The Oklahoma Sooners somehow pulled off a remarkable comeback on Saturday, handing out the first dose of “Sooner Magic” in the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. OU trailed Auburn 21-10 and looked headed for a second-straight tough loss, before [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ Sooners roared back, scoring 17 unanswered points to win 27-21.
One of the undeniable heroes of the improbable victory was true freshman quarterback [autotag]Michael Hawkins Jr.[/autotag] After replacing Jackson Arnold late in the second quarter, and playing the first meaningful snaps of his collegiate career last week, he earned his first start at the college level against the Tigers.
Hawkins became the first true freshman at OU to make his first career start on the road since Troy Aikman in a tough loss against Kansas all the way back in 1984. He now becomes the first Oklahoma true freshman QB to win on the road in his first career start. With the storied history that the Sooners have at quarterback in their 130-year history, it’s not easy to do something that’s never been done before.
Hawkins certainly wasn’t perfect in his starting debut, as OU’s offense struggled mightily for most of the day. Hawkins went 10 for 15 in the air, adding 69 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He pulled the ball down a lot, trusting his legs more than his arm at some points, but he was nonetheless impressive, considering he was making his first career start and missing his top five wide receivers.
Hawkins announced himself early. The Sooners faced a third and five on the first drive of the day. After dropping back to pass, he darted up the middle of the field and broke away for a 48-yard touchdown run that gave OU the early lead.
But it was what Hawkins did late, helping save the Sooners on the road, that was the most impressive.
He started with a deep bomb down the right sideline to J.J. Hester, which began to turn the tide. OU has been looking to create explosive plays down the field, and Hawkins was finally able to deliver. The drive ended with a Jovantae Barnes touchdown run that pulled OU within five points.
After Kip Lewis’ unbelievable pick-six that gave OU a one-point lead, the Sooners went for two, trying to push the lead to a field goal. Hawkins was forced to improvise, avoiding multiple defenders in the pocket before darting to his right and toward the goal line. Just like last week against Tennessee, Hawkins was met by several Auburn defenders and took a big hit as he leaped for the goal line. But unlike last week, where he was ruled short, there was no doubt about this one as Hawkins landed in the end zone for two. He showed all kinds of guts and heart to get the Sooners those two points..
Hawkins continues to show off his will to win, and as any coach will tell you, that is one of the most important qualities a QB can have. Hawkins has that in spades, displaying that he’ll do whatever it takes. After the game, Venables had high praise for his new starting quarterback.
“That’s a pretty strong litmus test right there … He went right into the tiger’s den and was fearless,” the third-year head coach said.
As Oklahoma enters the first of two bye weeks during the regular season at 4-1, you’d have to think that Hawkins has done more than enough to stay in the starting role through the bye and that he’ll be under center when the Sooners lace ’em up again in two weeks against Texas. Oklahoma’s win in Auburn isn’t possible without his performance in a very hostile environment.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.