The Oklahoma Sooners have come out of the Tennessee Volunteers lost rather banged up, but with plenty of hope for the road ahead.
Following the loss, the Tennessee defense was ranked as the top defensive unit in college football through four weeks of play. The Volunteers have allowed just 28-points through four games this season, and now have started conference play off with a win. The Sooners have proven to be the toughest test for the Volunteers thus far, being responsible for 15-points out of the 28 allowed.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the performance in that the Oklahoma Sooners offense managed to do so with a backup quarterback. Michael Hawkins Jr saw his first collegiate action against the Volunteers after coming in to relieve Jackson Arnold, and eventually take his starting role.
Hawkins Jr was responsible for 154-yards total against the Volunteers along with a touchdown pass. The quarterback played with virtually no offensive line, leading the team in rushing with just 22-yards. If Hawkins Jr had a semi capable line against the Volunteers, Oklahoma Sooners fans feel the young quarterback could have pulled off a win.
Wow! Michael Hawkins gashed the #1 defense in the country for 2 scores with no OL help while they blitzed him like crazy. https://t.co/9CRq4xUWx2
— –TheWarlock– (@iron_warlock_x) September 27, 2024
Some Oklahoma Sooners fans have taken to social media to poke fun at the Volunteers and the so called ‘top defense’ they have been touting. However, the Volunteers fans have sent the fun right back at the Sooners followers.
Tennessee hasn’t played anyone yet…
Touting their “#1 Defense” is wild. 😂😭
— QuinnEwersFanClubPrez (@TexasIsBack2023) September 27, 2024
I’m so disappointed in Oklahoma fans. I really thought you all were blue blood caliber but the amount of whining and coping this week has made me rethink my position on that.
— BravesBaseVOL (@bravesbasevol) September 27, 2024
The defense prepped all week for Arnold and Hawkins only scored in garbage time.
— Vintage Vol (@PWickets) September 27, 2024
Oklahoma Sooners Preparing For Second Tough Defensive Unit
While the Sooners may have had the potential to defeat the Volunteers, Oklahoma must shift their focus towards Auburn.
The Tigers are currently 2-2 and will start former Michigan State Spartans starting quarterback Payton Thorne. Thorne started a season ago for the Tigers and the offense truly struggled, but regained the starting role for the 2024 season. Thorne has already been benched twice this season, and the hook could be very quick for the quarterback against the Oklahoma Sooners.
Oklahoma has plenty of issues on offense of their own, but shutting down the Tigers is going to be key to winning the game.
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