Norman, Okla. ? Kansas University’s defense held Oklahoma’s star freshman running back to just 23 yards on 11 carries in the first half.
OU quarterback Jason White took full advantage of KU’s focus on the running, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns through three quarters, leading the Sooners to an insurmountable 21-10 lead that turned into a 41-10 victory Saturday at Owen Field.
KU’s defense held the Sooners scoreless in the first quarter, but KU’s offense mustered just 29 yards in the period and couldn’t put any points on the board, either.
White and OU struck first with a 61-yard pass to Mark Clayton less than a minute into the second quarter. Kansas took just two plays to answer, with Adam Barmann hitting Brandon Rideau for a 79-yard touchdown down the right sideline.
Travis Wilson was the recipient of White’s second touchdown pass, a 41-yard toss late in the period.
The Jayhawks drew within four points, 14-10, at halftime after a 43-yard field goal by Johnny Beck as time expired. The drive was set up by Rideau’s block of a Blake Ferguson punt.
KU couldn’t keep any momentum from Beck’s kick on the first possession of the second half, going three-and-out.
White continued to attack the Jayhawks through the air on the ensuing possession. He was 3-of-4 passing for 87 yards on the drive, including a 69-yard touchdown to Brandon Jones.
Two KU possessions later, Jason Swanson fumbled while being sacked, and Lance Mitchell picked up the ball and returned it 28 yards for a 28-10 lead.
The Sooners added another touchdown midway through the fourth quarter on an 11-yard run by Peterson – who finally started to get some yardage against the Jayhawks in the final period – and another score on an 8-yard pass from White to Mark Bradley.
Kansas continually shot itself in the foot, commmitting 12 penalties for 109 yards. The Jayhawks also suffered on third downs, giving up six conversions in 13 Sooner attempts and converting just seven of their own 17 attempts.
White finished 27-of-44 passing for 389 yards and four touchdowns, and Peterson finished with 122 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
Barmann finished 12-of-22 passing for 160 yards and a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Swanson finished 5-of-13 passing for 24 yards.
John Randle had 11 carries for 35 yards for KU, and Brandon Rideau caught four passes for 96 yards and a score.
Clayton had 112 yards on five receptions for OU, and Wilson had 81 yards on five catches.
Notes:
¢ Theo Baines and Clark Green – both of whome left KU’s game against K-State with injuries – were suited. Baines started at cornerback.
All stats are unofficial.