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In its SEC opener against Tennessee on Saturday night, Oklahoma was unable to muster much offensive momentum. Sooners head coach Brent Venables even substituted Michael Hawkins, Jr. for Jackson Arnold at quarterback during the game.

In light of the 25-15 defeat and the Sooners’ 0-1 conference record in front of a challenging SEC slate, Venables said the quarterback position will be reevaluated moving forward.

Kirk Herbstreit has already made up his mind about the matter.

In the last minutes of the game, he referred to Hawkins as “your quarterback.”

“This is your quarterback, No. 9, heading into the upcoming week. In a few series, he has performed well enough in the second half.

Herbstreit continued, “This is what it’s all about right here,” after witnessing Hawkins make a gain on the ground. This child is battling for every square inch.

Arnold had a difficult game to begin with, going 7 of 16 for 54 yards, an interception, and two fumble losses, both on plays that came just after OU’s defense forced a fumble from Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback for the Vols.

On passes for ten or more yards, the former five-star prospect was 1 of 6 in throwing for twelve yards.

Venables remarked of the quarterback play and the ensuing change, “Just didn’t feel good.” “There wasn’t enough additional proof that everything would be alright.”

The remainder of the game was played by true freshman Hawkins, who helped spark the Sooner offense with 22 rushing yards, a team-high for the evening. In the fourth quarter, Hawkins completed a 68-yard drive over 10 plays with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jovantae Barnes.

Venables must now decide whether Hawkins will continue where he left off at Auburn the following week or whether Arnold will get another opportunity to prove himself.

“We must assess that, determine who the best player is to lead us to our fourth victory, and give it everything we have to prepare, pick ourselves up, and get back in the game,” Venables remarked.

“We still have a chance to have a really good year with this team.”