Tag: Oklahoma football

Auburn cheerleader takes out unassuming Oklahoma player with a wild pregame backflip collision

How did this even happen??

When you’re on a football field, you must always be aware of your surroundings.

That’s true after the ball snaps, but it’s also the case before it’s even kicked off. An Auburn cheerleader and Oklahoma football player learned that the hard way on Saturday during Week 5.

As the Sooners were running out of the pregame away team tunnel onto the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium, one member of the Auburn cheer squad — who was locked into his backflip routine and clearly unaware of where he was on the field — collided with an equally oblivious Oklahoma player.

Luckily, everyone involved looks to have been OK, but it’s honestly hard to understand how this even happened.

 

As you can see in the zoomed-in clip, one Oklahoma player had the wherewithal to move out of the way before suffering the same fate, but his teammate wasn’t quite so observant.

It’s hard to say based on the clip who exactly holds the lion’s share of the blame here, but regardless, the result was a predictably viral moment ahead of a football game that may not be quite as exciting.

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3 keys to an Oklahoma Sooners win over the Auburn Tigers

If the Oklahoma Sooners are going to beat Auburn, they must do these three things.

The Oklahoma Sooners (3-1, 0-1 SEC) took a tough loss last week against a good Tennessee Volunteers team. There were some good moments on both sides of the ball, and [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] and his crew are hoping to build on the good and correct what went wrong as they go on the road to face the Auburn Tigers (2-2, 0-1 SEC).

The Sooners come into the game riding a defense that is allowing just 14.8 points per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. They’re 28th in the nation in yardage allowed: 284.8 yards per game.

Though Auburn has turned the ball over a bunch, it has playmakers on offense that can threaten the Sooners’ defense.

In a reversal of fortune, it’s the Oklahoma offense that’s struggling. However, it is hoping for better production and ball security as it turns to true freshman quarterback [autotag]Michael Hawkins Jr[/autotag].

Given the Oklahoma Sooners schedule the rest of the way, this feels like a must-win football game. What does Oklahoma need to do to win on the road in the unfriendly confines of Jordan-Hare Stadium? Here are three keys to the game.

More: Sooners Wire Staff Predicts Oklahoma vs. Auburn

Up Next: Keys to the Game

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3 freshmen to watch for Oklahoma Sooners against Auburn Tigers

Who are three freshman players on OU’s depth chart to keep your eye on this week against Auburn?

The Oklahoma Sooners are 3-1. After beginning the year with three straight wins, they’re looking to get back into the win column following their first loss of the season last week. OU will head to Auburn for the first road game of the season and its first road game as a member of the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].

The Tigers are 2-2, having lost to Arkansas in Week 4. They’re looking for a bounce-back win as well.

With injuries galore for the Sooners, this game could be closer than previously expected.

Head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] will look to young players all over the roster to step up at key positions. That includes some players who are playing their first season at the collegiate level.

Here’s your list of three true freshmen to watch in Week 5.

1. Michael Hawkins Jr., QB

[autotag]Michael Hawkins Jr.[/autotag] will become the first true freshman to make his first career start on the road for the Sooners since Troy Aikman in 1984. Aikman played very poorly in that game, and OU fell to Kansas.

Oklahoma fans are hoping for a different result on Saturday, as Hawkins takes over after [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] was benched last week. The true freshman played his first meaningful snaps at this level last week and gave the struggling OU offense a bit of a spark late in the fourth quarter. It was too little too late, but Hawkins did enough to earn the start for the Auburn game.

Hawkins is a dual-threat at QB, but he will not have much help behind a shaky offensive line and without the top five wide receivers on the roster. If Hawkins can move the ball more effectively than what we’ve seen from Arnold and get the win, it’ll be considered a success, even if it isn’t pretty.

2. Zion Kearney, WR

True freshman wide receiver [autotag]Zion Kearney[/autotag] is one of the few healthy players left in OU’s wide receiver room that offer size. With Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony and Deion Burks all out this week, Oklahoma will try to piece things together to give Hawkins someone to throw the ball to.

Kearney hasn’t received much run so far this season, but against the physical cornerbacks Auburn employs on the outside, a bigger body will be needed to create separation. Jaquaize Pettaway should get plenty more looks in the slot this week, and Oklahoma needs something from the duo of Brenen Thompson and J.J. Hester. Cornerback Jacobe Johnson made the switch to wideout to offer a potential solution.

Kearney and Hawkins came to Norman in the most recent recruiting class, along with Zion Ragins, Ivan Carreon, K.J. Daniels and Jacob Jordan. Maybe the chemistry of the freshmen can open the field up the passing game for the OU offense.

3. Reggie Powers III, DB

The loss of starting cheetah Kendel Dolby for the rest of the season is a big one for the Sooners. Dolby had begun to make the role his and had become an excellent player. Without him on the field, it’ll likely be Samuel Omosigho who steps up to be the starter, and Woodi Washington will probably see time there as well. OU is unsure if Dasan McCullough, who has played the position in the past, will be back this week.

One true freshman who could see a lot of snaps at cheetah on Saturday is [autotag]Reggie Powers III[/autotag]. He’s a versatile player on the back end of the defense, capable of playing safety or cheetah. Before last week’s game, he was listed third on the depth chart at the position behind Dolby and Omosigho.

Powers will certainly be tested whenever he’s in there, but his future is bright at OU as part of the next generation of the defensive backfield in Norman. Just like so many other parts of the roster, injuries are forcing players to step into roles where they may not be ready.

We’ll get to see what these true freshmen have as OU takes to the road in week five.

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Another starting wide receiver ruled out for Oklahoma’s game vs. Auburn

The Oklahoma Sooners will be missing another top wide receiver when they face the Auburn Tigers in Week 5.

The Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver room has been decimated by injuries.

They’ve been missing [autotag]Jayden Gibson[/autotag] since fall camp. [autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag] broke a foot in the first quarter of Week 1.  [autotag]Andrel Anthony[/autotag] played just a few snaps in Week 1 and hasn’t been seen since. [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag] tried to return for Week 4 but left the game early.

Those four wide receivers, who were expected to provide big-time contributions in 2024, have combined for 24 snaps.

The Sooners will be without their best wide receiver, [autotag]Deion Burks[/autotag], ahead of their matchup with the Auburn Tigers. According to Brent Venables, Burks suffered a soft tissue injury against Tennessee and was ruled out on Thursday evening.

That means Oklahoma is down its top five wide receivers for true freshman Michael Hawkins’ first start.

Oklahoma will turn to [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag] to fill Burks’ void in the slot. The former top-100 player looked explosive late in the loss to the Volunteers. He came through with three receptions for 79 yards, including a 46-yard catch and run that helped set up one of Oklahoma’s two touchdowns.

The Sooners will need true freshmen Zion Ragins, Zion Kearney and Ivan Carreon to step into bigger roles and through the rest of the season. It’s a great opportunity for the young players on the wide receiver depth chart to solidify their role on the depth chart.

Player Position Status 9/26
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Tyler Keltner K OUT
Andrel Anthony WR OUT
Taylor Tatum RB OUT
Deion Burks WR OUT
Tyler Keltner K OUT
Dasan McCullough LB Questionable
Jake Taylor OL Probable

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Brent Venables believes Michael Hawkins has ‘the right stuff’ to be successful for the Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners believe Michael Hawkins has what it takes to lead OU into matchup with Auburn.

The Oklahoma Sooners made a tough call at the quarterback position in their loss to Tennessee. [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]’s three turnovers didn’t leave them a whole lot of choice. The Sooners turned to true freshman quarterback [autotag]Michael Hawkins[/autotag], who will start this week for the Sooners.

Hawkins rewarded the Sooners with a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to give Oklahoma a little hope down the stretch. Brent Venables wasted little time naming Hawkins the starting quarterback this week against the Auburn Tigers. The Sooners’ coaching staff believes he gives them the best chance to find more consistency and production on offense.

Instead of going into this week with a quarterback competition, the Sooners’ brain trust saw enough in Saturday’s loss to Tennessee to feel comfortable with Hawkins.

“Maybe this will give us a better chance moving forward,” Venables said of making the switch to Hawkins. “Believe in Mike. Made that announcement for lots of reasons. Certainly didn’t want a decision like that to hang over anyone’s head. We’ve gotta get better. Sometimes, maybe change is good.”

Change, for change’s sake, wasn’t the goal. They had a comfort level with Hawkins after watching him for the last nine months in practice, in workouts and in meeting rooms. And his play supported the buzz we’d heard during all offseason.

“He’s a very talented guy, not a really experienced guy, but he has certainly shown that he’s got the right stuff to do it at different times since he’s been here,” Venables said during his Tuesday press conference.

No, Michael Hawkins doesn’t have a lot of experience, but what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with grit, determination, and an unwavering mindset. Beyond his immense physical talent, Hawkins made believers out of Kirk Herbstreit and a large portion of the fan base with his willingness to put it all on the line in the fourth quarter.

He was unfazed by the situation he was thrust into. As the game wore on, he became more comfortable with what he was asked to do. By the end, the broadcast crew, those in attendance, and those watching at home knew who the Sooners starting quarterback should be. And it didn’t take the Sooners coaching staff long to name their starting quarterback for Auburn.

While it was only a little more than a half of action, Hawkins showed off his potential, leading Oklahoma’s only two touchdown drives of the evening against a good Tennessee Volunteers defense.

It’s another tough spot this week for the true freshman quarterback, but he earned the opportunity to start for the Sooners as they make the trip to Auburn. He threw on time and made good decisions with the football. His incredible speed and athleticism will be the focus for a lot of defensive coordinators, but Hawkins showed he could beat a defense through the air.

The Sooners will need Hawkins to build off his strong performance against Tennessee and protect the football against a good Auburn defense. With the will and determination he showed, the Sooners are in good hands ahead of their first road trip of the season.

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Sooners Wire staff predictions for Oklahoma vs. Auburn Tigers

Who did our staff at Sooners Wire predict to win in Oklahoma’s week five matchup with the Auburn Tigers?

The Oklahoma Sooners are in a precarious position as they get ready for their first road trip of the season. After playing five straight to start the year inside the friendly confines of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Sooners take on the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

It’s a place that can be difficult to win in, as are most SEC environments. But the Sooners are hoping a change at quarterback, along with better health along the offensive line, can create a more efficient offense.

Can the Sooners get back on track this week against the Tigers? Here are this week’s Sooners Wire staff predictions.

Sooners Wire Staff Predictions

Oklahoma gets back in the win column with a victory over Auburn on the road, improving to 4-1 heading into the bye week.

OU’s defense stands out again versus a struggling Auburn offense, and the opposing quarterbacks are under duress most of the afternoon. The Sooners improve a bit offensively, as the dual-threat ability of [autotag]Michael Hawkins[/autotag] Jr. helps move the ball down the field a bit better than what we’ve seen so far.

There’s no way everything can get fixed in a week, though, and OU still has major issues along the offensive line, running the football and with injuries at wide receiver. However, Hawkins does enough to keep the starting gig going into the bye and becomes Oklahoma’s first true freshman starting quarterback in the Red River Rivalry against the likely No. 1 Texas Longhorns.

Oklahoma 27, Auburn 14

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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Auburn Tigers initial injury report for week 5

The Oklahoma Sooners and Auburn Tigers have key personnel out or questionable for their week five matchup!

The Oklahoma Sooners are dealing with a number of injuries to key players on both sides of the ball as they prepare for their first SEC road trip to Auburn, Alabama.

It’s an unfortunate set of circumstances that Brent Venables finds his team in looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season. Heading into the hostile environment provided by Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Sooners have lost a lot of experience due to injuries. With true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. set to make the first start of his collegiate career, missing that experience could have an impact on the offense’s performance.

Here’s a look at the first injury report ahead of Oklahoma vs. Auburn.

Oklahoma Injury Report

Player Position Status 9/25
Jayden Gibson WR OUT
Jalil Farooq WR OUT
Gentry Williams DB OUT
Geirean Hatchett OL OUT
Nic Anderson WR OUT
Kendel Dolby DB OUT
Tyler Keltner K OUT
Andrel Anthony WR Doubtful
Taylor Tatum RB Doubtful
Dasan McCullough LB Questionable
Deion Burks WR Questionable
Jake Taylor OL Probable

The Oklahoma Sooners have been without key pass catchers Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, and Andrel Anthony. Though he hadn’t played much this season, loss of Nic Anderson compiles the problem. Also listed as questionable on the initial injury report is Oklahoma’s go-to option, Deion Burks.

Burks has been the most productive and consistent part of the Sooners offense, racking up 26 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also added five carries for 32 yards in the jet sweep game. In his stead in week four, Jaquaize Pettaway stepped up and provided an explosive element to the passing game, recording three receptions for 79 yards, including a big catch and run that put the Sooners in scoring territory.

Andrel Anthony, who was reportedly progressing from the knee injury he suffered last October, doesn’t look close to contributing at this point. He played a few snaps in week one but hasn’t been in the game since.

If there’s any good news on this week’s injury report for the Sooners, it’s that projected starting right tackle Jake Taylor was listed as probable for the Sooners. Oklahoma’s had to mix and match their offensive line a lot over the first four weeks due to injuries. But perhaps there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

Center Branson Hickman, who missed the wins over Houston and Tulane, returned for the Tennessee game. They had four out of their five projected offensive line starters in that game, but because they hadn’t played together much, they lacked cohesion and execution.

If Taylor can play this week, it’ll be the first time they’ve had all five of their projected starters together at the same time.

Another key player to watch on this week’s injury report is running back Taylor Tatum. Tatum emerged as the backup running back behind Jovantae Barnes during his true freshman season. But he took a shot to the head in the loss to Tennessee and was removed from the game. He’s had some bright spots early in his Oklahoma career. If he can’t go this week, which seems unlikely, look for Gavin Sawchuk and Sam Franklin to get more opportunities in the running game.

Auburn Injury Report

Player Position Status 9/25
Tyler Scott DB OUT
Champ Anthony DB OUT
Brandon Frazier TE OUT
Isaiah Raikes DL Questionable
Alex McPherson K Questionable
Izavion Miller OL Questionable

For Auburn, one of the players to watch on the injury report is right tackle Izavion Miller. Miller leads all Auburn offensive linemen in snaps. He played 60 snaps against Arkansas and started all three games this season. He’s only allowed one pressure on 62 pass block snaps per Pro Football Focus in 2024.

Defensive lineman Isaiah Raikes is one to watch on the defensive side. He’s started three of Auburn’s four games this season and is second among defensive linemen in snaps this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Raikes is No. 9 in defensive grade among Auburn Tigers.

We’ll continue to follow the injury report as we get closer to kickoff.

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Sooners face rival in latest USA TODAY Sports Bowl Projections

The Oklahoma Sooners fave a rival in USA TODAY Sports updated bowl projections.

The Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to bounce back as they get ready to go on the road to face the Auburn Tigers. The Sooners are coming off a disappointing loss to the Tennessee Volunteers but showed some things they can build on moving forward.

The updated ESPN Matchup Predictor projects the Sooners to finish the season 6-6, would put them just inside bowl season. It’s a difficult schedule the rest of the way, and the Sooners will have to find a way to beat one of the ranked teams remaining on the schedule to ensure a spot in bowl season.

But as things stand right now, college football analysts still have the Sooners bowling in December. Erick Smith of USA TODAY Sports has the Oklahoma Sooners heading to Nashville, Tenn., to play in the Music City Bowl. And they’ll face an old rival. Smith projects the Sooners to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Dec. 30.

The Oklahoma Sooners last faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a home-and-home in 2021 and 2022. The Sooners won in Norman 23-16, highlighted by D.J. Graham’s one-handed interception. In 2022, Brent Venables’ first season at the helm, the Sooners beat the Cornhuskers 49-10, led by [autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag]’s 110 rushing yards and two touchdown performance.

If the two sides were to face off in bowl season, it could be a matchup between a pair of true freshmen quarterbacks, [autotag]Michael Hawkins[/autotag] and Dylan Raiola. Hawkins takes over for Jackson Arnold ahead of the Sooners road trip to Auburn. Raiola was named the starting quarterback out of fall camp.

Raiola has looked good for Nebraska, completing 72.2% of his passes for 967 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Hawkins, in his first season in Norman, is completing 59.1% of his passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

OU and Nebraska is a rivalry as old as there is. The two sides first played in 1912, a 13-9 win for the Cornhuskers. Oklahoma holds the all-time series lead 47-38-3. A rivalry that was at one point one of the biggest in college football has only seen the two teams play twice since Nebraska joined the Big Ten back in 2011.

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Oklahoma Sooners lose defensive starter for the season

Kendel Dolby had become an integral part of the OU defense, but will miss the rest of the year.

The injury bug continues to bite the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024. After losing two key players on the offensive side of the ball for the season due to injury (wide receiver Jayden Gibson and offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett), they’ve now lost a starter from the defense as well.

After suffering an injury last week in the loss against Tennessee, starting cheetah linebacker [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. George Stoia, who covers Oklahoma for On3 Sports and SoonerScoop, took to social media to report the news, which was confirmed by head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] on his Monday night coaches show.

Dolby had become a vital contributor for the Sooners in his senior season after having some breakout moments a year ago. After multiple players rotated through at cheetah in 2023, Dolby made the role his own in 2024. He was carted off the field after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter against Tennessee. The home crowd and Dolby’s teammates came to the support of the senior as he was being taken off the field.

Dolby could come back next season despite this being his senior year. He missed the Tulane game with a concussion, meaning he’s only played in three games this year. That qualifies him for a redshirt season if he’s healthy enough and chooses to return to OU in 2025.

Replacing Dolby will not be easy. Behind him on the depth chart is sophomore [autotag]Samuel Omosigho[/autotag], who was thought to be the future of the position after Dolby was finished. He’ll be the primary player to be asked to step up and take over.

True freshman [autotag]Reggie Powers III[/autotag] will likely move into the backup role, though defensive coordinator [autotag]Zac Alley[/autotag] has lined up plenty of players at cheetah, depending on health and offensive personnel. Senior [autotag]Woodi Washington[/autotag] played there this season when Dolby was on the sideline. OU is also awaiting the return from injury of [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag], who played plenty of cheetah last year. He had been moved to inside linebacker, but might move back outside if the staff sees fit.

Dolby took to social media after the game, simply posting “God, I trust you.”

https://twitter.com/kd_937/status/1837717149244444838

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Breaking: Brent Venables names starting quarterback for Week 5 vs. Auburn

It didn’t take long for Oklahoma to decide on a starter for this week. Brent Venables announced who the starter would be this week vs. Auburn.

Four games into the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners have made a change at the quarterback position.

[autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] became the full-time starter with the transfer of [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] this offseason. However, Arnold was benched late in the second quarter of OU’s 25-15 loss to Tennessee following three first-half turnovers. In the wake of that game, the coaching staff has decided, at least for the time being, it’s time for a change.

Instead, third-year head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] has named true freshman [autotag]Michael Hawkins Jr.[/autotag] the starter for Saturday’s game in Auburn. Venables confirmed the move on his coach’s show on Monday night. OUInsider broke the news on social media.

Hawkins was inserted into the game on the final possession before halftime, and Venables stuck with him the rest of the night. Taking his first meaningful snaps at this level, Hawkins took a while to settle in, but when he did, he moved the ball and produced a couple of touchdown drives for the Sooners. Those drives were a stark contrast to the ineptitude Oklahoma had shown on offense the rest of the evening.

Hawkins finished 11-for-18 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He was also OU’s leading rusher, showing a knack for scrambling and gaining yards with his legs. He nearly ran for two touchdowns, coming up less than a yard short twice.

In contrast, Arnold struggled mightily, completing seven of his 16 passes for 54 yards and committing those three back-breaking turnovers. Quarterback hasn’t even been the biggest problem for the offense this year, as that unit has not produced up to the standard in Norman. However, after the turnovers that plagued the offense against the Vols, the head coach decided it was time to make a change.

Venables didn’t name Hawkins the starter for the rest of the season, and that distinction will come down to play on the field. Hawkins earned a shot to be the starter against the Tigers, and if he plays well, it’s likely Venables and his staff will stick with the youngster.

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