Kirk Herbstreit is a believer in Michael Hawkins after what he saw unfold in the second half of OU’s loss to Tennessee on Saturday night.

Oklahoma didn’t start the night a quarterback controversy, but it has one now after losing to the Vols 25-15 in Week 4. Jackson Arnold was benched late in the first half after his second fumble and third overall turnover of the night.

Hawkins started out relatively slow, but ended up leading Oklahoma on a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. He gave the Sooners a chance to get within one possession in the final 2 minutes of the game.

Late in the 4th quarter, Hawkins made an acrobatic leap toward the end zone in an attempt to score on 3rd and goal. After initially being ruled a touchdown, replay officials determined that he was just short.

But in the immediate aftermath of the play, Herbstreit shared some praise for the true freshman quarterback.

“This is the quarterback right here, No. 9, moving on into next week,” Herbstreit said. “This kid has done enough in these handful of series in the second half … This is what it’s all about right here. This kid is fighting for every inch.”

Hawkins ended the night completing 11-of-18 for 132 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions. He also was a threat with his legs and gained 22 yards (including sack yardage) on 12 carries. Perhaps most importantly, Hawkins did not turn the ball over.

Here’s video of the play that inspired Herbstreit to make the case for Hawkins:

Oklahoma will go on the road to play at Auburn in Week 5.