Pre-Snap Read: Oklahoma vs. Kent State
Oklahoma heads into Week 6 with a 4–0 record and is coming off of what turned out to be a well-timed bye week. After another dominant defensive showing against Auburn, the Sooners further solidified themselves as one of the most complete teams in college football; and then the news about John Mateer’s throwing hand dropped.
Now, the Sooners will look to Michael Hawkins at quarterback, and he’ll get his season started against Kent State on Saturday before Oklahoma heads south for the Red River Rivalry.
Here’s what to watch as the Sooners host the Golden Flashes.
What to Watch: Oklahoma’s Offense vs. Kent State’s Defense
If there’s a week for Oklahoma to get its rushing attack on track, it’s this one. Kent State enters the weekend ranked among the worst defenses in the FBS, giving up nearly 260 rushing yards per game and a whopping 6.41 yards per carry. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Golden Flashes gave up 498 rushing yards in a 66-10 loss to Florida State.
Expect OU to test the ground game early. Tory Blaylock has been the feature back through four games, and Jovantae Barnes has spelled him more than anyone else to this point. However, if there’s a time that we’re going to see Jaydn Ott finally get rolling, it’s got to be here.
An efficient running game should allow Hawkins to settle in as a passer and show what he can do downfield—especially with a talent like JaVonnie Gibson back in the fray.
What to Watch: Oklahoma’s Defense vs. Kent State’s Offense
Kent State’s offense isn’t built to threaten top-tier defenses. The Flashes rank near the bottom nationally in total offense and have yet to score more than 17 points against an FBS opponent. Their best weapon is sophomore running back Gavin Garcia, who has shown some burst between the tackles and will likely be their focal point again Saturday.
Oklahoma’s defensive front—led by Damonic Williams, David Stone, and Jayden Jackson—will look to smother any early ground game rhythm. With those guys resetting the line of scrimmage on nearly every play, Sammy Omosigho and Kip Lewis should continue to pile up stops.
Given the Sooners’ aggressive approach, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kent State attempt to neutralize the pressure with screens, misdirection, or tempo; however, the Sooners’ defensive speed has consistently smothered those looks all season. If OU avoids mental lapses in the secondary and contains Garcia, it’s hard to see the Flashes finding any success.
Oklahoma’s X-Factor: The Running Back Room
This is the week for OU’s backs to dominate. Whether it’s Blaylock continuing to impress, Barnes regaining top form, or Ott finally flashing the big-play ability he showed at Cal, this group has the opportunity to take control of the game early.
The X-factor isn’t just about putting up yards — it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the season. If OU’s backs are finishing runs, moving the pile, and making defenders miss in space, it not only simplifies the game for Hawkins, but also forces defenses to commit extra hats to the box. That opens everything up, and going into a stretch of games like OU has before it, they desperately need the running game to find its groove.
Must-Win Matchup: OU’s Interior Offensive Line vs. Kent State’s Defensive Tackles
As mentioned above, this game shouldn’t be anywhere near the realm of competitive. But, for the sake of discussion, OU’s interior offensive line has to dominate if the Sooners want to own this game early. Kent State’s defensive tackles have been pushed around all season, and this is a matchup Oklahoma should win decisively. If the Sooners can collapse the middle and generate push, it opens up everything—inside zone, counter, play-action, and bootlegs that Hawkins can stretch into long plays with his legs if need-be.
Dominance in this matchup also allows Oklahoma to control the tempo, stay out of third-and-long situations, and maintain a balanced game plan. Anything less than overwhelming control up front would be a major disappointment.
Opponent Overview: What Kent State Must Do to Compete
The formula for Kent State to hang around is narrow and unforgiving:
- Control the clock with sustained drives behind Gavin Garcia
- Force turnovers—especially early—to flip momentum
- Limit explosive plays and make OU settle for field goals
- Win special teams—field position or a big return could be their only spark
The Flashes are 1–3 and struggling on both sides of the ball. While they may be outmatched physically, they’ll hope to catch Oklahoma looking ahead or sleepwalking early. If that doesn’t happen, it’s hard to see this outcome being anything but bug-to-windshield.
Final Thoughts
This is a tune-up opportunity for Oklahoma, but one with purpose. Michael Hawkins needs to get rolling, and the Sooners’ run game needs a jumpstart. Expect the Sooners to come out sharp and take control in the trenches early. Barring major mistakes, this game will be well in hand by halftime.
Projection: Oklahoma 59, Kent State 6