Sooners Win Big 12 Opener

Sep 7, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Brennan Clay (24) leaps over the pile while running with the ball in the second quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t pretty, but the Oklahoma Sooners won its Big 12 opener against the West Virginia Mountainers, 16-7, in Norman, Okla. on Saturday night.

The teams combined for eight turnovers, four from each, and finished in a vastly different outcome from the 50-49 finale in last year’s meeting.

Brennan Clay finished with a career-high 170 yards on the ground and Trevor Knight was 10-20 with 119 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Knight departed in the fourth quarter for Blake Bell. Bell did not complete a pass, but led an effective rushing attack that put the game away for Oklahoma.

Bob Stoops’ defense continued to dominate this season as his defense had allowed seven points through two games.

Dana Holgerson’s offense on the other hand finished with 387 yards overall as WVU fell to 1-1 on the season.

Paul Millard was 21-for-40 for the Mountaineers from the quarterback position for 218 yards and Dreamius Smith had three carries for 77 yards and a touchdown.

The 16 points for the Sooners were just the fifth time that Oklahoma had been held under 20 points at home.

Oklahoma is host to Tulsa next week in nonconference action while West Virginia hosts Georgia State.