down to initiate a targeting review since Thomas hit Simon in the head and neck area.

The officials ultimately decided there was enough to warrant targeting on the play. That means Thomas is due to sit out the first half of next week’s high-profile matchup against Auburn after the ejection.

R Mason Thomas is a central part of Oklahoma’s defense after a breakout 2024 season. He set new career-highs with 23 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a junior. He also had two fumble recoveries, including a scoop-and-score.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.