With 8:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes hauled in a two-yard touchdown pass against Tennessee. It was the first touchdown of the game for the Sooners and the first time the Vols had seen an opponent cross the goal line since since the fourth quarter of its final regular season game last season (vs. Vanderbilt). The guy who threw that pass to Barnes is now Oklahoma’s new starting quarterback.
“Mike will have his opportunity to run out there and be our guy and see where we’re at and try to give us a kick start,” Venables said on “Sooner Sports Talk,” his coaches show, announcing that freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. would be getting the start when OU plays at Auburn on Saturday afternoon.
Hawkins replaced a highly ineffective Jackson Arnold late in the first half against Tennessee, seemingly ending Arnold’s run as QB1. Completing 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, Hawkins showcased his dual-threat abilities, also rushing for 22 yards on 12 attempts. His touchdown pass to Barnes highlighted his versatility, and his 46-yard completion to Jaquaize Pettaway in the fourth quarter, was a promising sign for the future of Oklahoma’s offense as it was the longest pass play of the season for the Sooners.
Arnold started 7-of-16 for 54 yards with two lost fumbles and an interception, against Tennessee as the Sooners failed to score a touchdown in the first half of a home game for the first time since a 30-13 loss to Notre Dame in 2012.
Hawkins was the spark OU needed to light a flame of hope on a night where the offense was so woeful.
“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Venables said after the game on Saturday night. “There were several times there where we had edge pressure that we didn’t block and he got outside of it. So he has some playmaking ability and he can hurt you with his legs.”
Hawkins earned the right to have his shot at the helm of the Oklahoma offense. As offensive line issues continue to be a problem for the Sooners, his ability to elude defenders crashing in will be a huge asset.
Auburn is allowing opponents to score an average of 16.8 points per game this season. The Tigers have allowed an average of 219.8 passing yards per game to opponents, and 118.9 rushing yards, this season. Last week against Arkansas, the Hogs posted 334 total yards of offense, 151 through the air and 183 on the ground.
Oklahoma is currently a 2.5 point favorite over Auburn.
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