‘Meat cleavers' change game Sooner middle linebacker Lofton forces key fumble by Texas' Charles Sooner middle linebacker Lofton forces key fumble by Texas' Charles
At least that's what OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables says about his middle linebacker.
And he credits those meat cleavers for causing the game-changing fumble by Texas tailback Jamaal Charles at the OU 4-yard line.
"He's very violent when he tackles,” Venables said of Lofton. "He's got tremendous natural strength.”
And while the memories of Saturday's win will be OU's big plays or 94-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, Charles' fumble and the Sooners' ensuing possession — even though it produced no points — were the game's turning points.
"I just secured the tackle and tried to knock the ball out,” Lofton said of the fumble.
Charles was on his way into the end zone for a go-ahead touchdown when Lofton jarred the ball loose and OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy fell on it.
"I just saw the end zone and tried to do too much,” Charles said. "I was holding the ball well. He was just a good tackler.”
OU's Allen Patrick was stopped for a 2-yard loss on first down, but quarterback Sam Bradford completed a 16-yard pass to Juaquin Iglesias on second-and-13. The drive stalled at OU's 33, but a punt resulted in the Sooners pinning Texas at its own 12.
"It changed field position,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. "Then we make them go three-and-out and get the ball back at our 35.”
And on the first play, freshman DeMarco Murray went through a hole on the left side and outran Texas safety Marcus Griffin for a 65-yard touchdown and a 21-14 OU lead.
"Even though there were no points exchanged,” Stoops said, "we're changing the field position, resting the defense, playing as a team.”
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That was probably the biggest play of the game. A real backbreaker for a team that was about to take control. We are going to need more of those against the Tigers this weekend. They have a very prolific offense and I didn't see anything in the Texas game that says we are going to shut Mizzou down. Where in the heck has the blitz gone to?
Huge win for OU as season is our turned around and UT dealt a death blow! Brad played big and showed why is he is def big12 new-comer of the year. Boomer Sooner!
There's no more doubt about it: Bradford and Murray... 10/07/2007 DALLAS — In the old days, this Cotton Bowl mosh pit, this war between the states, was where legends were made. In the new age, it's where championships are...
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