Oklahoma benched starting quarterback Jackson Arnold late in the first half of its 25-15 loss to No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night, turning instead to freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. The surprising move came after Arnold committed three turnovers, which handicapped the No. 15 Sooners in their first conference game as a member of the SEC.
When OU pulled Arnold, he was 7 of 16 passing for 54 yards with an interception. He also fumbled on a first-and-goal at the Tennessee 5-yard line, squandering a golden scoring opportunity early in the second quarter. Later in the second quarter, Arnold threw a swing pass that was ruled a lateral and recovered by the Volunteers.
Arnold made brief cameo late in the fourth quarter as Hawkins logged the most substantive action of his young career. The former three-star prospect completed 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown while also netting 22 yards on the ground, which made him the Sooners leading rusher.
Hawkins didn’t provide an immediate spark, but he did lead a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma tried to get back in the game. They were the first touchdowns surrendered by the Volunteers’ defense this season.
While Hawkins got the nod to come in for Arnold, fellow reserve quarterback Casey Thompson was also spotted warming up on the sideline as the Sooners sought answers during a disastrous second quarter. The Sooners netted minus-20 yards and also incurred a safety during the quarter as Tennessee’s fierce defensive front teed off on OU’s banged-up offensive line.
While Arnold was far from perfect, the Sooners’ offensive line struggles continued in the first half as Tennessee picked up six tackles for loss. Additionally, veteran receiver Nic Anderson left the game in…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/oklahoma-benches-jackson-arnold-sooners-face-tough-choice-after-backup-qb-michael-hawkins-provides-late-spark/
Author : David Cobb
Publish date : 2024-09-22 03:50:41
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