NORMAN, Okla. – Despite some shaky moments, the Sooners are in complete control with a 35-10 lead over Florida A&M at halftime.
Stat of the half: Junior-college transfer Damien Williams scored touchdowns on his first two carries. He also scored a 65-yard touchdown in his final carry of OU’s first game at UTEP, giving him touchdowns on three consecutive rushes. Williams added a 15-yard scoring scamper in the second quarter.
Player of the half: A pair of big Justin Brown punt returns -- 43 and 62 yards -- has led to two OU touchdowns. Brown also sparked another touchdown with a leaping 46-yard reception on third-and-10 to put the Sooners on the Florida A&M 29-yard line. Williams scored four plays later.
What’s working for the Sooners: OU’s defensive front has overwhelmed the Florida A&M pocket on almost every play, forcing Rattlers quarterback Damien Fleming to unload the ball early. Defensive tackle Jamarkus McFarland has two of OU’s four sacks.
What’s NOT working for the Sooners: Despite scoring four touchdowns, the Sooners have been sluggish again offensively. Running back Dominique Whaley fumbled for the second consecutive week and Landry Jones threw his first pick of the season. Take out Brown’s punt returns, and this one might still be somewhat interesting.
What OU needs to do in the second half: With this game firmly in hand, the Sooners need to get some of their key backups such as true freshman receiver Sterling Shepard and redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jordan Phillips some valuable experience before Big 12 play begins in two weeks.
