Stagnant Sooners: Venables faces challenges in unleashing Michael Hawkins Jr.’s potential.
Oklahoma’s 2024 season under head coach Brent Venables has been marked by offensive difficulties. True freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is struggling with consistency. In four Power 4 games, he has completed 42 of 67 passes for 458 yards and one touchdown, along with 128 rushing yards on 48 attempts and one rushing touchdown.
These statistics are significantly lower than the high-scoring offense Oklahoma is known for. A major issue has been the lack of protection for Hawkins, who is averaging four sacks per game.
When compared to Kyler Murray’s performance at the same stage in 2018, Hawkins’ numbers are starkly lacking. Murray threw for 1,977 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 377 yards and five touchdowns, helping Oklahoma average over 48 points per game. In contrast, this season, the team is averaging less than 22 points per game.
Oklahoma has regressed in several crucial areas over the years. The primary distinction between the successful Sooners of the late 2010s and the current team lies in how the coaching staff protects the quarterback. Lincoln Riley effectively utilized Murray’s dual-threat capabilities, while Venables has faced criticism for not optimizing Hawkins’ potential. Competing against SEC defenses is challenging, but Hawkins has had to scramble far more than a quarterback on a strong team should.
This has contributed to Oklahoma’s current unranked status following a 34-3 defeat to Texas in the Red River Rivalry.
To turn the season around, Oklahoma’s offense urgently needs innovation. The Sooners are seeing a decline in both third-down conversions and total yards per play.
At this rate, they may only qualify for a low-tier bowl, assuming they can secure another victory aside from their matchup against Maine.
