Hawkins alone couldn’t save this Sooner offense. Not behind a makeshift offensive line, not with this group of receivers, not with an inefficient run game. Any thoughts of a midseason offensive renaissance were pollyannaish, no matter who the quarterback was. The Sooners just aren’t very good offensively, and that was before a rash of injuries.

With an extra week to prepare for top-ranked Texas, OU is looking to make strides offensively behind Michael Hawkins Jr. after a sluggish start.

Michael Hawkins Jr., on the eve of his first OU-Texas start, was watching a broadcast of Maliek Hawkins' game.

However, three first half turnovers from Arnold in week four forced head coach Brent Venables to pull his starter and insert freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. into the game. The youngster settled in against the Volunteers and moved the ball in the late stages of the game, earning his first career start against Auburn the following week.