The Oklahoma Sooners' biggest struggle so far this season has been their running game, especially outside of quarterback John Mateer, who will miss the game against Kent State on Saturday after having surgery on his throwing hand last week. But even without Mateer and sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. filling in, the Sooners will finally find consistent success on the ground, even if just for a day.
With his elite speed, Hawkins will break off enough long runs to rush for at least 100 yards while filling in for Mateer. Meanwhile, with what could be a preview of the Sooners' 2026 backfield, freshman Tory Blaylock will serve as OU's bell cow running back to reach the century mark for the second time in his young career.