Both No. 21 Oklahoma and Auburn head into Saturday’s game in Auburn, Ala., facing uncertainties at quarterback. The Sooners will start a first-time quarterback in their inaugural SEC road game, as head coach Brent Venables announced on Monday that true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. would take over after replacing an underperforming Jackson Arnold during last week’s 25-15 loss to Tennessee. “We need to improve,” Venables said. “Everyone knows we’re not playing well offensively, and it’s on us to better position our players. It’s a collective effort with no finger-pointing.”
Hawkins provided a boost after his mid-game substitution, completing 11-of-18 passes for 132 yards, a touchdown, and rushing for 22 yards. However, Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1 SEC) has struggled to find consistency on offense, especially with a constantly shifting offensive line and injuries among the receivers. Jayden Gibson is out for the season, while Nic Anderson and Jalil Farooq have each played just once, and Deion Burks, the team’s leading receiver, was injured against Tennessee. Anderson and Farooq will miss the Auburn game, and Burks’ status remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Auburn’s offensive struggles have been driven by turnovers. The Tigers (2-2, 0-1 SEC) have committed 14 turnovers, the highest in FBS, including eight interceptions split between quarterbacks Payton Thorne and Hank Brown. “I can’t fully explain the interceptions,” said Auburn coach Hugh Freeze. Brown threw three picks in last week’s 24-14 loss to Arkansas, leading to Thorne’s return at quarterback. Freeze added, “We need someone who can avoid throwing to the other team and running backs who protect the ball.”
Freeze confirmed the quarterback competition between Thorne and Brown remains open as they prepare to face Oklahoma’s defensive schemes. Despite their offensive challenges, the Sooners are tied for third nationally with a plus-seven turnover margin, while Auburn sits at minus-10. Oklahoma leads the nation with 12 forced turnovers, including eight fumble recoveries and four interceptions. “Turnovers change games,” Venables said. “We have to protect the ball and make smarter decisions.” Auburn has found success running the ball, with Jarquez Hunter accumulating 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Oklahoma has never played at Auburn before, though the Sooners won both prior meetings, including the 2017 Sugar Bowl.
