SEC Program Benches Quarterback After Terrible Start in Week 8

Oklahoma's quarterback situation took an interesting turn minutes into the Week 8 matchup.

Pitted against the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-3) at home, the Sooners (4-2) began the day with Michael Hawkins Jr. before quickly benching the true freshman in the first quarter.

Hawkins threw an interception on the game's first play before fumbling on the very next drive. South Carolina took the Hawkins fumble to the house and went up 21-0 just over five minutes into the action.

Head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Seth Littrell made a big decision by bringing in sophomore Jackson Arnold to take Hawkins' place. The Sooners began the year with the former five-star as the starter before he was benched in Week 4 against Tennessee.

Venables revealed earlier in the week that the plan was to stick with Hawkins as the starter, though those words mean little after the situation that played out in the first quarter against South Carolina. Additionally, the Oklahoma staff was even considering redshirting Arnold.

"(A redshirt has) been discussed between us," Venables said . "What we told Jackson is if we put you in, it's because we need you to help us go win. ... He's a great teammate. He wants to be a starting quarterback at the University of Oklahoma."

Despite missing the last two-and-a-half games, Arnold still leads the team in passing yards (538) and touchdowns (7). Hawkins has just one touchdown pass this season, which came during his first opportunity against Tennessee.

While the Sooners' offensive struggles extend beyond the passer, Arnold is seemingly the best option for Oklahoma to compete in its first season in the SEC. Oklahoma still has four ranked matchups left on the slate in No. 18 Ole Miss, No. 19 Missouri, No. 7 Alabama and No. 8 LSU.

Related: SEC Program Considering Redshirt for Former Five-Star Quarterback