Hawkins alone couldn’t save this Sooner offense. Not behind a makeshift offensive line, not with this group of receivers, not with an inefficient run game. Any thoughts of a midseason offensive renaissance were pollyannaish, no matter who the quarterback was. The Sooners just aren’t very good offensively, and that was before a rash of injuries.

With an extra week to prepare for top-ranked Texas, OU is looking to make strides offensively behind Michael Hawkins Jr. after a sluggish start.

The Red River rivalry has often featured defining performances from Oklahoma wide receivers. Caleb Williams’ breakout game in 2021 also saw Marvin Mims Jr. average 27 yards per catch and snag a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.