Oklahoma freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins faces a challenging situation as he prepares for his first collegiate start. Nonetheless, head coach Brent Venables made the decision to switch from Jackson Arnold, who started the first four games of the season, ahead of their first SEC road game against a struggling Auburn team (2-2, 0-1 in SEC).
Arnold had difficulty against tough competition, completing 26 of 48 passes for 228 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in games against Houston and Tennessee. His average of 4.73 yards per play this season ranks last among power conference quarterbacks and 115th overall in FBS.
Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1 in SEC) scored only 15 points on 21 series with Arnold at the helm, while Hawkins showed promise in relief during the Tennessee game, leading two touchdown drives and completing 11 of 18 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.
While Jordan-Hare Stadium isn’t as intimidating as it used to be, with Auburn already suffering two home losses this season, it remains a tough venue for a freshman quarterback. Nonetheless, given Arnold’s struggles, Venables felt this change was necessary despite the tough environment Hawkins will face.
