Halftime Huddle: OU leads Kent State 23-0
NORMAN — Oklahoma is taking care of business, as expected.
The Sooners lead Kent State, 23-0, at halftime on Saturday. The Sooners scored on all five of their first-half possessions, while the defense has surrendered just 82 total yards.
Here’s a look at the highlights and notes from the first half:
The Highlights
The play: Michael Hawkins Jr. finds Isaiah Sategna for a 30-yard touchdown
Hawkins Jr. was about to be sacked, but he managed to find Sategna wide open in the end zone for the first points of the game.
The play: Hawkins Jr. finds Kaden Helms for a three-yard touchdown.
It was a nice play for Helms, who missed significant time with a broken arm he suffered in fall camp. It was his second touchdown of his career.
The play: Danny Okoye sacks CJ Montes, forcing a second-quarter punt.
It’s the first sack of Okoye’s career.
Number to know
9
That’s the number of consecutive field goals Tate Sandell has made. He made three field goals in the first half from 49, 39 and 55 yards out, respectively.
Key Players, Offense
Michael Hawkins Jr. — 11/15 passing, 143 yards, 2 TD
Isaiah Sategna — 3 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD
Jaydn Ott — 5 carries, 37 yards
Key Players, defense
R Mason Thomas — 3 tackles, 1 TFL
Gracen Halton — 2 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0.5 TFL
The Notables
— Wide receiver Keontez Lewis collided with the brick wall outside the end zone while trying to catch a pass in the first quarter. Lewis was down for over 10 minutes before eventually being leaving the field on a stretcher and escorted out on a medical cart.
— Javonnie Gibson came into the game immediately after Lewis’ injury, making his Sooner debut. He made his first catch on a five-yard reception on the next drive.
— Running back Jaydn Ott made his first appearance since the Temple game midway through the second quarter. He tallied 47 yards on seven touches.
Tory Blaylock got the start at running back, totaling 32 yards on seven carries. No other running back has logged a carry. The Sooners have 71 rushing yards on 3.9 yards per carry as a team.
— Tight end Jaren Kanak caught two passes for 21 yards in the first half. He has 328 receiving yards this season, which is more than any OU pass catcher had all of last season.
— Hawkins Jr. was sacked twice in the first half. Kent State had logged four total sacks coming into the game.
— Kent State starting quarterback Drue DeShields is a healthy scratch. The OU pregame radio show reported the Kent State coaching staff held him out to keep him healthy for conference play.
— OU defensive tackles Jayden Jackson and Damonic Williams suited up but did not participate in warmups. David Stone and Gracen Halton started in their places.
— OU cornerback Eli Bowen made his season debut and got the start opposite Courtland Guillory.
Not a subscriber? Join OUInsider now and get your first week for just $1. No, this deal is NOT too good to be true! Take advantage today and get the market’s best Oklahoma football and recruiting intel!
Click HERE to subscribe today!