Tulsa World: OU Notebook

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OU Notebook

OU defensive back Brian Jackson intercepts a pass in the second quarter of Saturday's game against TCU in Norman. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

By GUERIN EMIG, World sports writer
Published: 9/28/2008 2:11 AM
Last Modified: 9/28/2008 3:47 AM

Beating the blitz: TCU came in with a typically aggressive, blitzing defense in the hope it would knock Oklahoma's high-scoring offense off stride. The strategy worked for two rare sacks of quarterback Sam Bradford.

But it also came with a price.

Bradford beat linebacker Robert Henson's blitz for a 28-yard completion to wide-open Jermaine Gresham to set up the night's first score. On OU's next possession, Bradford beat another blitz with a third-and-10 flip to wide-open DeMarco Murray in the middle flat. That worked for another 26 yards.

TCU sent seven after Bradford on OU's final play of the first half. Given time, Bradford picked out Manuel Johnson, and when single-covering cornerback Nick Sanders fell down, Johnson had a 55-yard score to put the game out of reach, 28-3.

Turning the tables: The Horned Frogs upset OU three years ago after forcing four turnovers. They were second in the nation in turnover margin coming into Saturday night's rematch.

Then the Sooners flipped the chart on them.

Safety Nic Harris forced wide receiver Jeremy Kerley to fumble after a catch at the OU 44 late in the first quarter. Safety Lendy Holmes recovered and OU's 21-3 was safe.

Linebacker Keenan Clayton ripped the ball from running back Joseph Turner after Turner's 21-yard gain to the OU 35 early in the second quarter. Holmes recovered again, and it remained 21-3.

On TCU's next possession, Jeremy Beal pressured quarterback Andy Dalton into a deep underthrow. Cornerback Brian Jackson intercepted on his own 5, and it was still 21-3.

No foolin': The Frogs tried a gadget play on fourth-and-2 from the OU 44 late in the second quarter. Dalton handed to Kerley on a reverse, then peeled down the opposite boundary hoping to catch a throwback pass. Tackles Adrian Taylor and Cory Bennett ruined TCU's plan, however, with initial pressure by the former and a sack from the latter for a loss of 14 yards.

He was everywhere: Credit Holmes for the two fumble recoveries, plus another big play in Saturday's first half.

Aaron Brown took OU's first kickoff of the night, and would have taken it for a touchdown were it not for Holmes' hustling tackle at the Sooners' 11-yard line. Three plays later, the Frogs settled for a 37-yard field goal, and OU added a jolt of could-have-been-worse momentum.

So much for that: TCU hadn't trailed in going 3-0 before Saturday. The Sooners took 126 seconds to change that with Bradford's 24-yard strike to Juaquin Iglesias.

TCU hadn't give up a first-quarter point in going 3-0. The Sooners scored 21 Saturday night.

Going backward: The Sooners went four straight series through much of the second quarter without picking up a single first down. Credit TCU's defense, but also discredit OU for some negative plays.

Jason Phillips blitzed in untouched and dropped Bradford for a loss of 12. Blitzing safety Stephen Hodge recorded a sack when Bradford delayed with a pump fake. In between came holding penalties on Sooner guards Brandon Walker and Duke Robinson.

Williams hurt: OU right tackle Trent Williams left the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle, according to OU coach Bob Stoops. Williams was hurt when Bradford was sacked and his momentum carried him onto the side Williams' leg. Williams played in the second half. He limped off the field at the end of the game with his foot heavily taped.

Out of action: Defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger missed the first of what is expected to be several games with a left ankle injury. Reserve cornerback Jonathan Nelson was out with a left knee injury. He will miss six weeks. Reserve tight end Eric Mensik didn't play with a broken ankle. Freshman defensive end Frank Alexander missed his third straight game with an arm injury, although he appeared without the padded wrap he has been wearing to protect around the arm. Freshman Justin Johnson did not suit up, although he came out and stretched in pregame. By GUERIN EMIG, World sports writer

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