The Oklahoma Sooners offense had scored just 12 points in their two previous games. Oklahoma made a coaching change, removing Seth Littrell, handing play-calling duties over to Joe Jon Finley and promoting Kevin Johns to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Amid all the changes, [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] was named the starter once again ahead of Ole Miss and played valiantly in the 26-14 loss.
He finished the day 22 of 31 for 182 yards and two touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold also ran for 99 yards on 15 attempts when you take the sack yardage out of the equation. Arnold showed improved decision-making and escapability while under pressure on 42.9% of his dropbacks.
Under pressure, he was 8 of 11 for 52 yards and a touchdown, according to PFF.
His touchdown throw to Jacob Jordan showed his ability to make a play under pressure, avoiding the Ole Miss rush and escaping to the right. Arnold made a really nice throw on the move to hit Jordan in the front corner of the end zone for his second touchdown of the day. That came after Oklahoma started with the ball on their eight-yard line and Arnold helped orchestrate a strong two-minute drill to give the Sooners the lead just before halftime.
“Quite honestly, that’s one of my favorite drives of the year so far,” Arnold said after the game. “Even though we lost today, that drive, that will be in my mind forever, honestly. That was a fantastic drive.”
Though the offense couldn’t carry that momentum over into the second half, Arnold showed improved poise and decision-making. He was much more under control, commanding the offense, and leading the Sooners on drives that showed they could be a capable offensive unit despite some of the personnel issues they’re dealing with.
After sitting on the sidelines, Arnold has returned to the lineup with much more confidence.
“I think it’s just playing carefree,” Arnold said. “Don’t get that mixed up with not caring about what I’m playing for. But we have nothing to lose right now. It’s just a different mindset that I’m kind of attacking it with. A different level of confidence. And really just going out there and playing free.”
Over the final four games of the season, the Sooners will need Arnold to play with the same demeanor to have success on offense.
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