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Oklahoma

OU-Kent State quick-hitters: Sooners do what you're supposed to do

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo10/04/25BPrzybylo
David Stone9
OU defensive tackle David Stone. (Kevin Jairaj - Imagn Images)

Not sure there was a lot OU could learn in this environment, but sometimes the no news is good news.

That means everything went as expected. OU was supposed to have its way against visiting Kent State and did just that.

It would not have mattered who was at quarterback. The Sooners rolled to a 44-0 victory on Saturday afternoon to move to 5-0 overall.

Here are your quick-hit takeaways.

Hawkins has moments, something to build on?

It wasn’t a perfect day for starting quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., but there are enough positives for one outing.

He didn’t turn the ball over. He missed some throws. However, Hawkins also had some nice moments on his way to accounting for four touchdowns.

Hawkins completed 14 of 24 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 33 yards and another score.

Hawkins got the nod as starting quarterback John Mateer continues to recover from right thumb surgery last week. It is unclear if Mateer will be ready next week.

Ott about to break out?

That’s the question. Not sure if that was answered with running back Jaydn Ott about to break out?. What we did know is if he saw time in the fourth quarter that would not have been a good sign.

Ott was factored heavily into the rotation, beginning early in the second quarter. Some runs – you could absolutely see the juice.

The numbers are solid but not spectacular. Ott rushed for 49 yards on 11 carries and also had two receptions for 10 yards.

The takeaway comes and then comes again

Finally, in the third quarter, the turnover came for the OU defense. A sack deep in Kent State territory by R Mason Thomas. He forced the fumble, recovered by Gracen Halton, who then went the final four yards for the touchdown.

Later in the quarter, OU earned its initial interception of the season. Safety Jaydan Hardy was able to get that one.

OU entered as the only team in the country without a forced turnover. The Sooners defense was dominant all afternoon. Kent State finally eclipsed 100 yards of total offense on its final drive of the game.

Positive vibes for Lewis

A very scary moment for OU wide receiver Keontez Lewis. He left in the first quarter after running into the brick wall beyond the end zone.

Amazingly, it sounds like he might be OK when it’s all said and done.

Up next

Time to head to Dallas, time for the Red River Rivalry. And it’s Texas, the preseason ranked No. 1 team, that is going to the Cotton Bowl with two losses. The Longhorns were upset at Florida 29-21 on Saturday afternoon and do not have a win against a Power Four conference opponent yet. The showdown is set for 2:30 p.m. next Saturday.

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