In Oklahoma’s first game of the 2024 season, the Sooners earned an easy 51-3 victory over the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. OU started fast and didn’t look back, getting out to a 34-0 lead at halftime and holding Temple to just 80 yards of offense in the first half. While both the offense and the defense looked good, because their opponent was Temple, Oklahoma needs to remain focused and humble as their first season in the SEC progresses.
There was also some unfortunate news that came out after Friday’s game: receiver Jalil Farooq suffered a broken foot and will miss six to eight weeks and starting center Branson Hickman sprained his ankle, although no return timeline was given for him. OU already lost wideout Jayden Gibson for the season and was also without receiver Nic Anderson for Friday’s game. But Hickman’s injury may be of more consequence, considering how thin and inexperienced OU’s depth is there.
But for now, let’s focus on what went right for the Sooners against Temple and what’s up next for this team.
Recap of Oklahoma’s Big Win Over Temple
Jackson Arnold and Deion Burks
Neither Jackson Arnold’s nor Deion Burks’ stat lines may jump out at you, but they showed everything fans have been hoping to see from them. Arnold finished 17 for 25 with 141 yards and four touchdown passes and Burks caught six passes for 36 yards and three scores.
Arnold had some phenomenal throws, including a deep ball to Farooq on OU’s first drive and a trio of touchdown passes to Burks. He also showed his knack for scrambling, as he rushed for multiple first downs during the game. Burks flashed some game-breaking skills too, and it’s clear from his involvement in Friday’s game, that he’s going to be a major part of the Sooner offense this season.
Turnover City
Everyone around the Oklahoma program had a feeling that this year’s defense could be special, and based on its performance against Temple, it’s going to be a fun group at the very least. Brent Venables’ defense forced six turnovers, including two interceptions and four fumbles. Kani Walker caught the first pick in the first quarter off a tipped pass and freshman Jaydan Hardy had the second late in the fourth quarter.
The Sooners swarmed Temple’s backs and receivers and caused four fumbles, which were recovered by Billy Bowman, Robert Spears-Jennings, DaJon Terry, and Jaren Kanak. Kanak’s recovery came on after a Temple player fielded a punt but lost the ball on a tackle, allowing Kanak to scoop it up and take it to the house of six. On top of the six turnovers OU forced, they also sacked Temple quarterbacks six times. Redshirt freshman Markus Strong had two, Gracen Halton had one-and-a-half, Kendel Dolby and Ethan Downs had one, and Ashton Sanders had half a sack. Oklahoma just needs to maintain that type of momentum and production on defense as the season continues.
Interesting Offensive Notes
Freshman Taylor Tatum surprisingly led the team in rushing with five carries for 69 yards and one touchdown. He had two long runs late in the fourth quarter and looked explosive with the ball in his hands. Sam Franklin and Jovantae Barnes also outpaced starter Gavin Sawchuk out of the backfield. Franklin finished with 45 yards on four carries and Barnes had 33 yards on five carries. The Sooners appear to be blessed in the backfield this year.
Freshman backup quarterback Michael Hawkins also looked electric when scrambling and running the ball. It will be interesting to see how much OU utilizes his skillset this year. Tight end was a position that has been almost nonexistent at OU for the past few years, so it was nice to see transfer Bauer Sharp haul in five catches for 47 yards and a score. He could be a very underrated threat for this year’s Sooner offense.
What’s next for the Sooners?
Oklahoma started its season exactly as they hoped to and they’ll look to keep the positive momentum rolling next week against the Houston Cougars. Hopefully, OU can heal up and lock in for what should be another high-scoring non-conference game.
Main Image: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
