The Sooners had some ground to build on from last week’s dominant performance against Idaho State and looked to bring that momentum into today’s game against Tulsa.

The first two drives for the Sooners did not go as well as they would have liked. Back-up quarterback Landry Jones threw an interception in the first play from scrimmage, however the defense was able to hold. In the second series the Sooners drove down the field but due to a holding penalty and a fumble out of bounds the Sooners settled for a 25 yard field goal by sophomore kicker Jimmy Stevens putting the Sooners up 3-0.

The Hurricanes marched down the field looking to return the favor but Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne was intercepted in the end zone by senior defensive back Brian Jackson.

The Sooners offense struggled through most of the first quarter. There were few bright spots for the offense; one was the running game by running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. Murray alone rushed for 39 yards on 5 carries averaging just less than eight yards a carry in the first quarter.

The other came when the Sooners finally got on the board with 35 seconds left in the first quarter when Jones connected with junior wide out Brandon Caleb for a seven yard touchdown pass. It was Caleb’s first career touchdown reception.

The Sooners finished the first quarter with the lead 10-0.

At the start of the second quarter the Hurricanes drove down again inside the Sooners red zone, but once again the Sooner defensive answered the challenge. Junior defensive end Jeremy Beal was able to force a fumble and was recovered by junior defensive tackle Adrian Taylor. The turnover led to another Jones to Caleb connection this one for 63 yards giving the Sooners a 17-0 lead.

With 5:57 left in the second quarter the Sooners struck again. This time it was Murray with a 13 yard touchdown pass. Murray bounced off one tackle and the flipped into the end zone over another to put the Sooners up 24-0.

On the ensuing Hurricane drive the Sooners were able to force another turnover. This time junior defensive back Quinton Carter was able to intercept Kinne making it the third turnover for the Hurricanes of the half.

The Sooners were able to drive down and finish the half with a scoring drive. Jones threw his fourth touchdown pass of the half, this one a ten yard pass to sophomore wide out Ryan Broyles. The Sooners go into half time leading the Hurricanes 31-0.

Stats from the first half:

OU

Rushing: 93

Passing: 222

Total Yards: 315

Time of Possession: 14:36

Tulsa

Rushing: 34

Passing: 103

Total Yards: 137

Time of Possession: 15:24

James Roth is a journalism senior