Nebraska’s opening touchdown drive to take the lead 7-0, was like poking a bear.
And the bear wasn’t happy about it — responding with QB Dillon Gabriel scampering 61-yards for a touchdown and energizing the No. 6 Sooners into scoring the most points Oklahoma has ever scored in 88 meetings with the Huskers, winning 49-14 in Lincoln.
By the time the third quarter was over the Sooners had already put the wraps on this dominating win.
And although the number of points set a new high, it was the Oklahoma defense that caught the eye of viewers watching the nationally televised FOX game.
The Sooners either forced a punt or turnover on downs on 12 of Nebraska’s drives.
The Sooners defense held Nebraska to little more than three yards per play in the first half.
The defense sacked Nebraska quarterbacks four times (and now lead the Big 12 with 13 for the season).
Oklahoma had nine tackles for losses.
DB Key Lawrence also had an interception.
Oklahoma was already busting the Nebraska’s offensive line in the first half, but after “Cheetah” position player DeShaun White was ejected for targeting, in came freshman Jaren Kanek who led with 10 tackles and forced a fumble in less than a half.
The attacking Sooner defense held NU’s best player, starting running back Anthony grant, to just 2.8 yards per carry.
Dillon Gabriel’s career long run in the first quarter will make the highlight real, but it was his steady play afterward — passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns — that set up a powerful Oklahoma run game — with more than 300 yards rushing, led by Eric Gray, with 113 of his own on 11 carries.
Go on then, @CoachVenables! #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/TYaajxQeM4
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 17, 2022
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