The Oklahoma Sooners (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) beat the Cincinnati Bearcats (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) 20-6 in the Bearcats’ Big 12 debut. It was a lower-scoring matchup than what most people expected, but the Sooners still went into Nippert Stadium and handled business.
Sooner defense handled Emory Jones
Oklahoma fans might have been a little worried if the defense was going to be able to contain dual-threat quarterback Emory Jones. Not only did the defense force him into two interceptions, they also shut him down on the ground. Jones rushed the ball 15 times for only 42 yards.
It was an impressive outing for the Oklahoma defense, holding the No. 8 rushing offense in the nation to just 141 total rushing yards.
Offense needs a lot of work
The fact that Oklahoma is not able to run the ball is a little bit concerning. The quarterback run was the only type of run game that was somewhat effective in the first half. Dillon Gabriel picked up the Sooners’ only rushing touchdown of the day, but Marcus Major and Tawee Walker started to pick things up a little bit in the second half.
Gabriel also missed a couple opportunities in the air that could have resulted in touchdowns. All of Oklahoma’s issues on offense are fixable, and they have one more game to get things cleaned up before they head to Dallas, Texas for the Red River Rivalry.
Gabriel got it done despite tough day
Gabriel’s play looked a little shaky early. He fumbled the ball twice, one when the Sooners were deep in Cincinnati territory, and he nearly threw two interceptions. However, when you look at the stat sheet, he had a solid game. Gabriel was 26-of-38 for 322 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown.
The Oklahoma offense put together drives when they absolutely had to, and the defense managed to keep Cincinnati out of the endzone for the entire game. Overall, it was a solid win for the Sooners.
Up Next
Oklahoma will be back home to face the Iowa State Cyclones (2-2, 1-0 Big 12) on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. (CT).
