Oklahoma football: Landry Jones' 4 TD passes lift Sooners past Iowa State, 35-20

“Defense did a great job holding them to field goals on both those.”

Rather than a tenuous 1-point lead, the Sooners took a more comfortable advantage into halftime because of the 56-second scoring drive.

“There wasn't anyone in any panic mode,” Stoops said. “Fortunately, we found some big shots at the end of the half and then into the second half.”

The Sooners emerged from the locker room after halftime and marched 75 yards in a methodical, poised series that ended with a 20-yard Jones-to-Brown touchdown. Jones completed 7 of 10 passes on the drive.

“Landry Jones,” Iowa State defensive lineman Jake McDonough said when asked for the secret to OU's offense.

“He was on fire ... He was putting the ball where the receivers were able to make plays; it was frustrating.”

Jones' performance is more impressive when you consider who he was without Saturday; leading rusher Damien Williams and senior tackle Lane Johnson were each hobbled by bum ankles.

“He's the center of the offense, so him being poised, even after throwing a pick, he just always comes back and shows us he can sling the ball around,” said true freshman receiver Sterling Shepard, who caught 5 passes for 77 yards and a first-half touchdown.

Asked if it was the best game of his career, Jones said it was “one of the best; that's for sure.

“We've had a lot of good games around this place, a lot of good games this year.”