Second half start was key to victory over Kansas

Head coach Bob Stoops said the back-to-back touchdown drives to start the third quarter was the key to getting the offense going and beating the Kansas Jayhawks Saturday.

The Sooners were leading Kansas 14-6 entering the third quarter, and the two quick touchdown drives gave OU a comfortable 28-6 lead going into the fourth quarter.

“The biggest part of the game really was getting back-to-back drives to start the second half to give us a good lead and to separate ourselves a little bit,” Stoops said.

That was the first time with redshirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones playing since Sept. 19 against Tulsa that the Sooners had scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions. Against the Golden Hurricane Jones led OU’s offense to six straight possessions that ended in touchdowns.

Stoops impressed with Jones’ leadership ability

Head coach Bob Stoops said he likes the way Jones has stepped up as a team leader since Heisman-winner quarterback Sam Bradford suffered his first injury in the season opener.

“As soon as Sam was down in BYU [Jones] was on,” Stoops said. “It was maybe a little surprising how natural it was for him. He didn’t blink a bit, and players sense that, and they were right with him right off the bat.”

Jones will be OU’s starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2009 season, and in his four starts so far this season he has posted a 3-1 record.

Murray has been practicing this week

Head coach Bob Stoops said junior running back DeMarco Murray practiced with the team both Monday and Tuesday during practice, but his status for Saturday’s home game against Kansas State is still uncertain.

“He practiced [Monday], and I anticipate him practicing through the week,” Stoops said. “It just gets down to later in the week if he’s back to full speed.”

Murray did not play Saturday in OU’s 35-13 victory over Kansas, and the Sooners’ running game gained just 85 yards on 31 attempts, which comes out to 2.7 yards per attempt.

Way replaces Stevens in kicking game

Head coach Bob Stoops said sophomore kicker Jimmy Stevens has been replaced by redshirt freshman kicker Tress Way in field goal and extra point situations.

“I just don’t think Jimmy has been nearly as consistent as he needs to be,” Stoops said. “Tress has shown me enough in practice he’s been much better than he was a year ago. He deserves that opportunity.”

Way made all extra point attempts while not attempting a field goal, and averaged 40.3 yards on six punts.

Before being pulled Stevens made eight of 12 field goals this season, but missed a key field goal against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns.