Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners Match Player Stats On Aug 30, 2014

No. 3 Oklahoma 48, Louisiana Tech 16: Trevor Knight threw for 253 yards and the Sooners' vaunted defense shut down the Bulldogs in an easy season-opening home victory.

With its sights on a national title, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops turned to Knight this season over the more experienced Blake Bell. Knight, who threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-31 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last season, finished 19-of-34 with a TD and interception against the Bulldogs.

The Oklahoma defense, which led the Big 12 last season by yielding only 350 yards per game - its fewest since 2009 - limited Louisiana Tech (0-1) to 245 yards. Kenneth Dixon, who ran for 917 yards and a 6.1 average last season, was held to 42 yards on 16 carries by the smothering Sooners defense.

Cody Sokol, a transfer from Iowa, was 22-of-36 for 191 yards and two fourth-quarter scores for the Bulldogs, who lost their 21st straight game against ranked foes dating to 2000. Sixth-year wide receiver Sterling Griffin had seven catches for 74 yards.

Keith Ford sandwiched two rushing TDs in the first quarter around a 16-yard scoring pass from Knight to Sterling Shepard for a 21-0 Oklahoma lead. The Sooners led 31-3 at the half, outgaining Tech 270-89, and cruised to their 43rd straight win when leading at the half while improving to 88-5 at home under Stoops.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The victory gives the Sooners 106 wins since 2004, second most in FBS behind only Boise State's 112. กญ Oklahoma scored 21 points in the first quarter for the first time since Nov. 20, 2010, against Baylor. กญ CB Zack Sanchez intercepted a pass and also blocked a field-goal attempt - the first such play for the Sooners since 2004.