The No. 21 Oklahoma Sooners (3-1) will be on the road for the first time this season when they take on the Auburn Tigers (2-2) on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. (CT). This feels like a huge game for the Sooners as they try to gain some momentum before entering a much-needed bye week.
What to watch for:
The beginning of the Michael Hawkins Jr. era
Addam Francisco called for it weeks ago. He wanted a change at quarterback, and we are about to get it. Brent Venables decided to replace Jackson Arnold with Hawkins against Tennessee. After showing a lot of promise, Venables decided to announce Hawkins as the starter against Auburn.
Hawkins gives the offense a whole new look. He can do a lot on with his legs, which is something the offense will benefit from very much considering the pass protection has been struggling. Not only that, but his decision-making seemed to be much quicker and smarter. We will see how Hawkins looks in front of roughly 90,000 ruckus Tiger fans.
Who is going to play at wide receiver?
If you didn’t think that the injury report could look any worse for Oklahoma, take a look again. Nic Anderson is out again after playing a short stint against Tennessee. Andrel Anthony is now listed as doubtful after being listed as probable before the Tennessee game (not sure what happened there), and leading receiver Deion Burks is now listed as questionable after suffering what Venables described as a “soft tissue” injury. On top of that, running back Taylor Tatum is also listed as doubtful for Saturday. I expect to see a lot of Jaquaize Pettaway and Brenen Thompson.
Final Thoughts
As bad as Oklahoma’s situation has looked on the offensive side of the ball, Auburn’s situation has been just as bad, if not worse. However, Auburn is still one of the toughest places to play in the nation, and they will want nothing more than to welcome the Sooners to SEC territory with a loss.
I expect the Oklahoma defense to keep the momentum and force a couple turnovers, but how will the offense respond? Can Michael Hawkins revive the Sooner offense in his first career start? Will other wide receivers step up? Will we finally see a productive running game?
I think Oklahoma gets back on track and plays their most complete game of the season. Oklahoma 30, Auburn 13.
