Oklahoma tops Kent State as Hawkins shines in relief of Mateer

NORMAN, Okla. — Backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. stepped in for an injured John Mateer and led No. 5 Oklahoma to a 44-0 victory over Kent State on Saturday, completing three touchdown passes and rushing for another in a game that also saw Oklahoma receiver Keontez Lewis carted off after a headfirst collision with a brick barrier behind the end zone.

Hawkins, a sophomore, finished with 162 passing yards and 33 rushing yards. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the first half as the Sooners built a 23-0 lead. Oklahoma’s defense dominated, holding the Golden Flashes to 135 total yards, recording five sacks, 13 tackles for loss and forcing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Gracen Halton to extend the lead in the third quarter. The shutout was the program’s first since a 73-0 win over Arkansas State in September 2023.

Mateer, who injured his right hand in the team’s game at Auburn, remained sidelined, giving Hawkins a chance to establish rhythm with the offense. Hawkins began last season as a backup and started four games when the previous starter was injured. Coaches and teammates have cited his development since then. Sophomore...