Rapid reaction: OU blasts Texas Tech, 41-20, in Lubbock

By Anthony Slater – Aslater@opubco.com – @anthonyVslater 

During a crucial 10-minute stretch in the second quarter, when both offenses seemed primed for huge games, the OU defense stiffened up. Sandwiched between Blake Bell and Kenny Stills touchdowns, the Sooner defense halted two long Red Raider drives and held them to field goals. It allowed the offense to get separation and the Sooners to slide into a comfortable lead they would only add to.

It was over when…

Javon Harris snatched an errant Seth Doege pass early in the third quarter, returning the interception 46 yards for a Sooner touchdown and 38-13 lead. It was in the midst of OU’s 27 unanswered points, which blew the game wide open, and part of a dominating defensive performance that included three interceptions. Entering the game, OU was last in the nation with only one takeaway.

Star of the game – QB Landry Jones

He took the brunt of the blame for OU’s last loss, so he deserves a majority of the credit for this huge road win. As bad as he was against Kansas State (and he was awful), Jones was equally as brilliant against the Red Raiders. He went 25/40 for 259 yards and two touchdowns, making no mistakes and showing poise and maturity in the face of growing scrutiny. In his past two games against Texas Tech, Jones has thrown for 671 yards and six touchdowns.

Williams watch

In his first collegiate start, Damien Williams showcased his complete game. His rushing production wasn’t overwhelming (14 carries for 48 yards), but he was OU’s leading receiver. Williams caught six balls for 82 yards, showing sure hands and a surprisingly slick ability to catch and run out of the backfield. The Sooners have found a solid feature back.

Belldozing