Offensive coordinator Seth Littrell wasn’t concerned about easing his true freshman quarterback into the game. Jackson Arnold threw the ball on the Sooners’ first three plays of the game.
They weren’t straight dropbacks as the Sooners dialed up the run-pass option on the first play of the game and a play action naked bootleg on the second. On his first straight drop on 3rd and 10, Arnold threw a good ball to Drake Stoops, but Arizona safety Genesis Smith drove on the ball and through Stoops to intercept the pass.
It was Arnold’s first interception of his career and first in a game in which the Sooners had six turnovers. In total, Arnold had three interceptions and a fumble.
Despite three first half turnovers, the Sooners took a 14-13 lead into halftime, thanks in large part to a tremendous defensive effort, but also because Arnold settled in and found his stride.
It wasn’t the start that everyone had hoped for as the Sooners ultimately fell 38-24, but it was a game that revealed a lot of positive things about the Sooners’ quarterback.
Brent Venables on Arnold mental makeup
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
It would be easy to get down on Arnold after this performance, but the head coach is still bought in on his young quarterback. He sees the work Arnold puts in.
“This is a strong dude that’s very process-driven,” Venables said of Arnold after the game. “He’s very committed. He’s relentless with his work ethic, and he’ll bring out the best in everybody. He’s a great leader and incredibly skilled.”
The intangibles are there. You can’t simply write off the performance, but if you’re only looking at the turnovers, you’re not appreciating the good things Arnold did in the game.
“He had some phenomenal moments tonight and gave us a chance going into the fourth quarter having a chance to win,”…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jackson-arnold-better-alamo-bowl-172137323.html
Author : Sooners Wire
Publish date : 2023-12-30 17:21:37
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