Booger McFarland Calls Out Head Coach for Puzzling Quarterback Decision in Red River Rivalry

The Red River Rivalry is shaping up to be a blowout in the first edition of Texas-Oklahoma in the SEC.

The No. 1 Longhorns headed into the locker room with a 21-3 lead over the No. 18 Sooners (4-1). And despite an extremely poor offensive performance, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables told the ESPN broadcast that the team would be sticking with starting quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. in favor of former starter Jackson Arnold.

Arnold began the year as the No. 1 option before being benched during Oklahoma's loss to No. 8 Tennessee in Week 4. Hawkins, a true freshman, flashed at times, especially with his ability as a ball carrier. But against Texas, Hawkins has been ineffective at best, throwing for 51 yards in the first half. Oklahoma totaled just 107 yards of offense in the first 30 minutes.

ESPN analyst Booger McFarland was not a fan of Venables' decision, noting that the Sooners would need Arnold's ability as a "superior passer" to get back into the game in Dallas.

"I think it’s the wrong decision,” McFarland said. “You’ve got 100 yards of total offense in the first half. Jackson Arnold is clearly the more superior passer. You’re not gonna get back into this game running quarterback zone read. So it’s something, if you’re Oklahoma, you’ve got to at least think about.”

Hawkins completed 6 of 10 passes in the first half for 51 yards with 19 rushing yards. He also lost a fumble, adding to Oklahoma's woes offensively. While a change at quarterback is seemingly needed, according to McFarland, it appears that Venables and first-year offensive coordinator Seth Littrell are sticking with Hawkins at the Cotton Bowl.

Related: ESPN Declines to Cut Audio Despite Chant From College GameDay Crowd

Related: ESPN Host Takes Shot at ACC Fanbase on College GameDay