Lane Kiffin sees similar offenses between Jackson Arnold, Michael Hawkins
A struggling Oklahoma offense travels to Oxford in Week 9 to take on a fresh Ole Miss team after its bye week.
The Rebels are preparing for the Jackson Arnold-led Oklahoma offense, but is scouting all the same for backup Michael Hawkins, according to head coach Lane Kiffin.
“I don’t think they call a whole lot of different plays,” Kiffin said on Monday. “But in that wouldn’t matter. They’ve got a new play caller, so I think both guys move around really well. Both are big-time talents and so we’ve got to make sure we take care of ourselves and play really well.”
Arnold was the Sooners’ starting quarterback to begin the season, but amid struggles Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables opted to play Hawkins since Week 4. Arnold took over once again during OU’s 35-9 loss to South Carolina, and will be the starter against the Rebels.
During the South Carolina loss, Arnold completed 18 of 36 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. Hawkins was in for a few snaps as well, providing three completions for 18 yards — but had two interceptions during the contest.
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Michigan vs. MSU fight
Big Ten will not punish Wolverines or Spartans following the end-of-game fight on Saturday.
In terms of total offense, Oklahoma ranks last in the SEC. They have the least rushing yards with 785 total, while having the second-worst passing totals with 1,232 passing yards this season, only surpassing Kentucky, who has 1,175 this season. The Wildcats were able to beat Ole Miss with their defense earlier this season, however, Oklahoma is giving up 34.5 points per game over their last two matchups.
Ole Miss hasn’t scored more than 30 points since before starting conference play, but their fast, high-powered offense is expected to put the Sooners defense to a similar test as the Rebels are 20-point betting favorites in Vegas.
Still, the Rebels are 1-2 in SEC play and are hungry after being idle in Week 8 following the 29-26 heartbreaking road loss to LSU during their last time out. Ole Miss put up 464 yards of offense during the contest, and a similar display is expected this weekend against the Sooners.
Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET and will air live on ESPN.