Stagnant Sooners: Venables struggles to ignite Michael Hawkins Jr.'s firepower
Oklahoma?s 2024 season under head coach Brent Venables has been plagued by offensive struggles. The true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is facing consistency issues. Through four Power 4 contests, Hawkins is 42/67 passing with 458 yards and one touchdown through the air; adding 128 rushing yards on 48 attempts with one rushing touchdown.
These numbers fall far below the explosive offensive output Oklahoma has historically produced. The lack of protection for Hawkins has been major, averaging four sacks per game.
Hawkins? stats, at least compared to Kyler Murray?s performance at the same point in 2018, pale in comparison. Murray threw for 1,977 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also added 377 yards and five touchdowns with his feet. Oklahoma averaged more than 48 points per game then. Now, they score under 22 points per game.
Oklahoma has taken steps back in key areas over the years
The key difference between the late 2010s Sooners and the current iteration is how each coach is protecting their QB. Lincoln Riley maximized Murray?s dual-threat abilities whereas Venables has faced criticism for not better utilizing Hawkins. Contending with SEC defenses is not an easy challenge, but Hawkins has had to flee the pocket far more than a QB on a contender should.
Hence, OU's current unranked status after a 34-3 trouncing at Texas's hands in the Red River Rivalry.
Oklahoma?s offense needs immediate innovation if they hope to turn the season around. The Sooners are taking a step back this season in third-down conversions and total yards per play.
At this rate, OU will make a low bowl at best. If they can find another win besides Maine on the schedule, that is.
