One week away from the coveted Red River Rivalry, Oklahoma is in the best position it’s been in since 2023. Still, before they take on Texas, they have to go through Kent State. At the same time, Michael Hawkins Jr. will get his first start of the season as he takes over for the injured John Mateer. Here’s a preview of Kent State vs. Oklahoma.
Kent State vs. Oklahoma
History of Kent State vs. Oklahoma
This is only the second time ever that the Golden Flashes and the Sooners have matched up. In 2022, Oklahoma won 33-3, scoring 24 in the 3rd. Now, three years later, both teams have a new head coach and, of course, new players. Before Oklahoma takes on the Golden Flashes this Saturday, here’s everything to know and to look for before kickoff.
Building for the Red River
Unlocking Jaydn Ott
The California transfer has struggled to find a footing in the Sooner offense through five weeks. With the injury to Mateer, OU could be looking to establish the run more. Freshman Tory Blaylock and senior Jovantae Barnes have been the lead backs for the struggling OU run game. As of right now, the Sooners have 311 rushing yards, not including Mateer’s rushing yards. To help them build a solid run game, they’re going to need to unlock Ott. Currently, he has 17 rushing yards on nine carries.
Still, even with this low production, Oklahoma is confident in Ott, as offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle spoke nothing but praise. “He had great bye week practices.” In 2023, Ott had his best season running for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, so the potential is more than there.
Reviving Week One Keontez Lewis
Another offensive piece that Oklahoma got in the portal last offseason was Lewis from Southern Illinois. Week one showed OU fans who Lewis was as he totaled 119 yards and two touchdowns. Since week one, he has 91 receiving yards and zero touchdowns. Still, the receptions are there as he has eight in the last three games. If Oklahoma can help Lewis return to his week one value, Oklahoma’s pass offense will be dynamic.
Keys to the Game
Kent State’s Recent History with FBS
The Golden Flashes have struggled to find success ever since Coach Sean Lewis left for Colorado. Since 2023, Kent State is 0-25 against FBS-level teams. The last time they beat an FBS school was November 26, 2022, at Buffalo.
Against Power Four opponents, they have been outscored 396-60, including two shutouts. Currently, Oklahoma is a 46.5-point favorite. This season, the Sooners are 3-1 when it comes to covering the spread. Both Texas Tech and Florida State covered against Kent State around the same number.
Key Players
Jaire Rawlison, CB Kent State
The sophomore cornerback had been one of the bright spots for the Gold Flashes. Rawlison currently has 17 solo tackles and two pass deflections, leading the team in pass deflections. Already, these stats surpass his 2024 campaign as he is on track to lead the Golden Flashes’ secondary in tackles and pass deflections.
Jaren Kanak, TE Oklahoma
Oklahoma last offseason had the task of replacing tight end Bauer Sharp, who would lead the Sooners in receiving yards. In response to losing Sharp, Oklahoma used one of their own. Kanak, for the last three years, has been a backup linebacker looking to break out. Now, he is the number one tight end in the SEC with 307 receiving yards. In four games, he has totaled 60-plus yards a game. Kanak is only 15 yards away from surpassing Sharp’s total last year.
Before the Crimson Red collides with the Burnt Orange at the Cotton Bowl, Oklahoma has to defeat Kent State. Oklahoma couldn’t cover against Illinois State in week one, which was 38.5. With Hawkins starting his first game since last year’s bowl game, expect Oklahoma to look to establish a run game. Still, the passing game will show Hawkins’ ability to run outside the pocket. Enjoy the game every one, plus one week away from Texas vs. Oklahoma.
Main Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
