Oklahoma Wins, But Quarterback Question Looms

Wow, what a rollercoaster of a game for Oklahoma Sooner fans. After the offense only managed 291 yards of offense, went two for eleven on third down, and possessed the ball for 11 fewer minutes than Auburn, Oklahoma still managed to pull off a 27-21 win in Jordan-Hare. 

OU trailed for most of the game, but with a few minutes left in the fourth quarter and Oklahoma down by five points, linebacker Kip Lewis returned a tipped pass 63 yards for a pick-six. Michael Hawkins ran for the two-point conversion, and the Sooners didn’t look back. It was essentially a must-win game for both programs, but Brent Venables’ defense did just enough to squeak by the Tigers and move the team to 4-1. 

The Michael Hawkins Conundrum 

But OU’s defense had already proven its worth this year. The real question entering the game was whether or not Michael Hawkins was the answer at quarterback and that question hasn’t really been answered yet. He only threw the ball 15 times but completed ten passes for 161 yards, although he didn’t turn the ball over, unlike his predecessor. The most exciting part of his day was when he pulled the ball down and sprinted 48 yards for a score to put OU up 7-0 in the first quarter.

But the offense was almost nonexistent after that: they punted five times and Hawkins was sacked twice, although he was pressured on seemingly every play, highlighting the offensive line problems again. It’s probably the case that Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell didn’t ask Hawkins to do very much with his arm given that he hasn’t had much time as the starter. Keeping the play calling vanilla for young starters is often useful for both the player and the team as a whole.

But is this version of the offense what’s best for the Sooners right now? I don’t think Hawkins did anything on Saturday that Jackson Arnold isn’t also capable of doing, but Arnold’s turnover problems have been the real issue with his play. If Hawkins is given more time in the pocket and OU gets some of its receivers back healthy, he might give this team exactly what it needs. But if the offense continues to look like it did against Auburn — which was not much better than it has looked the rest of the season — then it seems like Arnold should be given another chance. After all, he is a former five-star recruit that everyone, including the coaching staff, seemed to think was OU’s next great signal caller.

Quick Hitting Thoughts from Oklahoma’s Win

It sure would be nice if the offensive line would improve a little bit. It seemed like Hawkins was always on the run from Auburn defenders and it was very hard for the Sooners to run the ball. There’s really not much more than can be said about the o-line except that the offense will continue to struggle if that unit doesn’t improve.

With Oklahoma missing all of its top receivers, redshirt senior JJ Hester from Tulsa showed up for Oklahoma. He caught three passes for 86 yards and looked solid, despite only touching the ball three times. Hester may be the team’s top receiver again against Texas if Deion Burks, Nic Anderson, and Andrew Anthony are still injured. 

Venables’ defense is the best defense Oklahoma has had in years. They are an elite unit that is going to keep the offense in every game. Billy Bowman and Danny Stutsman continue to be studs and guys like Kip Lewis, Robert Spears-Jennings, Peyton Bowen, and R Mason Thomas have all improved since last year.

Next Up: Red River

Unfortunately for Oklahoma, their season is only going to get tougher after this win over Auburn. On October 12, Oklahoma and Texas will travel to the Cotton Bowl for the 120th Red River Rivalry game. Quinn Ewers is expected to return for that game and the Longhorns have been rolling, so OU will certainly have their hands full in that game.

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