Report Card: Grading OU's win over Kent State

NORMAN — The Sooners defeated Kent State, 44-0, on Saturday to improve to 5-0 on the season.

Both sides of the ball did what they needed to do to remain undefeated heading into next weekend’s Red River Rivalry. Here are OUInsider’s grades for each position group:

Quarterback: C+

Michael Hawkins didn’t need to be spectacular. He just needed to be solid.

He was fine, completing 14/24 passes for 162 yards and three scores. He added 33 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Hawkins made some highlight plays, particularly his 30-yard touchdown to Isaiah Sategna in the first half. But he also displayed some poor vision at times, and he also missed a few receivers on overthrows. The Sooners will be happy with his dual-threat ability and the lack of turnovers, but there will need to be some improvements made if Hawkins is needed next week against Texas.

Running backs: B-

Tory Blaylock (16 carries, 78 yards) and Jaydn Ott (11 carries, 49 yards) ran the show, as the Sooners tallied 185 rushing yards on 41 carries. Ott also added two receptions for 10 yards. Both running backs made the plays they needed to make, for the most part, and Ott’s usage in particular was notable.

Wide receivers/Tight ends: C+

Considering Hawkins completed just 14 passes, there weren’t a ton of opportunities for the pass catchers. Sategna led the way with four receptions for 75 yards and a pair of scores. No other Sooner had more than 21 receiving yards.

There weren’t any glaring miscues or mistakes, and it likely would’ve been a bigger day had Hawkins not overthrown a few receivers. It was also encouraging to see Javonnie Gibson (one reception, five yards) make his debut.

Offensive line: D

The offensive line will be the key position to study when the coaching staff rewatches the film.

The offensive line struggled at times to generate push in the run game or hold up in the passing game. The Sooners’ 4.5 yards-per-carry average was fine, but there wasn’t much explosiveness. It wasn’t a great performance, considering Kent State ranked 134th in rushing defense coming into the game.

The Sooners also surrendered three sacks to a Kent State team that had four sacks through the first four weeks. Hawkins held the ball for too long at times, but the offensive line also didn’t generate consistent pockets. The Sooners did enough to win the game, but the coaching staff likely needed to see more from the offensive line before the Red River Rivalry next week.

Defensive line: A

Even without Jayden Jackson and Damonic Williams, the defensive line was again dominant. David Stone and R Mason Thomas both led the Sooners in tackles with six apiece, and both contributed two tackles for loss. The defensive line combined for 11 tackles for loss.

The Sooners’ first takeaway of the season came in the third quarter, and it was all generated by the defensive line. Thomas forced a strip sack, and Gracen Halton scooped up the loose ball and turned it into a touchdown.

Linebackers: A

The linebackers played a key role in limiting Kent State to just 17 rushes on 33 carries. The big lead allowed some of the Sooners’ reserves like Taylor Heim to see some playing time. Owen Heinecke led with four tackles

Secondary: B

Kent State backup quarterback Devin Kargman got the start and completed just 8/16 passes for 74 yards. Outside of a 34-yard pass, the secondary kept things tightened up and didn’t allow the Golden Flashes to find a rhythm.

Eli Bowen made his return and got the start at cornerback opposite Courtland Guillory, and looked solid in his return. Sophomore Jayden Hardy intercepted Kargman in the second half for the Sooners’ second takeaway of the game (and season).

Special teams: A

Tate Sandell made all three of his field goal attempts. He made kicks of 49 and 39 yards, respectively, before halftime then calmly booted a 55-yarder in the second half. He’s now made nine consecutive field goals and established himself as a real weapon for the Sooners.

Isaiah Sategna racked up 97 punt return yards and nearly broke off several returns for touchdowns. It seems only a matter of time before Sategna finds the end zone.

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