On Saturday, Oklahoma football’s worst nightmare played out with their somewhat rocky offense churning out an inept showing in the first half of their SEC open at home against the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. Oklahoma starting quarterback Jackson Arnold threw a pick, became a sack victim once, and was under constant duress while fumbling twice. The Oklahoma Sooners offensive attack had stretches of poor play across the first three wins of the season, but Saturday’s performance became an all-time stinker. In response, OU head coach Brent Venables turned to true freshman Michael Hawkins at the break in favor of Arnold, a former five-star super prospect.
Hawkins responded well, using his legs to evade pressure the Tennessee defensive coordinator brought on. Although he only posted 12 carries of 22 yards, he invariably bought time for plays to develop, going 11-of-18 for 132 yards and a touchdown. Hawkins’ performance leaves Oklahoma football’s quarterback position murky, heading into next weekend’s tilt against the Auburn Tigers. Still, the father of last Sunday’s second-half hero believes a struggling offensive line plays to his son’s strengths.
Michael Hawkins’ Dad Speaks on Outing Against Tennessee
According to Mike Hawkins, the father of Oklahoma football Michael Hawkins:
Oklahoma’s offense looked most effective in the fourth quarter, and Hawkins played more decisively as the game went on. The Volunteers blitzed Hawkins more than they did Arnold, trying to get the true freshman rattled into making a mistake. Hawkins hung in there despite being under more pressure and getting blitzed more, according to Pro Football Focus. He was blitzed on 38.5% of his dropbacks, while Arnold was blitzed on just 27.8% of his dropbacks. He showed off his ability to escape pressure and throw on the move.
Mike Hawkins posted the excerpt from a likely Oklahoma football-centric article on Monday, simply saying, “IT IS WHAT IT IS…..” He also retweeted ESPN OU insider Travis J Davidsion after the radio host applauded quarterback Michael Hawkins for his arm talent. A three-star prospect per 247Sports, the younger Hawkins won Texas District 5-6A first-team selection honors in 2022 while throwing for 41 touchdowns against three picks as a senior last year. Meanwhile, his father played in Oklahoma for one season before darting to join the Arena Football League.
The elder Hawkins did an excellent job of elevating his son’s performance, not talking down on the struggling Jackson Arnold. However, despite the return of star center Branson Hickman behind an equally struggling offensive line, OU offensive coordinator Seth Littrell must design plays best suited to utilize Hawkins’ legs and short routes to best beat the blitz.
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