Hello Oklahoma! Sooners Rout Blue Raiders 59-0

If there were any questions about a post-Oregon hangover, they were erased Saturday Night. The 17th-ranked Sooners took their frustration and anger out on Middle Tennessee in a 59-0 rout in the friendly confines of Norman, Oklahoma.

The Sooners' defense came out stifling -- only allowing 33 total yards in the first-half, forcing four Blue Raider turnovers. The defensive led by Rufus Alexander forced the first turnover in the first quarter, including a fumble recovery in the second, and defensive touchdown by Zach Latimar on a 24-yard interception return in the first quarter.

The offense was equally impressive, led by Quarterback Paul Thompson's 163 passing yards in the first quarter. Heisman contender Adrian Peterson rushed for three touchdowns, also tying second place Billy Sims for 100-yard games by the first half. Receiver Malcolm Kelly accumulated 164 yards on five catches, two yards shy in the first half of breaking school record for reception yards in a half.

The Sooners had 295 yards and led 45-0 at the half.

If you asked the Sooners if they were worried about coming out unfocused, the answer was clear, "Our attitude was to come out and dominate," Peterson said. "That's what we did."

The Sooners scored eight of their first nine drives, only once were they stopped in the first half, while going for it on fourth-and-11 at the Middle Tennessee 29.

Add the special teams in the mix, the Sooners' were stellar as Reggie Smith added a touchdown on a 61-yard punt return early in the fourth quarter. Coach Bob Stoops was excited to see his team fully perform, "It was good to play well in all parts of the game and for a full 60 minutes." Stoops said, in the post-game media conference.

On the evening the Sooners' defensive only allowed 95 total yards, while the Middle Tennessee rushing game was near non-existent only 22 yards on 28 attempts, the passing game fared not much better 6 completions on 20 attempts.

The Sooner fans now have some of that preseason excitement back, with the defensive we've been expecting. An offensive that had big plays with quarterback play that was stable. And a team that minimized penalties, while consistently playing all four quarters.

Take Note: The last time the Sooners' scored over 50 points was 2004 against Houston, the last opponent shutout was 2004 against Baylor, the same year Oklahoma shutout Texas 12-0... Next Opponent, Texas two weeks.