Oklahoma Sooners' Brent Venables is more than pleased with what he saw from one true freshman vs. Vols
The Oklahoma Sooners couldn't get the job done in their first-ever SEC game, one in which the fan base alone showed that the Sooners deserved to be in the SEC. They put on a show, while the team did not. The only thing that put on a show from the Sooners was fans singing Toby […]
The Oklahoma Sooners couldn't get the job done in their first-ever SEC game, one in which the fan base alone showed that the Sooners deserved to be in the SEC. They put on a show, while the team did not. The only thing that put on a show from the Sooners was fans singing Toby Keith songs and the defense. The offense did not show up one bit.
Because the offense was so bad with Jackson Arnold as the starting quarterback, the Sooners were forced to make a decision – somewhat of a controversial one, too. They sat Arnold, the former five-plus star recruit, and brought in true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins, who we have seen for a few plays here and there this season, most notably during the Sooners' matchup against the Temple Owls.
Hawkins came into the game in what was really a bad situation for any player. They were down multiple scores, with the game looking to be out of reach with the offensive line and wide receivers all performing terribly. Yet, he came in and played a stellar game for what he was thrown into.
“I love Mike [Hawkins]," head coach Brent Venables said after the loss to the Tennessee Volunteers. "He doesn’t get overwhelmed. He’s a great competitor. And he cares.”
Hawkins, the true freshman, came in and lit a spark. There were plays that he would still like to have back, sure, as would any player, but this was the first real competition he's played. And, for his first big-time game and big-time snaps, he showed enough to have a legit fight for the starting position.
He finished with 132 passing yards on 11/18 passing with a passing touchdown and nearly a rushing touchdown that saw him flip in the air and land on the goalline. He played desperate, and it worked out. He may very well be the guy going forward. That is something we will have to wait and see next week as they prepare for the Auburn Tigers, who are having their own quarterback issues with Peyton Thorne and Hank Brown.
Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables opens up on controversial decision during loss to Tennessee
There’s some divide over the decision, for sure.
