Jackson Arnold Replaces Hawkins Jr. As Quarterback, Oklahoma Down 32-3 At Halftime

Jackson Arnold replaced Michael Hawkins Jr. as quarterback for the Sooners after South Carolina jumped out to an early 21-0 lead in Norman on Saturday.

Oklahoma is down 32-3 to start the second half. Hawkins Jr. started and the OU offense began the game with three consecutive possessions that ended with turnovers, leading to South Carolina scores.

So far, Arnold is 5/13 with 56 passing yards. Jovantae Barnes has 11 carries for 44 yards. Star receiver Deion Burks warmed up but has not appeared in the game for Oklahoma so far.

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Oklahoma fans are getting restless after a blowout loss to rival Texas last week.

The Sooners have played strong defense this season, but their offense is one of the nation’s worst — an unusual position for a program used to posting big numbers.

A loss here, especially if the offense struggles, raises more questions for Oklahoma coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. South Carolina is coming off a close loss to Alabama.

A win here would soothe some of the disappointment.

KEY MATCHUP

South Carolina’s run game vs. Oklahoma’s run defense. The Gamecocks average 175 yards per game on the ground and possess the ball for nearly 32 minutes per game.

Raheim Sanders leads the way with 393 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Quarterbacks LaNorris Sellers and Robby Ashford also are dangerous runners. The Sooners allow just 117 yards rushing per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Carolina: DE Kyle Kennard. He leads the SEC and ranks fourth in the country with 7 1/2 sacks. He will present a major challenge for an Oklahoma offensive line that has struggled to protect its quarterbacks.

Oklahoma: QB Michael Hawkins Jr. The true freshman struggled against Texas and now will face one of the nation’s top pass rushers in Kennard.

Hawkins is a dual threat and a playmaker who has had moments. He will need to string more of them together for the Sooners to win.

FACTS & FIGURES

South Carolina failed on a 2-point conversion in the final minute against Alabama that would have tied the game. The Gamecocks also have a three-point loss to LSU. ... South Carolina coach Shane Beamer was an assistant at Oklahoma for three years. ... Oklahoma has scored 16 or fewer points three times this season. ... Oklahoma is not ranked for the first time since the final 2022 poll. ... Oklahoma has lost consecutive home games just once since 1999, but could do so again on Saturday. ... Venables faced South Carolina nine times while an assistant coach at Clemson. ... Oklahoma ranks seventh nationally with 14 turnovers gained.