OU vs. Texas Tech Gameday Blog

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10:55 p.m. | Fans Chanting "Heisman, Heisman"
Sooner fans are chanting "Heisman, Heisman" as Sam Bradford circles the field slapping hands with the kids hanging over the brick wall surrounding Owen Field. Quite a sight...

Recap | Stats | Notes | Quotes |

Photos |

Highlights

10:51 p.m. | Congrats Sooners
A hearty thanks to all the far-flung Sooner fans across the country and around the world who stayed with us on the live blog at SoonerSports.com throughout this record-setting evening. The Sooner players are circling the field slapping hands with all the fans who were so vocal all night. As always, we'll have complete coverage with quotes, stats, notes and video as soon as we can...

10:43 p.m. | OU Extends 10-Win Season Record
In the history of major college football, no team has more seasons with 10 or more wins than Oklahoma. With the win against Texas Tech, the Sooners (10-1) have now amassed 31 seasons with 10 or more victories -- the most of any program in the nation. OU also leads the nation in seasons with 11+ wins with 17.

10:34 p.m. | Get Ready for Stillwater
Sooner fans can start looking ahead to next week's showdown with rival Oklahoma State in Stillwater. Media relations assistant David Bassity just informed us that the game time has been set for 7 p.m.

10:26 p.m. | New Attendance Record
Tonight's attendance was just announced at 85,646, the largest crowd ever to witness a game at Memorial Stadium, or in the state of Oklahoma for that matter. The previous attendance record was 85,357 set last season against Miami. OU Attendance Records

10:22 p.m. | Bradford Tops the Charts
Sam Bradford became the school's single-season record holder for touchdown passes. Bradford threw his 41st TD of the year on the long strike to Manny Johnson, surpassing the previous record of 40 set by Jason White during his 2003 Heisman campaign. Bradford has four TD passes tonight for a season total of 42.

10:19 p.m. | No Cheap Ones for the Raiders
I'm sure Tech fans thought they were going to score on that last drive for sure and have this one not look so lopsided. The Sooner defense stepped up yet again, continuing to dominate by forcing a fumble to give the ball back to the offense.

10:14 p.m. | Long Drive Back to Lubbock
Texas Tech fans are getting an early start on I-40 west to the Texas panhandle. The sections of the south stands that housed Tech fans are the only part of the stadium showing seats. Have a safe trip.

10:11 p.m. | Not in Norman
The last time Texas Tech came to Norman with a chance at the Big 12 South crown, Oklahoma dropped a 60-15 decision on the Red Raiders back on November 23, 2002. The Sooners went on to represent the south and earn the conference title against Colorado in Houston and a Rose Bowl win against Washington State.

10:07 p.m. | Are These Style Points?
Ryan Broyles sails in for another score to open the fourth quarter with style. Sam Bradford delivered that touchdown pass. A glance at the scoreboard shows OU with 562 yards of offense. Tech has averaged 566 total yards this season but the OU defense has allowed just 270 to this point in the game. Tech is also 34 points under their scoring average.

10:03 p.m. | Bassity Lull in the Game Video
It's time for the highly-anticipated "Lull in the Game Video" from assistant media relations director David Bassity: "The Sooners have been mashing Tech, sort of like this poor lady who tried to mash grapes and ended up mashing her face:

News Reporter Tries to Mash Grapes, Mashes Face

9:54 p.m. | Bionic Manny
Manny Johnson made sure he'd make the highlight reel in his final game at Owen Field with that one-handed TD reception. Anyone notice that it was with his previously-dislocated left arm? That's his first touchdown since returning from the injury he suffered in the Kansas game (eighth game of the season).

9:51 p.m. | Little Colder, Little More Breeze
As the clock winds down on the third quarter, it's noticeably cooler down here on the field. The breeze has also picked up a bit. Not that the frenzied crowd or Sooner players would notice.

9:43 p.m. | Blitzes, O-Line
Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables has deployed a blitz-heavy package to keep Tech quarterback Graham Harrell out of his comfort zone. The OU defense is going up against a Red Raider offensive line that's the biggest in all of college football -- and the NFL! The starting five boast an average height of 6-6 and an average weight of 336 pounds. We'll verify that they are huge from field-level.

9:34 p.m. | Oklahoma's Favorite Son
Quick aside during the break: is it a little strange that Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers, is honored with a statue on Tech's campus? Here's the explanation. Claremore in Rogers County has the real Oklahoma tribute to Rogers.

9:31 | More on Keenan
Clayton's 53-yard fumble recovery was the second longest by a Sooner linebacker in program history. Dante Jones holds the record with a 58-yard fumble return for a TD against North Texas in 1987.

9:29 p.m. | Keenan Nearly to the House
Keenan Clayton nearly took that fumble recovery to the house. Oklahoma's house between Asp and Jenkins was pulsating. Oklahoma has dropped 52 points on the Texas Tech defense. The Sooners have now eclipsed the 50-point plateau for the eighth time this season and scored 40 or more for the ninth time in 2008, both numbers marking school records.

9:19 p.m. | Laying the Wood
How about the hit initiated by DeMarco Murray to finish his last run. Murray followed it up by making the fourth-down conversion look easy. A pure display of his flash and power on consecutive plays.

9:16 p.m. | Nice Hands by Harris
A great heads up play, and even greater hands by senior Nic Harris on that onside kick attempt by Texas Tech to open the second half. So far all of Tech's antics have failed, as they also failed to convert on two fourth-down attempts in the first half.

9:11 p.m. | First Half Notes from the Press Box
A number of items from the Oklahoma media relations staff...

The Oklahoma defense held Tech scoreless until the 6:28 minute mark of the first half, marking the longest the Red Raiders have gone without scoring in 14 games. Texas Tech did not get on the board against Colorado in 2007 until the 5:12 mark of the second quarter.

Travis Lewis' 47-yard interception return moved the freshman to first all-time in interception return yards by a linebacker (108 yards on four interceptions). The previous record holder was Travian Smith (Two interceptions for 93 yards in 1997).

OU's 35 second quarter points tied a school record for points in the second period. It was the fourth time the Sooners have accomplished the feat (KU - 1971, Rice - 1978, Texas A&M - 2003).

OU's 401 first-half yards marks third time this season and 15th in program history that it has gained over 400 yards in a half. The Sooners were one yard away from the mark at Kansas State earlier this year (399).

9:04 p.m. | For Your Halftime Entertainment
While the Pride is performing its halftime show here on Owen Field, we want to point you to one of the best video features from earlier this week. ESPN Road Trip chatted with Barry Switzer and Joe Washington and took a look at some of OU's greatest traditions during its segment this week in Norman. Check it out...

ESPN Road Trip Highlights Tradition in Norman

9:02 p.m. | Horton Honored at Halftime
Former OU men's gymnast Jonathan Horton was honored on the field during halftime. Horton, the most decorated gymnast in program history, led Team USA to a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics and was the silver medalist on high bar. You can relive Horton's entire Olympic performance here.

9:01 p.m. | Everyone Catch Your Breath
With so much to cheer about in the first half, the crowd has a chance to rest its vocal chords during halftime. I'm sure the Sooners will get a grand welcome when they return to the field after the break.

8:57 p.m. | Did Anyone See This Coming?
A dominating first-half performance by the Sooners in every facet of the game. Total yards: OU 402, Tech 170. Rushing yards: OU 226, Tech 16. Oklahoma's defense has recorded two sacks and the interception by Lewis, while Texas Tech has shown no signs of being able to slow down the Sooners. Still 30 minutes of football remaining, but so far it's been a one-sided affair.

8:51 p.m. | About to Implode
Already going nuts after the huge interception by Travis Lewis and DeMarco Murray's second TD of the game, the crowd here was sent into a frenzy to the tune of "Jump Around". Led by the student section, the entire stadium was bouncing. Officials may need to check the foundation for cracks after the game.

8:46 p.m. | Eating Up the Clock
Chris Brown punches it in again to put Oklahoma up 35-7. Great clock management by the Sooner offense on that drive, eating up 5:24 on a 12-play, 80-yard drive to leave the Raiders just over a minute to work with before the half.

8:43 p.m. | Murray on a Mission
DeMarco Murray is determined not to let anyone stop him tonight, as witnessed again on that last first down run. Credit senior Manny Johnson with a nice block to help the cause. The Sooners have been pounding the football throughout the first half in an effort to wear down the Red Raider defense. Many of the Tech defenders are already sucking air, and it's not even halftime yet.

8:33 p.m. | From the Press Box
Two quick notes from our media relations staff up in the press box: First, DeMarco Murray eclipsed 3,000 all-purpose yards for his career with his back-to-back big plays early in the second quarter. Murray entered tonight's contest in 21st all-time in program history with 2,923 yards. Second, Jermaine Gresham surpassed Trent Smith (2001) for most single-season yards by an OU tight end, currently standing at 648 to Smith's 603. This is the fourth time this season that Gresham has had at least 90 yards receiving (Cincinnati, Washington, Texas).

8:28 p.m. | Speaking of Socks...
Is the Texas Tech secondary wearing any after Juaquin Iglesias just faked them out for that last touchdown reception?

8:24 p.m. | Crimson Socks & Warm Gloves
OU Assistant Equipment Director Blake Kuenzi stopped by our laptop and asked if we had noticed the Sooner players wearing crimson socks. Last time OU wore the crimson leggings was the 49-17 win against Oklahoma State last season in Norman. OU also broke out the crimson socks for the 2006 Big 12 Championship game win against Nebraska in a frigid Kansas City. Kuenzi is also keeping Sam Bradford's gloves warm by wearing them on the sideline while the offense is off the field. Needless to say that Kuenzi has hot hands.

8:19 p.m. | Sam's Jersey Still Clean
Tory Kukowski down here on the sideline just noted that Sam Bradford is sporting a clean jersey as he walked by to the offensive bench. Nice job offensive line...

8:13 p.m. | How to Stop DeMarco?
Note the only way Tech has found to stop Murray is to call a timeout. Murray had more hits in the juke department than Buddy Holly on that last reception. Remember? Buddy Holly was a native of Lubbock and his statue presides over the west Texas town.

8:07 p.m. | D-Line Hands
Remember the "hands up to deflect passes" mention by Gerald McCoy earlier in the week? There you go GK....

8:04 p.m. | Can You Hear Us Now?
Not sure if this is coming across on ABC but the noise is deafening here on the field. The Sooner players on the sideline are encouraging the crowd to challenge the Red Raider offense every play.

8:02 p.m. | Opening Blank
The Sooners became the first team to hold the Red Raiders scoreless in an opening period in 14 games. The last time Texas Tech was shut out in the opening quarter was Oct. 27, 2007 against Colorado.

7:59 p.m. | Brown for Six
Chris Brown rolls in for Oklahoma's second score of the night. Mossis Madu was one of the first Sooners to meet Brown on the sideline and congratulate him on the TD.

7:57 p.m. | Bradford Going Long
Sam Bradford's 42-yard completion to Jermaine Gresham was his 18th pass of 40 yards or longer on the year, one off the school record of Jason White (2003).

7:56 p.m. | First Quarter Stats
After the first quarter of play, OU's offense has the upper hand in total yards, tripling the Red Raiders total of 50 despite both teams running the same number of plays. You can credit that to the Sooner defense, which has set the tone early on.

7:51 p.m. | Harrell Feeling the Heat
The Sooner defense has been talking all week about getting Tech quarterback Graham Harrell out of his comfort zone. So far, they are executing that game plan and recorded two sacks on that last drive. Entering tonight's game, the Red Raiders had allowed just five sacks on 499 passing attempts.

7:42 p.m. | Thanks Scott!
The lead story photo for the blog on the front page of the site was sent to us by OU graphic designer Scott Matthews. What a great shot from prior to tonight's game. Thanks Scott!

7:36 p.m. | Two Possessions, Two Stops
Most of the attention throughout the week has focused on the offense, but OU's defense has set out to make a statement on Texas Tech's first two possessions.

7:26 p.m. | Touchdown Oklahoma!
DeMarco Murray punches it in to put the Sooners on the board first. OU has now scored on its opening possession in 10 of 11 games. Murray extends his record for most TDs by a Sooner player in his first two seasons. He has now reached the end zone 16 times this season and 31 times in his career.

7:22 p.m. | Great Start for Defense
The Sooners got the start they were looking for by forcing a Tech punt on its first possession. The offense is now knocking on the door.

7:14 p.m. | Can't Hear Myself Think
It's deafening in here as the defense takes the field for the opening drive. We'll do our best to continue coming up with some good stuff, despite not being able to hear ourselves think.

7:11 p.m. | Nice Surprise for Intro Video
Great insertion to the end of the intro video to tie in the implications of the game. The scene from the 2003 intro video where Coach Stoops states, "We're going to do everything in our power to turn this ball (game ball) into this ball (crystal national championship trophy)" was included with a great response from the home crowd.

Watch Past Intro Videos on OU's YouTube Channel

7:04 p.m. | Horses in Prime Form
The Sooner Schooner just made its first lap of the night on Owen Field. The new horses have struggled at times in their inaugural campaign, but this was was definitely their best performance so far.

7:01 p.m. | Packed House
It's a packed house here at Memorial Stadium, with not a space in the crowd to be found. No doubt it's going to be electric in here tonight. Let's go Sooners! Under 10 minutes before kickoff.

6:51 p.m. | Senior Salute
All 20 of OU's seniors who will be participating in their final home game tonight are now being recognized on the field. This year's seniors are: DT Cory Bennett, DB Brett Bowers, OL Branndon Braxton, DB Cortney Carter, WR Quentin Chaney, C Jon Cooper, DE Alan Davis, RB Derek Gove, QB Joey Halzle, S Nic Harris, S Lendy Holmes, WR Juaquin Iglesias, C Kyle Johnson, WR Manuel Johnson, P Mike Knall, OT Phil Loadholt, OG Duke Robinson, LB Lamont Robinson, TE Kolby Smith, OG Brandon Walker. This group of four-year players lost its first game at Owen Field in 2005 but has since reeled off 23 straight and look to go out with a bang tonight.

Also recognized were the following senior managers, trainers and video personnel who give so much of their time to Sooner football: Jesse Geffon, Jennifer Grant, Zac Peters, Jennifer Ristau, Emily Virgin and Adam Whitworth.

6:49 p.m. | Coop Named Don Key Award Winner
Senior center Jon Cooper was just recognized on the field as the 2008 Don Key Award winner. Each year, OU awards one of its senior players with the Don Key Award. Mr. Key was a Sooner letterman from 1979-82 when his career was cut short by cancer. Coop, a four-year starter on one of the nation's most respected offensive lines, currently leads the team in overall blocking grade, and his 39 starts is more than any other player on the team. Congrats Coop!

6:46 p.m. | Calm Before the Storm
Nearing 20 minutes before kickoff, the stadium is full with periodic chants of Boomer Sooner ringing loud from the crowd. Both teams just finished their pregame preparations and the Sooners held their traditional huddle at midfield before heading to the locker room for some final words from the coaches.

6:29 p.m. | Cup of Joe?
Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach just strolled by with a steaming cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) in his hands. The stands are nearly full roughly half an hour before kickoff. No doubt Sooner fans are ready for this game. Hope the atmosphere here in Norman comes across on ABC's broadcast. It will be rocking.

6:24 p.m. | Full Board
SoonerVision went full wide-screen on the south video board for the Sooner players as they took the field for warmups. Quite an impressive spectacle and the Sooner fans roared approval.

6:19 p.m. | Tech on Field for Warmups
Warm welcome from the Sooner fans as Texas Tech players take the field for pre-game warmups. Tech has a 20-person band situated in the extreme southeast corner of the stadium. Tech fans wearing black are hard to distinguish mixed in with the Sooner fans. The student section is sporting weather-appropriate white headgear courtesy the OU Athletics Marketing Department.

6:14 p.m. | Quick Takes
A few celebs are already soaking up the atmosphere here at Owen Field. Two-time Butkus winner and Sooner All-American linebacker Brian Bosworth is in from California. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit is chatting with tonight's officials while former Georgia head coach and current college football analyst Jim Donnan is shaking hands with the coaches. ABC sideline reporter Lisa Salters is busy recording observations for the national broadcast.

6:08 p.m. | Top-Five Matchups in Norman
It's a rare occasion for a top-five matchup to hit Norman, as Oklahoma's own lofty rankings have kept the Sooners from playing higher-ranked foes in home games very often. Today's matchup is just the sixth ever meeting between two top-five teams in Norman.

1971 - No. 1 Nebraska 35, No. 2 OU 31

1984 - No. 2 OU 24, No. 3 Okla. State 14

1985 - No. 5 OU 27, No. 2 Nebraska 7

1986 - No. 1 OU 38, No. 4 UCLA 3

2000 - No. 3 OU 31, No. 1 Nebraska 14

5:46 p.m. | Students in Full Force
We just got set up down on the sideline and the student section is already in full force. Sections 27-30 are jam-packed and letting the Red Raiders know they will be loud and rowdy the entire game. Excitement has been evident for the students throughout the week, as we documented Thursday morning when a large crowd camped out for a chance at a few unclaimed tickets.

Students Sacrifice for Ticket to OU-Texas Tech Game

2:09 p.m. | Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech
After all the buildup and hoopla, Saturday is finally here. It's time for Oklahoma to host Texas Tech in a game heavy with conference, BCS and Heisman implications. SoonerSports.com will bring you all the action from Norman throughout the day. Boomer Sooner!

Sooner Gameday Central | Live Blog | Football Video Library

Watch Complete 2003-2007 OU-Tech Games
Review every play of the past five games in the series between Oklahoma and Texas Tech...

It's a great weekend to be a Sooner fan. With all the excitement that's built up throughout the week, it's now time for all the anticipation to come to fruition. SoonerSports.com provides an outline of everything to see and do in Norman this weekend:

Sooner Fan's Weekend Primer | OU Athletics Visitor's Guide

8:07 a.m. | SoonerSports.com Blog
Welcome to the SoonerSports.com Gameday Blog. Throughout the day, you can view commentary from our staff, observations from the sideline at Owen Field, notes from the media relations staff in the press box plus fan emails and reaction during the game.

The Sooners host the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman on Saturday night. ABC has the national telecast beginning at 7 p.m. Central.

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