WHAT A SADNESS: Oklahoma sooner best Quarterback has been issued and he is suspended from all sports activities due to………
Oklahoma’s first SEC road trip is shaping up to be different from what many expected at the start of the season.
This Saturday’s game against Auburn (2-2, 0-1 SEC) was initially set to be Jackson Arnold’s first road challenge. However, as the game approaches at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, it’s uncertain if Arnold will even lead the No. 21-ranked Sooners (3-1, 1-1) onto the field for their opening drive.
Oklahoma’s 25-15 loss to Tennessee was largely due to the offense’s struggles. The Volunteers effectively shut down the running game, placing the burden squarely on Arnold.
His performance? An interception and two fumbles, both occurring immediately after the defense gave him the ball, leading to his benching.
Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell decided to replace the former 5-star recruit with true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. While the offensive line didn’t drastically improve, Hawkins managed to move the ball better in the second half.
He completed 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, contrasting sharply with Arnold’s 7 of 16 for 54 yards and an interception.
As a result, Venables now faces a quarterback competition, one that could alienate his top offensive recruit.
Preparing a young quarterback for a first road start will be challenging, no matter who gets the nod, especially with a lack of support from the running game and ongoing offensive line issues, which could quickly lead to disaster as seen against the Volunteers.
On a positive note, Oklahoma’s defense showed it could contain one of college football’s most potent offenses, managing to stifle Tennessee’s running game and forcing a couple of turnovers.
While this defensive unit can help keep OU competitive, it will be up to Venables and Littrell to devise a strategy that allows the offense to score enough points, especially with a bye week and a matchup against No. 1 Texas approaching in early October.
