The Oklahoma football team entered this Saturday’s tilt against the Texas Longhorns, a matchup best known as the Red River Rivalry, without their top five wide receivers. The Oklahoma Sooners also operated without their top five pass-catchers against the Auburn Tigers two weekends ago but battled to secure a 27-21 victory. However, against a much more formidable Texas defense, Oklahoma and quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. have massively struggled, heading into the half trailing 21-3.
Hawkins, who took over for incumbent starter Jackson Arnold in the team’s late September loss to the Tennessee Volunteers, had played well across his first six quarters before his progression hit a screeching halt on Saturday. With the Sooners totaling just 107 yards of offense in the first 30 minutes against their archrival, fans are calling for the return of Arnold under center.
Oklahoma Football Fans Want Jackson Arnold to Take Over at QB
According to college football personality Brandon Walker of Barstool Sports:
Oklahoma gave up on Jackson Arnold way too quick. He’s much better than this guy.
In the first half against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, quarterback Michael Hawkins went 6-of-10 for 51 yards and no touchdowns. He also had a team-high 12 carries but registered only 19 yards. Meanwhile, his counterpart Quinn Ewers went 13-of-17 for 122 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. A true freshman, Hawkins sat behind starter Jackson Arnold for the team’s first three games before coming in for relief after the latter struggled at home against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 4. Entering Saturday, Hawkins had completed 62% of his passes for just one touchdown but added a running element to the offense. He has played relatively well while Oklahoma’s offense continues to nurse injuries.
However, with his poor performance in the first half and Oklahoma football trailing by three scores against the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, fans are ready for Arnold’s redemption arc to start in the third quarter. Following his benching earlier this season, the former five-star mega prospect went 61-of-102 for 538 yards, seven touchdowns, and three picks. OU has won 11 of the previous 15 matchups against Texas, and the team’s loyal fans flooded Twitter with the idea of a quarterback change at halftime:
It’s hard to fathom that Jackson Arnold is worse than Michael Hawkins at playing QB
— Aggie Sports 365 (@365Aggie) October 12, 2024
FWIW I’m a fan of both Jackson Arnold and Mike Hawkins. But all of y’all owe JFA an apology. This is ultimately a Seth Littrell and injuries problem.
— Kellen Coleman 🪄🔮 #PraviMVP 🇸🇮 (@KellenColeman) October 12, 2024
Oklahoma need to put Jackson Arnold back in…
— Lowkey (@So___Lowkey) October 12, 2024
I understand Jackson Arnold has been disappointing, but Michael Hawkins just isn’t giving the team a better chance to win.
— Cringle (@CouldBeCringle) October 12, 2024
Let’s just start Jackson Arnold at QB and Hawkins at RB since that’s all he wants to do
— Cole🌎 (@coleaustin24) October 12, 2024
There’s no way Jackson Arnold is a worse option than this kid, right?
— Jay (46 year old version) (@figure4pointer) October 12, 2024
I can’t believe they ruined Jackson Arnold, then again it’s Venables so yes I can.
Kid is going to dominate the ACC at SMU next year. https://t.co/hwOTRTLNmN
— Barsotta 🌵 (@Barsotta) October 12, 2024
Should Jackson Arnold come in? Maybe, playing 2 QBs in this game has worked for us in the past. Do I have faith that the offensive coaching staff will make any positive adjustments? Absolutely not. They should stay in Dallas. – Patrick
— Program Guyz Podcast (@ProgramGuyz) October 12, 2024
@OU_Football So, OU, how many three and outs is it going to take before you go back to Jackson Arnold? Hawkins may end up being a good QB, but right now he can't throw the ball, and can't convert 3rd downs unless he's allowed to do it with his legs.
— Jason (@Mortahn) October 12, 2024
More Oklahoma Football News by Gridiron Heroics
-
#18 Oklahoma Sooners: Strong QB Sets Historic Record Against Tough Texas Longhorns
-
#1 Texas Longhorns Expected to Receive Major Boost Against Strong #18 Oklahoma
-
Oklahoma Football: Sooners Dead Last in Explosive Offensive Plays Through Week 4
For More Football News:
For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!