NORMAN, OK — Under the lights in prime time, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts put on a show for his new team in the Oklahoma Sooners during a 49-31 win over the visiting Houston Cougars.
Hurts set career highs in rushing for 176 yards and total touchdowns (6) on the ground.
In becoming the fourth quarterback in modern history to pass for 300-plus yards (323), six total touchdowns and rush for 150-plus yards on the ground, he also became the first in Sooners history to drop 500-plus (508) total yards in their debut, one can’t help but noticed that he looked a lot like another former SEC transfer quarterback in Cam Newton.
Newton, who transferred from Florida to Auburn after backing up Tim Tebow in Gainesville, went on to win the 2010 Heisman Trophy that year, win the BCS National Championship over Oregon and become the No.1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
During his one year on The Plains, the 6’5 245-pound Newton displayed a combination of athleticism, deep ball ability and a knack for making plays.
Hurts, like he did at Alabama showed the ability to extend plays with his legs, but under Lincoln Riley suddenly looks like a different QB who can now beat you with his arm.
While not as tall as Newton at 6’2, has more experience at winning did Newton ever did in going 26-2 and leading Alabama to back-to-back CFP championship appearances.
Perhaps it’s the more wide-open style of play that Riley employs or the talent in Norman that may bring out the best in Hurts, but if first impressions and being a prisoner of the moment is anything, Hurts looks like Cam 2.0 and last night down in Norman was just a sample of things to come.