Auburn looks for rebound against No. 21 Oklahoma, with both teams having quarterback issues

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze tosses his head set after a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Auburn, Ala.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Auburn and Oklahoma enter Saturday’s game at Jordan-Hare Stadium with issues at quarterback.

Oklahoma is turning to freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. to help the 21st-ranked Sooners rebound from their first loss. Hawkins is set to make his first college start Saturday against Auburn. It’s the first SEC road game for Oklahoma, which is coming off a loss to No. 5 Tennessee.

Auburn has bigger quarterback issues. Payton Thorne threw four interceptions in the Tigers’ first loss and replacement Hank Brown was picked off three times in the first half of last weekend’s defeat to Arkansas. Coach Hugh Freeze hasn’t said who will start against Oklahoma.

Both teams are seeking their first Southeastern Conference win. Auburn is trying to keep its season from continuing to spiral while the Sooners are nursing hopes of league and playoff contention despite the 25-15 loss to Tennessee.

KEY MATCHUP

Coaches constantly cite the importance of turnovers forced and committed, and it’s certainly something to watch in this one. The Sooners are tied for the national lead with 12 forced turnovers, including an FBS-best eight fumble recoveries. Turnovers have been Auburn’s nemesis in both losses and the Tigers’ minus-10 turnover margin is tied for 131st among 133 FBS teams.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Auburn: RB Jarquez Hunter has been a solid weapon for the Tigers but may need to play an even bigger role with the quarterbacks struggling. He has run for 340 yards and two touchdowns, while his average of 7.1 yards per carry ranks second best in the league.

Oklahoma: Hawkins replaced former five-star recruit Jackson Arnold during the loss to Tennessee. He passed for 132 yards and a touchdown and ran for 22 yards in the second half of that game, when the Sooners outscored the Volunteers 12-6. The Tigers have struggled to defend quarterbacks who can run.

FACTS & FIGURES

It’s the first time Auburn and Oklahoma have met in the regular season. The Sooners won both previous meetings in Sugar Bowl matchups, 40-22 in 1972 and 35-19 in 2017. … A top-ranked Oklahoma team beat Alabama 20-13 in 2003 on the Sooners’ only previous trip to the state. … Auburn WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith ranks second nationally in yards per reception (28.17). His five receiving touchdowns lead the SEC and are tied for fourth nationally. … Oklahoma has won 34 of its last 41 road games (83%) against unranked opponents dating to the 2010 season. … Sooners coach Brent Venables was defensive coordinator on Clemson teams that went 3-0 against Auburn.

Kickoff for No. 21 Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1 SEC) at Auburn (2-2, 0-1 SEC), is Saturday at 2:30PM CDT on ABC 32.

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