In their first Southeastern Conference road game, Oklahoma faces a similar situation as Auburn, with uncertainty at quarterback. Head coach Brent Venables named true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. as the starter after he replaced Jackson Arnold in their last game against Tennessee. Hawkins brings a dual-threat ability with a strong arm and has shown promise in his limited playing time.
Hawkins’ ability to evade sacks and make plays with his legs could pose a challenge for Auburn’s defense, which has struggled against mobile quarterbacks in recent games. On the other hand, Arnold, a former five-star recruit, is more of a pocket passer with running ability. However, his performance this season has been lackluster, with a lower QBR and turnover rate compared to Hawkins.
Auburn’s defense will need to focus on containing Hawkins and disrupting Arnold’s rhythm to be successful against Oklahoma’s offense. With different playing styles, the two quarterbacks provide unique challenges for Auburn to prepare for.
As the teams prepare to face off, the quarterback situation will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. Auburn’s defense will look to capitalize on Arnold’s weaknesses, while Oklahoma hopes Hawkins can continue to impress and lead the team to victory. The matchup between these two young quarterbacks will be one to watch as the game unfolds.
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