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AUBURN, Ala. — J.J. Hester had been quiet to start the season.
With a wide receiver corps struggling with injuries and the buzz that Hester generated just before the start of the season, Hester’s lack of production through four games stood out.
But in OU’s 27-21 win over Auburn on Saturday, Hester broke out.
His 60-yard catch from freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. set up Jovantae Barnes’ rushing touchdown two plays later and the Sooners’ comeback was on.
It was those kind of plays OU’s offense had been missing as they had been unable — for several reasons — to connect on deep shots early in the season.
“You gotta be able to stretch the field vertically,” Sooners offensive coordinator Seth Littrell said. “There was even a couple more opportunities we missed, and so we’ll get better with that.
“But proud of the fact that some guys were getting open down the field.”
More: OU football bowl projections 2024: Where are Sooners entering Week 6?
Sep 28, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver J.J. Hester (13) carries during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
In nearly three and a half games with Jackson Arnold as the starter, the Sooners had just seven “big” passing plays — completions of 15 or more yards.
Over the last six quarters, the Sooners have seven such plays with Hawkins at quarterback.
The Sooners hit one such play on their first play from scrimmage Saturday, with Brenen Thompson picking up 15 yards.
Like Littrell said, it wasn’t perfect against Auburn
Hawkins missed a chance to hit Thompson on a deep shot on the second play of the third quarter, but it was a step in the right direction.
It was especially so for Hester, who finished with three catches for 86 yards — the most receiving yards…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ou-football-stock-report-j-101538701.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-10-01 10:15:38
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