Nov 16, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Damien Williams (26) celebrates a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma Sooners looked less than ordinary in the first half of their 48-10 win over the Iowa State Cyclones. Tied up at 10-10 against one of the worst teams in the Big 12, it looked like the Sooners were self destructing right before the fan’s eyes. However, something happened at half time and the Sooners came out and blew away the Cyclones with 38 unanswered points to take the win. Here is a look at the Sooners players of the game.
Trevor Knight
OU did not turn things around and start winning because Trevor Knight took over for an injured Blake Bell at quarterback. The same fans who wanted Knight benched for Bell are now calling for Knight to return to the starting lineup after this win, but look at the stats. Knight completed 8-of-14 passes for 61 yards. He did not throw an interception, which was nice considering he threw a lot at the start of the season, but he also didn’t throw a touchdown. Knight can run the ball, but he isn’t any better throwing it than Bell, and from what we have seen, he is worse.
However, Knight ran the ball for 123 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown on the ground. Sure, Knight can’t throw the ball, but he really ignited the Sooners offense with his speed and has to be commended for that.
Damien Williams
No one knows which Oklahoma Sooners’ running back will break out in any given week. This week, it was Damien Williams, who ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Brennan Clay added a touchdown and Roy Finch was as explosive as usually, but this was Williams’ big game.
Jalen Saunders
Saunders had a quiet game on offense with only three catches for 15 yards, but that is expected with Trevor Knight playing most of the game. However, he also has two pint returns for 92 yards. 91 of those yards came on one return for a touchdown. That was the score that tied the game up and kick started an offensive explosion that buried the Cyclones.
Kendal Thompson
While everyone debates Blake Bell vs. Trevor Knight, a third candidate threw his hat in the ring as Kendal Thompson saw the first game action of his college career. Thompson was a star at Southmoore and is a second generation Oklahoma Sooners quarterback – his father being Charles Thompson. All that Kendal did was come in and complete two passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 21 yards on two carries and looks like someone who might deserve a chance in 2014 – if not sooner.
Dominique Alexander and Frank Shannon
When the Oklahoma Sooners lost the heart and soul of their defense in Corey Nelson, it was clear that it might take awhile to overcome that. The loss to Baylor last week showed how much the Sooners miss their team captain. The performance of his replacement, Dominique Alexander, and co-starter Frank Shannon in this game show that they might finally be gelling. Alexander finished with 11 tackles, eight of them solo and one for a loss, while Shannon finished with eight tackles, 2.5 for a loss and two sacks.