The Oklahoma Sooners showcased some classic “Sooner Magic” in the closing moments of their game against Auburn, overcoming a 21-10 deficit to secure a dramatic 27-21 victory—marking their first SEC win.
Despite a standout 48-yard touchdown run from quarterback Michael Hawkins in the first quarter, the Oklahoma offense struggled to find its rhythm early on. However, the game shifted in the fourth quarter, when Hawkins ignited a remarkable comeback that turned the tide for the Sooners.
The week prior, Oklahoma faced a disappointing 10-point loss to Tennessee. This time, however, they triumphed in a nail-biting contest on a perfectly overcast day at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Sooners’ first road game in the SEC mirrored their initial home game, starting slowly against a fierce Auburn crowd of nearly 90,000.
With only minutes left and trailing by two touchdowns, Oklahoma came alive. A critical 60-yard touchdown pass from Hawkins to J.J. Hester sparked the rally, followed by a short touchdown run from Jovantae Barnes that brought the score to 21-16 with 8:32 remaining.
The decisive moment came when Kip Lewis intercepted a pass from Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne, returning it 63 yards for a touchdown—a play that will go down in Oklahoma football lore as the “Kip Six.” This put the Sooners ahead 22-21, and Hawkins sealed the lead with a daring two-point conversion, pushing the score to 24-21.
In a final stand, R Mason Thomas pressured Thorne, sacking him on fourth down, effectively sealing the victory for Oklahoma. Kicker Zach Schmit added a 39-yard field goal with 54 seconds remaining, ensuring the Sooners’ first-ever SEC win.
Now standing at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play, the Sooners look forward to a much-needed bye week before facing No. 1 Texas in Dallas in two weeks.
Today’s Standout Player
Punter Luke Elzinga initially appeared to be the star of the game, but it was Michael Hawkins who ultimately shone in the fourth quarter. Making his first career start, Hawkins completed 10 of 15 passes for 161 yards, along with 69 rushing yards and a touchdown. His leadership sparked a remarkable turnaround after a lackluster performance for most of the game.
Play of the Game
There’s no contest: Kip Lewis’s 63-yard interception return off Payton Thorne will be remembered as a historic moment for the Sooners, exemplifying their defensive prowess in the SEC.
Stock Report
– Michael Hawkins — UP: Hawkins demonstrated significant growth in his first SEC road start, contributing key plays that shifted the game’s momentum.
– Jake Taylor — UP, then DOWN: While Taylor returned as a starter, he struggled against Auburn’s defensive line, impacting the effectiveness of the offense.
– Danny Stutsman — DOWN: Stutsman had a quiet game with only four tackles and missed several key opportunities for third-down stops.
– R Mason Thomas — UP: Thomas excelled with four tackles and two sacks in the fourth quarter, making crucial plays when it mattered most.
– Jovantae Barnes — UP: Barnes had a strong performance with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown, crucial in the fourth-quarter surge.
– J.J. Hester — UP: Hester’s game-changing 60-yard catch and run marked his breakout performance, finishing with three receptions for a personal-best 86 yards.
Injury Report
The offensive line received a boost with Jake Taylor returning to the starting lineup. However, several key players, including wide receiver Deion Burks and running back Taylor Tatum, did not travel due to injuries. Other sidelined players included Nic Anderson, Jalil Farooq, Andrel Anthony, Jayden Gibson, Gentry Williams, and Dasan McCullough. Kicker Tyler Keltner also missed the trip following an emergency appendectomy.
Crazy Stat
Despite Auburn dominating possession for nearly 35.5 minutes and outgaining Oklahoma in total yards (482 to 291), first downs (26 to 11), and third-down conversions (4 to 2), the Sooners seized control in the game’s critical moments, demonstrating their knack for clutch performances.
