Each week, SoonerNation will update how Oklahoma players mentioned on preseason award watch lists fared in their most recent game. Here is what transpired in the opener against UTEP:
QB Landry Jones, Sr.: Walter Camp, Manning, Maxwell
Jones threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover and showed much improved foot speed.
RB Dominique Whaley, Sr.: Maxwell
In his first game back from a broken ankle, Whaley rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries but was outdone by UTEP's Nathan Jeffrey (177 yards, 21 carries) and teammate Damien Williams (104 yards, nine carries).
WR Kenny Stills, Jr: Walter Camp, Maxwell
Stills had one of the best games of his career with 121 yards on six catches and a 68-yard touchdown reception.
LB Tom Wort, Jr.: Butkus, Nagurski
Wort graded out at a 93 out of 100, his highest grade in a Sooner uniform; he finished with seven tackles, including one for loss.
LB Corey Nelson, Jr.: Lombardi
Nelson also graded out in the 90s and had four tackles and a pass breakup.
C Gabe Ikard, Jr.: Lombardi, Outland
Behind Ikard, the Sooners averaged 5.5 yards per carry; Ikard, however, squandered a call that led to UTEP blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown.
S Tony Jefferson, Jr.: Walter Camp, Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe
Jefferson led the Sooners with 10 tackles and spearheaded a stingy OU secondary.
CB Demontre Hurst, Sr.: Nagurski, Bednarik
Hurst had a pair of pass breakups and was a big reason why the Sooners' longest pass play surrendered was 13 yards, coming on UTEP's first drive.
PK Michael Hunnicutt, So.: Groza
Hunnicutt had one field goal blocked, although the blame fell on holder Tress Way; he made his only other try, a 38-yarder.
