The Oklahoma Sooners have made history with the first offensive snap against the Texas Longhorns this season.
Michael Hawkins Jr, a true freshman quarterback, is the first ever freshman quarterback to start against the Texas Longhorns. Hawkins Jr was thrusted into play during the SEC opening clash against the Tennessee Volunteers after starter Jackson Arnold was benched. The talented quarterback has now earned the starting role after watching an experience starter hit the bench in front of his eyes.
While the Sooners and Hawkins Jr are not expected to do much against the Longhorns, it is still impressive to see the quarterback play against the top-ranked school. Hawkins Jr has been without the top five receivers on the Sooners roster for the past two weeks, along with two offensive linemen. The young quarterback has been dealt a rather terrible hand for his first two career starts.
During the win over the Auburn Tigers, Hawkins Jr made his first start and recorded 161-yards passing against the Tigers defense. The quarterback also recorded 69-yards rushing and a touchdown, which highlighted his ability to run a fast-paced offense that the Sooners staff has looked for.
After the original benching of Jackson Arnold, coach Brent Venables stated the decision was larger than just a disciplinary action for turnovers. Rather, Venables had sought out a specific speed and cadence to the offense that Arnold was unable to properly deliver. Hawkins Jr, the inexperienced freshman quarterback, however understands how to run the offense much better.
Can Michael Hawkins Jr Continue to Lead the Oklahoma Sooners Offense?
While Hawkins Jr has not been perfect thus far, the quarterback will likely continue to be the man for the job regardless of the result against Texas.
The Longhorns are 15-point favorites pregame and likely should clamp down on Hawkins Jr, who as previously mentioned is without his top five receivers. Oklahoma is banged up and leaning on inexperienced players at multiple positions, which is not a winning recipe. However in due time the Oklahoma Sooners could certainly return to the same level of hype that was surrounding the team before the season started.
The Sooners need both time and a bit of luck on their side in order to succeed moving forward, rather than personnel or staff changes. Regardless of the shocking demotion of Arnold, the offense does not have any weapons healthy and available to do something for the team. Currently, the Sooners are leaning upon converted receivers and defensive backs to catch the football.
With Hawkins Jr, the team at least has a chance to escape the pocket and make something happen, whereas Arnold cannot provide such a safety blanket.
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