44-0 whipping of Kent State easy tune up for Hawk’ — but who will start at QB this week?
We can talk about the Oklahoma-Kent State if you want. But this is now officially the “Red River Rivalry/Shoot/Out/Who will be the Sooners’ starting QB Week,” so is there really any need?
Yes, Oklahoma soundly whipped an undermanned Kent State team 44-0, giving the Sooners’ their first fumble recovery for a TD, first interception and first shut out for the season on a sunny day in Norman.
It didn’t take Coach Brent Venables long after the game to turn to what most fans were thinking about even before kickoff Saturday.
Oklahoma vs. Texas. The Sooners are going into this game undefeated at 5-0, something they’ve done 15 out of the last 25 years. In those games against Texas, the Sooners won 10 and lost five.
“Guys are looking forward to that challenge and the work and the preparation that’s got to go into another week,” Venables said. “The challenges of what’s sitting in front of us with Texas (is) something I know our guys will be looking for.”
That matchup was a bit tarnished Saturday by Texas’ being upset by a Florida team playing to keep their head coach employed. Previously one-win Florida beat No. 9 Texas 29-21 in Gainesville.
Meanwhile, back in Norman the OU defense held Kent State to just 135 yards total offense. The got five QB sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.
Defensive tackle Gracen Halton’s “scoop and score” fumble recovery for touchdown was a highlight of the game.
Afterward, Halton said this OU team is different from last year.
“A lot of guys taking this game seriously, taking their opportunities serious,” Halton said. “You notice it. Guys having fun, guys playing with potential, playing with excitement. You can see it in the games.”
That is especially true on defense, and it is showing up in the stats.
Oklahoma has allowed an average 193 yards, 74 rushing yards and 7.2 points per game this year.
As for quarterback, the question remains whether starting QB John Mateer, who missed the Kent State due to a fractured thumb, will return to play in the Texas game. Venables said he was assuming he would not — but the tone in his office left some to wonder.
Michael Hawkins did a good job at quarterback. But it is difficult to assess, given the Kent State defense was no match for a Top 10 team, no matter how good their quarterback is.
Hawkins was 14 for 25 passing, for 162 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He was up and down at times, occasionally missing some open passes, but then making some difficult ones.
A bright spot on offense was also the emergence of transfer Jaydn Ott, who got the most playing time this season. The highly touted running back who found his way through the portal to Norman in the last spring, ran for 49 yards on 11 carries — giving us a glimpse of his ability we had not seen to date.
Freshman Tory Blaylock, has solidified his starting position, ran for 78 yards on 15 carries.
Isaiah Sategna lead all receivers with 75 yards on 4 catches. He scored two touchdowns.
Field goal kicker Tari Sandell was perfect for the day — hitting all three attempts, including a 55 yarder that was the fourth longest field goal in stadium history.
Follow
