Sooners lose game, but may have gained a QB
After QB Jackson Arnold committed two turnovers midway through the second quarter, the story of No. 15 Oklahoma’s 25-15 loss to No.7 Tennessee might have been about when the pitch fork carrying fans would storm Brent Venables’ office demanding a change in quarterback.
But before that could happen, the Sooner coaches replaced the five-star QB with backup freshman Michael Hawkins, who added a second-half spark to an Oklahoma offense that had withered in the blistering heat brought by the Vols’ defense.
Hawkins came in and played with heart. His emergence in this game may be the silver lining for the loss.
He finished 11 of 18 for 132 yards and one touchdown passing, and ran for 22 yards — having played a little more than one half of football.
This should be an interesting week of practice. The coaches will discover what Hawkins can do when spending more practice time with the first team offense.
Venables said he would “evaluate” the situation between Arnold and Hawkins.