Brent Venables evaluates Michael Hawkins Jr.'s start vs. Navy

Brent Venables thinks Oklahoma QB Michael Hawkins Jr. could have had an even better performance had things gone better offensively in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Venables assessed the play of Hawkins Jr. in his final start of the season during their 21-20 loss to Navy in Forth Worth on Friday. He noted that he liked the flow that he got into both to begin and to end the game.

“Well, again, I think, yeah, he was really good, great rhythm early and late,” Venables said postgame.

However, the Sooners cost themselves offensively throughout the one-point loss to the Midshipmen. Venables mentioned drops, penalties, and other general mistakes that, despite a career-best outing from Hawkins, caused them to score only 20 points on the afternoon.

“Again, the rhythm was affected with, again, several drops. Had a penalty on the one drive. We didn’t convert a couple of fourth downs that we’ve gotta convert in order to win. And, another really good drive, we missed a field goal,” recalled Venables. “We had several drives that, you know, where we moved the ball. But, again, between a couple of penalties and the drops? Those affected, obviously, the rhythm and big plays and potential touchdown plays.”

Hawkins Jr. finished 28-43 (65.1%) when passing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 61 yards. All of those statistics are either the best or second-best amongst seven outings, four of which were starts, as a true freshman this fall for OU.

Oklahoma’s offense has struggled for much of the season hence the change at offensive coordinator and their transfer additions, including the biggest one being at quarterback. That shouldn’t take too much from Hawkins Jr.’s effort, though, even in the one-point loss.

Hawkins Jr. ‘looking forward’ to quarterback battle with John Mateer

Oklahoma will have an all-new offense next season after their hire at offensive coordinator in Ben Arbuckle. However, who will be running that offense is still to be determined between the returner in Michael Hawkins or the transfer in Washington State’s John Mateer.

Following the final game of the season in a 21-20 loss for the Sooners to Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl, Hawkins commented on the change in offense for OU.

“Yeah, it’s a great opportunity for everyone,” said Hawkins. “I think the biggest thing for everyone else as an offense is just get the offense down as quick as you can together and get the chemistry right. Build Team 131 as an unbelievable team going into this season and just, you know, sticking together.”

As for the quarterback battle they’ve now set up between him and Mateer, Hawkins gets it. He’s anticipating that competition against the top pickup in the portal during this cycle.

“You know, bringing a guy in. I think we need a guy. That’s just – we need a guy in that room,” Hawkins said. “John Mateer is a great guy. I talked to him, had breakfast. So he’s a great guy to be around. So I’m looking forward to that.”