gameday
September 28, 2024
The View, G3 | Player Spotlight, G5 | Scouting the Opponent, G7 | Things to Watch, G8
Gameday
1) Heat grill to medium.
Ingredients
1 32-oz. package tater tots
8 slices bacon, chopped
1/4 c. freshly chopped chives
2) Spray two disposable pie plates with cooking spray and spread tater tots in a single layer in each. Grill for about 20 minutes, stirring regularly. Set aside.
3) Mean while, fry the bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat, then place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4) Make the cheese sauce: In a deep-walled sauté pan over medium heat, melt butwhisking the entire time, to form a thin sauce. Gradually stir in cheddar and chili powder, mixing until everything has combined. Remove sauce from heat.
5) Layer tater tots into small bowls or wide-mouthed mason jars. Top with cheese sauce, bacon, sour cream, and chives. Repeat layers until you’ve reached the top of the containers.
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a49359/tailgate-tots-recipe/
1 container sour cream
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole milk
1 2/3 c. sharp cheddar
1/4 tsp. chili powder
Season saver?
If he’s the guy, the Michael Hawkins era begins today
There’s the season. Go save it Michael Hawkins. Sorry, couldn’t help it. Probably not fair.
This time last year, Hawkins was playing high school football at Emerson High School, part of the Frisco district even though it’s in McKinney.
Also, just six days ago, he was doing what Jackson Arnold, the heir apparent, the five-star, the next in line, the can’t-miss kid, as though any of that ever means anything, really, could not do.
How much Tennessee’s defense backed off for him remains a good question, and still it’s not like OU was completely out of it in the fourth quarter and if the Sooners had connected on a two-point conversion all of us would have been hunkering down for a very interesting onside kick with 1:19 remaining.
If you go back and watch the highlights, you may notice that not only did
No. 21
Oklahoma at Auburn
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
TV: ABC
Radio: KREF FM 99.3 / AM 1400
Hawkins lead a pair of touchdown drives, he made sound offensive football appear reasonably attainable. He made a big play or two, lots of small ones and none appeared lucky.
He completed 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and ran for 46 on 10 carries, though he was also sacked twice for
Paxson Haws | The Transcript
quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. runs down the field during the game against Tennessee Sept. 21.
Clay Horning GUEST COLUMNIST
4
2
3
2
0
0
OU FOOTBALL NUMERICAL ROSTER
21
22
24 Samuel Omosigho LB 6-2 236 So.
25 Andy Bass RB 5-11 208 Fr.
25 Michael Boganowski DB 6-2 211 Fr.
26 Kani Walker DB 6-2 205 R-Jr.
27 Jayden Rowe DB 6-2 223 R-So.
27 Gavin Sawchuk RB 5-11 200 R-So.
28 KJ Daniels WR 5-9 152 Fr.
28 Danny Stutsman LB 6-4 241 Sr.
29 Casen Calmus DB 5-10 196 R-Fr.
29 Gabe Sawchuk RB 5-10 185 Fr.
30 Trace Ford DL 6-2 246 R-Sr.
31 Cale Fugate DB 5-10 190 R-Fr.
31 Ashton Logan P 6-2 217 R-So.
32 R Mason Thomas DL 6-2 240 Jr.
33 Phil Picciotti LB 6-3 239 R-Fr.
34 Adepoju Adebawore DL 6-4 251 So.
34 Zach Schmit K/P 5-10 196 R-Sr.
35 Liam Evans K 5-7 181 Fr.
35 Jakeb Snyder DB 5-8 180 R-Fr.
36 Josh Plaster K/P 6-0 187 R-Sr.
38 Owen Heinecke LB 6-2 227 R-So.
39 Peter Schuh DB 5-8 184 R-So.
40 Ethan Downs DL 6-4 265 Sr.
41 Emmett Jones III DB 6-0 182 R-Fr.
42 Wyatt Gilmore DL 6-4 245 Fr.
44 Taylor Wein DL 6-4 267 R-Fr.
45 Hampton Fay TE 6-5 245 R-Jr.
45 Mykel Patterson-McDonald DB 5-10 172 Fr.
46 Dax Noles DB 6-0 192 Fr.
47 James Nesta LB 6-3 216 Fr.
48 Luke Elzinga P 6-4 229 R-Sr.
48 Jocelyn Malaska DB 6-1 186 R-So.
50 Ben Anderson LS 6-5 240 R-So.
51 Branson Hickman OL 6-2 301 R-Sr.
52 Troy Everett OL 6-3 308 R-Jr.
52 Damonic Williams DL 6-1 319 Jr.
54 Febechi Nwaiwu OL 6-4 339 R-Jr.
55 Eddy Pierre-Louis OL 6-3 305 Fr.
OU Availability Report
OKLAHOMA
WR Jalil Farroq — Out
WR Nic Anderson — Out
WR Jayden Gibson — Out
DB Gentry Williams — Out
DB Kendel Dolby — Out
OL Keirean Hatchett — Out
K Tyler Keltner — Out
55 Ashton Sanders DL 6-1 295 R-Fr.
56 Eugene Brooks OL 6-3 336 Fr.
56 Gracen Halton DL 6-2 291 Jr.
57 Gunnar Allen OL 6-0 297 R-So.
58 Spencer Brown OL 6-6 321 R-Sr.
58 Ethan Lane LS 5-11 230 R-Sr.
61 Kenneth Wermy OL 6-5 305 R-Fr.
64 Joshua Bates OL 6-3 309 R-Fr.
65 Jayden Jackson DL 6-2 300 Fr.
65 Ty Kubicek OL 6-2 294 R-Fr.
66 Geirean Hatchett OL 6-5 312 R-Sr.
70 Michael Tarquin OL 6-6 317 R-Sr
71 Logan Howland OL 6-6 317 R-Fr.
72 Josh Aisosa OL 6-3 323 Fr.
73 Isaiah Autry-Dent OL 6-6 310 Fr.
74 Evan McClure OL 6-4 275 Fr.
75 Daniel Akinkunmi OL 6-6 321 Fr.
76 Jacob Sexton OL 6-6 322 Jr.
77 Heath Ozaeta OL 6-5 318 R-Fr.
79 Jake Taylor OL 6-6 309 R-So.
80 Josh Fanuiel TE 6-3 250 R-Jr.
80 Bergin Kysar DL 6-3 245 Fr.
81 Zion Ragins WR 5-8 145 Fr.
82 Ivan Carreon WR 6-6 223 Fr.
83 Major Melson WR 5-10 187 R-Sr.
85
OU Two-Deep Roster
AUBURN
WR Andrel Anthony — Doubtful
RB Taylor Tatum — Doubtful
LB Dasan McCullough — Questionable
WR Deion Burks — Questionable
OL Jake Taylor — Probable
DB Tyler Scott — Out
DB Champ Anthony — Out
TE Brendan Frazier — Out
DL Isaiah Raikes — Questionable
K Alex McPherson — Questionable
OL Izavion Miller — Questionable
As of Wednesday’s report
‘He’ll
Offense looking for more consistency after QB switch
TARIK MASRI TRANSCRIPT SPORTS EDITOR
The first big challenge for Oklahoma’s new-look offense turned into an almost total disaster last weekend against Tennessee.
The Sooners finished with just 222 yards of total offense and three first-half turnovers in a 25-15 loss. Through four games they rank outside the top 100 nationally in rushing yards per game (101), passing yards per game (111), total offense (119), sacks allowed (116) and third down offense (124).
“I know, again, that everybody knows that we’re not playing very well right now on offense, and we’ve got to do a good job of putting our players in position,” OU head coach Brent Venables said.
“It’s us. It’s we. It’s ours. And it’s no finger pointing. We got to do a better job.”
Just when the offense appeared to reach its lowest point of the season, its last six plays had resulted
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
have to bear a heavy burden’
Oklahoma’s offense
in two fumbles, a punt and a safety, the Sooners turned to backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
The true freshman’s first four drives ended in threeand-outs, not a lot better than the Sooners were doing under Jackson Arnold, but at least they weren’t turning the ball over. However when the fourth quarter started the true impact of the quarterback switch started to become clear.
Through the second and third quarter, Oklahoma lost four yards on offense.
In the fourth, the Sooners totaled 124 yards of total
offense including 105 through the air. Up to that point, the Sooners hadn’t passed for 100 yards in any quarter this season.
“Biggest thing for me is just trying to stay relaxed and having our guys around me building me up and (knowing) that they’re behind me so when I get in, we can just move the ball and capitalize on big plays,” Hawkins said after the game Saturday.
A true freshman became the first against the toughest defense the Sooners have faced all season.
OU
Tennessee Sept. 21. See SPOTLIGHT on G9
Paxson Haws | The Transcript
quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. runs down the field during the game against
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Scouting the opponent: Auburn Tigers
DAVIS CORDOVA CNHI SPORTS OKLAHOMA
A bounce-back win for the Sooners is much needed — and so was a new quarterback.
No. 21 Oklahoma takes its first SEC road trip to Auburn on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN with its new starting quarterback freshman Michael Hawkins Jr.
Hawkins was announced the starter on Monday after a disappointing display from then-starter Jackson Arnold in OU’s loss to Tennessee last week.
Hawkins, a true freshman, will be making his first start in a hostile environment against a team that is desperate for a win.
Auburn lost last week against Arkansas 24-14 at home in an offensive struggle similar to OU’s. The Tigers also lost its second game of the year at home against California, 21-14.
Both teams have quarterback questions for Saturday’s contest and both are searching for its first win in the SEC this season.
With that, here’s a breakdown on Auburn’s team:
OFFENSE
Like OU, Auburn has quarterback controversy.
Past Meetings
Last week, season-starter Payton Thorne (wears No. 1) was benched before Auburn’s loss for true freshman Hank Brown (No. 15), though it didn’t take Thorne long to get
playing time.
Brown started the game, but threw three interceptions and Thorne came in for the second half.
Throne finished the day
with 213 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
This week, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said both quarterbacks will have split-snaps with the first-team offense
and will have a true quarterback competition for the starting spot against OU, even though both players have struggled.
“We as coaches have to
halfway be psychologists,” Freeze said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference. “When the quarterback position struggles and you’re trying to find answers and help them, and there’s a rotation going on — and both have had some struggles — that is a real concern.”
Beyond the quarterbacks, the Tigers are able to run the ball at times. Running back Jarquez Hunter (No. 27) 340 yards on the season, averaging 7.1 yards per rush – making Hunter 16th in the country in yards per attempt. The Tigers also have a deep threat on the outside – if the quarterbacks can get him the ball. Wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (No. 5) caught five passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns last week and has five touchdowns on the season, which is tied for fourth in the country.
Auburn likes to establish
2017 (Sugar Bowl) — 35-19, OU 1972 (Sugar Bowl) — 40-22, OU OU leads series 2-0 See AUBURN on G10
Butch Dill | Associated Press
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, left, and Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, right, talk before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, in Auburn, Ala.
3 THINGS TO WATCH: NO. 21 OKLAHOMA AT AUBURN
DAVIS CORDOVA CNHI SPORTS OKLAHOMA
1. AUBURN’S QUARTERBACK SITUATION
Auburn has had a week-long quarterback competition and, although the Tigers have not announced a starter, both quarterbacks have been on display this season.
Season-starter Payton Thorne started the first two games and was benched after a loss to California after throwing four interceptions in the game. Backup Hank Brown has started the past two games and threw four touchdowns against New Mexico, but threw three interceptions in the first half against Arkansas last week and was benched in the second half for Thorne.
A whirlwind of a quarterback controversy for the Tigers is troublesome, but interesting for the OU defense.
The OU defense has feasted this season on shaky quarterback play and kept last week’s loss to Tennessee close against one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC.
It will be interesting to see, first, who starts the game for Auburn, but also see how OU’s defense pressures the quarterback.
2. MICHAEL HAWKINS JR. AGAINST AUBURN’S PASS RUSH
Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is getting his first start of his young career on Saturday at Auburn against a tough defense that applies a lot of pressure.
Auburn is an average SEC defense and its biggest deficiency is mobile quarterbacks – which Hawkins is.
Last week in Auburn’s loss to Arkansas, Razorback quarterback Taylen Green rushed for 118 yards and had multiple first-down runs on key third and fourth downs.
Hawkins will have chances to flash and scamper from the Tigers’ defense, but it is his first start while also going on the road in OU’s first SEC road trip.
OU coach Brent Venables said Hawkins doesn’t have the experience yet, but it’s the coaches job to guide him to success on Saturday.
“Of course, he hasn’t been there. I say that all the time,” Venables said. “We as coaches gotta be the headlights for our players. They’ve never been a twoyear veteran, yet. He hasn’t played a whole bunch of college football. He hasn’t been to that stadium. So try to paint the picture. Accurate picture. Pump in the crowd noise, tell him to focus on the things you can control. If he’s a strong-minded guy, he’ll do that. Try to think about the process. Think about managing things the right way, don’t try to do too much, and all those kinds of things. Then let the players around you help you, then let the coaching staff help him as well. He’ll have to bear a heavy burden, like a lot of guys.
“So you try to coach ‘em and prepare him in a week’s period of time. But we’ve been talking about going to Auburn for several months. So, if he’s been paying attention, this isn’t the first time he’s hearing about it.”
3. JACOBE JOHNSON’S MOVE TO WIDE RECEIVER
OU’s wide receiver depth has been massively depleted with injuries to Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony, Jayden Gibson and Jalil Farooq. Some of the offensive struggles for the Sooners can be credited to the lack of wide receiver experience, but a safety hopes to turn some of that bad fortune into a better flowing offense.
Jacobe Johnson, a former 4-star athlete from Mustang, is switching from safety to wide receiver to help alleviate the wide receiver struggles this season.
Venables said it may not be this week when Johnson makes the move, but who knows, OU leading receiver Deion Burks is questionable for the Auburn game and if he is out, OU would have just one receiver with more than 100 yards active (tight end Bauer Sharp).
If the Sooners experience more trouble or injuries to their wideouts, Johnson could get playing time sooner rather than later.
OU
Sept. 21.
back Kani
STATS TO KNOW
TRANSCRIPT SPORTS EDITOR
12
Oklahoma is tied for first nationally with 12 turnovers gained this season, including two last week against Tennessee. Eight of those turnovers have come by fumble, which is two more than the next most nationally.
Auburn is ranked last nationally in turnovers lost with 14 and has thrown eight interceptions. The Tigers are second-to-last nationally in turnover margin, with four forced turnovers.
Oklahoma hasn’t lost a game over the past two seasons in which it has won the points off turnovers battle.
The Sooners are 10-0 when outscoring their opponent off turnovers and 0-3 when they don’t.
In those losses they’ve been out-
scored 44-13 including 10-0 last week.
30
The Tigers’ defense is ranked 79th nationally in passing defense, but has done a solid job allowing 219.8 yards per game. They’ve had as many interceptions (four) as touchdowns allowed and are 30th nationally in defensive passing efficiency.
32
Oklahoma’s depth chart last week was made up of 32% freshmen, or 25 total players. Eight of the nine offensive lineman to start for the Sooners this season have never started a game with the program before this year.
Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com
TARIK MASRI
Paxson Haws | The Transcript
defensive
Walker during the game against Tennessee
SPOTLIGHT
CONTINUED FROM G5
Hawkins only threw four passes before entering the final quarter, but completed three of them for 27 yards. Facing 3rd and 3 early in the fourth quarter, Hawkins got time in the pocket and delivered a confident throw over the middle to Jaquaize Pettaway for a 19-yard gain.
It was the Sooners’ longest passing play since the Tulane game.
The Sooners’ new quarterback handled the ball on every play of the 10-play, 65-yard touchdown drive and looked natural doing it.
Hawkins finished 11 of 18 with 132 passing yards and 154 yards of total offense.
It wasn’t enough to pull the Sooners out of the hole they had dug themselves, but it was good enough to give earn him the starting job heading into this week’s game agains Auburn. Hawkins will be the sixth true freshman to start a game for the Sooners at quarterback.
“He’ll have to bear a heavy burden, like a lot of guys,” Venables said. “So you try to coach ‘em and prepare him in a week’s period of time.”
He’ll also be the first OU quarterback to play on the road in the Southeastern
Conference.
Jordan-Hare Stadium is the 11th-largest stadium in the college football with a capacity of 88,043, just ahead of Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
“He hasn’t been to that stadium. So try to paint the picture,” Venables said. “Accurate picture. Pump in the crowd noise, tell him to focus on the things you can control. If he’s a strongminded guy, he’ll do that.”
Venables also indicated that simplifying the offense will play a role in preparing the Sooners to operate under a new quarterback. One of Arnold’s biggest struggles
this season has been in his decision making on plays involving a run-pass option.
Mistakes on those decisions can result in negative plays that stall drives before they get started. Venables said the coaching staff can do more to make the offense less complicated.
“We could un-complicate and tell him to hand the damn ball off,” Venables said. “You don’t have to have an RPO to have a good play.”
Tarik Masri is the sports editor for The Transcript covering OU athletics and area sports. You can reach him by emailing tarik@normantranscript.com
OU Football Schedule
Oklahoma 51, Temple 3
Oklahoma 16, Houston 12
Oklahoma 34, Tulane 19
Tennessee 25, Oklahoma 15
Sept. 28 at Auburn, 2:30 ABC
BYE WEEK
Oct. 12 vs. Texas, 2:30 p.m. ABC or ESPN
Oct. 19 vs. South Carolina, 11-Noon
Oct. 26 at Ole Miss, 11-Noon
Nov. 2 vs. Maine, 1:30 p.m. ESPN+ or SECN+
Nov. 9 at Missouri, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Nov. 23 vs. Alabama, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
Nov. 30 at LSU, 2:30-3:30 or 5-7 p.m.
Kyle Phillips | The Transcript
OU’s Michael Hawkins Jr. passes during the Sring game, Saturday, April 20, at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
AUBURN
CONTINUED FROM G7
the run with its strong offensive line and talented running back, but with Auburn’s quarterback struggles, the Sooners may stack the box and force the Tigers to pass.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said Auburn’s offense is better than what has been on display so far this season.
“They have excellent backs and have three starters back from last year upfront,” Venables said. “They have long, strong, athletic tight ends. Use tight ends and multiple backs. Hunter is a spectacular player. His play design is really good, I think it’s elite. A year ago, they didn’t have the receivers they have now. The (run-pass option) opportunities are there. They’ve hit several explosive plays that way. I betcha they’re saying
ARKANSAS 24, AUBURN 14
Arkansas 0 7 7 10 — 24
Auburn 0 0 7 7 — 14
Second Quarter
ARK — J.Jackson 1 run (Ramsey kick), 14:47. Third Quarter
AUB — Lambert-Smith 10 pass from Thorne (McGough kick), 5:44.
ARK — Sategna 58 pass from Green (Ramsey kick), 2:03. Fourth Quarter
ARK — FG Ramsey 43, 12:04.
AUB — Lambert-Smith 67 pass from Thorne (McGough kick), 9:50. ARK — J.Jackson 1 run (Ramsey kick), 3:38.
A — 88,043.
ARK AUB
First downs 21 17
Total Net Yards 334 431
Rushes-yards 55-183 26-146
Passing 151 285
Punt Returns 0-0 2-1
Kickoff Returns 0-0 3-61
Interceptions Ret. 4-31 2-33
Comp-Att-Int 12-28-2 20-35-4
Sacked-Yards Lost 3-27 2-10
Punts 3-49.667 3-44.0
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-1
Penalties-Yards 4-20 5-45
Time of Possession 36:36 23:24 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Arkansas, Green 18-80, J.Jackson 22-75, Russell 9-22, R.Hill 3-14, Singleton 1-0, (Team) 2-(minus 8). Auburn, Hunter 12-67, Alston 3-38, H.Brown 2-12, Thorne 5-10, Simmons 2-8, Chapman 1-6, Cobb 1-5.
PASSING — Arkansas, Green 12-27-2-151, Singleton 0-1-0-0. Auburn, Thorne 13-221-213, H.Brown 7-13-3-72.
RECEIVING — Arkansas, Armstrong 5-47, Sategna 3-85, R.Hill 1-7, Russell 1-7, L.Hasz 1-3, Washington 1-2. Auburn, Lambert-Smith 5-156, Simmons 5-44, Fairweather 4-40, Coleman 2-15, R.Lewis 1-13, C.Brown 1-11, Pe.Thompson 1-9, Alston 1-(minus 3).
MISSED FIELD GOALS — Arkansas, Ramsey 41.
they can’t get out of their own way sometimes.”
DEFENSE
The Auburn defense has shown strength, especially when facing quick resting periods.
When the offense gives away the ball, it’s detrimental to the defense as well. The Auburn offense had five
turnovers last week, which meant shorter times on the sideline for the defense, but the Tigers’ defense was still tough on the Razorbacks’ offense.
Through four games, the Tigers’ defense has allowed 16.75 points per game while also being the last team in FBS in time of possession.
The Auburn defense is, on
TENNESSEE 25, OKLAHOMA 15
Tennessee 10 9 3 3 — 25
TENN — FG Gilbert 27, 3:45.
OKLA — FG Keltner 37, :42.
Oklahoma 3 0 0 12 — 15
First Quarter
TENN — Thornton 66 pass from Iamaleava (Gilbert kick), :03. Second Quarter
TENN — safety, 9:12.
TENN — Sampson 1 run (Gilbert kick), 1:40. Third Quarter
TENN — FG Gilbert 41, 6:03. Fourth Quarter
OKLA — J.Barnes 2 pass from Hawkins (kick failed), 8:25.
TENN — FG Gilbert 32, 3:35.
OKLA — J.Barnes 1 run (run failed), 1:01.
A — 84,701.
TENN OKLA
First downs 14 16
Total Net Yards 345 222
Rushes-yards 52-151 34-36
Passing 194 186
Punt Returns 2-12 5-30
Kickoff Returns 1-0 0-0
Interceptions Ret. 1-17 0-0
Comp-Att-Int 13-21-0 18-34-1
Sacked-Yards Lost 3-14 3-27
Punts 8-48.375 7-51.0
Fumbles-Lost 2-2 4-2
Penalties-Yards 10-82 3-32
Time of Possession 35:41 24:19
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Tennessee, Sampson 24-92, Bishop 16-65, Iamaleava 8-15, White 1-(minus 7), (Team) 3-(minus 14). Oklahoma, Hawkins 12-22, Burks 2-18, Tatum 3-14, Barnes 8-12, Gav.Sawchuk 2-(minus 2), Franklin 1-(minus 3), (Team) 1-(minus 4), Arnold 5-(minus 21).
PASSING — Tennessee, Iamaleava 13-21-0-194. Oklahoma, Hawkins 11-18-0-132, Arnold 7-16-1-54.
RECEIVING — Tennessee, B.McCoy 4-92, White 3-13, Thornton 2-73, Staes 2-8, E.Davis 1-8, Ch.Brazzell 1-0. Oklahoma, Sharp 4-36, Burks 4-32, Pettaway 3-79, B.Thompson 2-18, Roberts 2-11, Barnes 2-0, Ragins 1-10. MISSED FIELD GOALS — None.
average, on the field the longest among any other defense in the country with 38 minutes per game.
The defense will face another scrambling quarterback in Hawkins on Saturday. The past two weeks, the Tigers have played scrambling quarterbacks. In the Arkansas game, Razorback quarterback Taylen Green rushed for 118 yards.
Hawkins will present a similar challenge from Arkansas for the Tigers’ defense on Saturday.
“I feel he wants to tuck that ball,” said Auburn safety Jerrin Thompson. “He’s a pretty good quarterback and has a good arm. I’m very familiar with this offense and what they like to do.
“As a defense, if we can disguise looks and give him some hard time reading the defense, it’d be an exciting night. We just eliminate the run game and what they want to do, then we’re going to have them on their heels a little bit.”
OU
field during the game against Tennessee Sept. 21.
Paxson Haws | The Transcript
quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. runs down the
HORNING
24 in losses. Whatever, by the time the fourth quarter arrived, he was on top of things, unafraid and, holy cow, executing.
No game on the SEC road is bound to be easy, but today’s opponent, Auburn, is by all means beatable, having topped Alabama A&M and New Mexico, while falling to Cal and Arkansas, neither of which is terrific.
You hope Hawkins is just one of those guys. Not a five-star and for some not a four-star, but just a guy who knows how to do it, who just keeps playing the game he’s always played at every prior level, only now at a new one.
Guys like that are uncommon, but exist.
They’re wide-eyed, but not intimidated, never shellshocked.
“He hasn’t played a whole bunch of college football, he hasn’t been to that stadium,” Venables said of the process to get Hawkins ready to start his first game. “So you try to paint an adequate picture … tell him to focus on the things [he] can control.
Hybl against Texas, inside the Cotton Bowl, on Oct. 6, 2001.
It’s the way Sam Bradford went from scout team MVP in 2006 to a stunning redshirt freshman season in 2007, playing like a veteran from the start just because that was who he was.
said. “The moment’s not going to overwhelm him even though, again, he’s a young guy …
“He’s a great competitor, got a tremendous amount of talent and he cares.”
What could go wrong?
“If he’s a strong minded guy, he’ll do that. Think about the process, think about managing things the right way, [not] try to do too much and all those kinds of things.”
Or maybe he won’t think at all. Maybe he’ll just … do.
That’s really it, isn’t it?
What the Sooners need behind center is not the guy that needs coaching up in the worst possible way.
Of course, he must know the plays, not get away from his fundamentals, maintain focus and play smart.
But the separator is always beyond those things, even beyond coaching and you know it when you see it.
It’s the awareness Jason White brought, long before he started chasing Heisman Trophies, to audible into an option pitch for a touchdown to Quentin Griffin in his first offensive series in relief of an injured Nate
Indeed, Sooner football, for a very long time, was all about being led by quarterbacks with “it” and Michael Hawkins needs no more stars by his name to have that.
“He’s confident, he’s loose in the right ways,” Venables
Overcoming his offensive line will be tough. Also, playmakers find ways to make plays and OU should always claim a quarterback capable of that.
He’s already done it against a great team, just in an all-but-over game.
Maybe today he’ll do it from the start.
Paxson Haws | The Transcript OU quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. runs down the field during the game against Tennessee Sept. 21.
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