Oklahoma benched starting quarterback Jackson Arnold on its final possession of the first half on Saturday night against No. 6 Tennessee, turning instead to freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. The surprising move came after Arnold committed three turnovers, which handicapped the No. 15 Sooners in their first conference game as a member of the SEC.

Oklahoma turned to Michael Hawkins, Jr. on their final drive of the first half, but the offense didn’t ask Hawkins to throw the ball, instead opting to run out the clock. It’s a move that will have huge repercussions in the short term against the Volunteers and next week against Auburn. But it could have long-term ramifications as well.

Who has edge in OU football vs Tennessee? Breaking down key matchups in Sooners-Volunteers The Vols have been lethal early in the 2024 season, with an FBS-best 63.7 points per game on offense and paltry 4.

OU freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. replaced Jackson Arnold vs. Tennessee in the second quarter on Saturday night.

Heading into a critical Oklahoma-Tennessee matchup in Week 4, sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold will look to make big things happen for the 15th-ranked Sooners. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum spoke with Oklahoma beat writer Colton Sulley about Arnold’s importance in the upcoming top-15 SEC matchup.