OU defense solid against Tulsa save three ‘busted' plays

But other than the four big plays, the Sooners gave up just a little more than three yards a play on TU's other 60 plays.

The Sooners collected three sacks and put constant pressure on Kinne.

“They're a good offense,” said linebacker Tom Wort. “They won at Notre Dame last year and won 10 games. They're not a bad football team at all. Their offense is one of the best offenses around.”

It was an emotional night for the defense. Wort was the first player to wear No. 12 in honor of Austin Box who died in May.

“There was a lot of emotion tonight,” said defensive coordinator Brent Venables. “He was really heavy on everyone's heart. Our guys really came out hungry and really stayed purposeful.”

Venables said the three big plays are correctable mistakes.

“We have got to put pressure on them, but we got a lot of big hits and three turnovers,” Venables said. “For the first three quarters we played very controlled. I am very pleased with our guys. There were some three-and-outs that were good as well as some timely turnovers.”

Stoops summed it up that for the most part the defense had a solid debut against a veteran, dynamic offense.

“Other than that it was really good,” Stoops said. “Because of those it was just good.”