Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has already done what Jackson Arnold couldn't

The Oklahoma Sooners made a quarterback change late in the second half against the Tennessee Volunteers. Jackson Arnold, who was pretty much declared the starter as soon as Dillon Gabriel left, was benched for true freshman Michael Hawkins.

Head coach Brent Venables wanted a spark, and he got one. Instead of getting blown out by the Vols, they ended up just losing by 10 points because of Hawkins' playmaking ability.

Hawkins did so well that he was named the starter for their game against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. And, in his first start, he was great. In his first possession, he was amazing, as he did something that Jackson Arnold has yet to do.

On his first drive as a starter, Hawkins led a touchdown drive that went 68 yards on four plays. It looked as if the Sooners were going to run away with the game because of how easy the first two possessions looked on defense with a three-and-out to start and then the offense with a four-and-score.

On the fourth play, Hawkins ran the ball out of the pocket on a scramble for a 48-yard touchdown on a play that saw the offense in a third-down situation. It was a pretty good play, and one that not even Arnold has done this year. In fact, no one has.

Hawkins' 48-yard run was the longest play from scrimmage of the year. Hawkins has looked good against Auburn. Sure, they are losing 14-7 at the half, but Hawkins has looked poised and has used his legs well. He's also made some good throws, and taken what the defense has given him without forcing anything.

Hawkins doesn't have a whole lot of help with all the injuries they are dealing with. But, Hawkins looks fine so far.

Related: Three things Sooners QB Michael Hawkins Jr. can do vs. Auburn to have a successful first start