The Oklahoma football team will enter this weekend amid an offensive tailspin. As of Friday, five wide receivers are set to miss their road tilt against the Auburn Tigers, including the star duo of Nic Anderson and Deion Burks. Meanwhile, five-star mega prospect and running back Taylor Tatum will sit for the team’s SEC road opener. Concerning the quarterback position, Oklahoma will turn to freshman dual-threat passer Michael Hawkins in favor of fellow youngster Jackson Arnold. Hawkins, with a limited group of pass-catchers, will try to elevate a Sooners offense that has struggled to rip off explosive plays in 2024.
Despite an elite defense coached by Brent Venables and Zac Alley, the Sooners possess one of the least explosive offenses in the country. Following last Saturday’s road loss to the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers, the Sooners are near the bottom of the country in ripping off plays of twenty or more yards.
Oklahoma Football Offense Dorment Heading into SEC Road Opener
According to “SEC Mike” of That SEC Podcast:
SEC Explosive Offensive Plays (20+) entering Week 5 *national rankings
Ole Miss #2
Auburn #6
Texas #9
Tennessee #10
Arkansas #13
South Carolina #28
Alabama/LSU #35
Florida #58
Georgia #73
Miss State/Missouri #83
Kentucky/Texas A&M #90
Vandy #107
Oklahoma #125
Among the members of the SEC, Oklahoma football sits dead last in tallying offensive plays worth 20 or more yards. More concerningly, OU ranked 125th of the 134 teams at the FBS level. Last weekend, Oklahoma’s offense did not convert a play north of 20 yards until late in the fourth quarter, when quarterback Michael Hawkins connected with receiver Jaquaize Pettaway on a 46-yard pass. Conversely, their opponent, the Tennessee Volunteers, had three explosive plays for 142 yards and a touchdown.
After four weeks of starting quarterback Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma football will turn to freshman Michael Hawkins this weekend against Auburn. Arnold will shift to the bench after throwing for 538 yards, seven touchdowns, and three picks on 102 attempts. He completed 60% of his passes, adding 138 yards and two scores via the ground. As for Hawkins, the Sooners legacy is 13-of-22 for 149 yards and one score. He also has 14 rush attempts for 32 yards.
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#21 Oklahoma Sooners: Coach Offers Interesting Comment About QB Jackson Arnold to Fans
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