Sam Bradford Returns in OU's 33-7 Win Over Baylor

Sam Bradford got off to a slow start in his first start since the season opener, but the Sooners rolled to a win in their first conference game.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:19 am

By: News On 6

Sam Bradford Returns in OU's 33-7 Win Over Baylor

Originally Published: Oct 10, 2009 6:22 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma – Sam Bradford made his first start in five weeks, and OU’s defense and special teams performed well on the way to a 33-7 win over Baylor Saturday.

See how the fans celebrated Sam Bradford's return Saturday.

The Sooners’ (3-2, 1-0) defense held Baylor to just five rushing yards and forced two turnovers, and Dominique Franks recorded a total of 100 punt return yards.

The OU offense started slow and was shut out in the first quarter. Sam Bradford sustained a slight injury to his knee on the Sooners’ first drive, but did not miss any plays.

Read the full OU Sooners injury report.

Bradford finished with 389 yards and a touchdown, but showed signs of rust and a lack of chemistry with his receivers at times. The receivers – in their first full game without Ryan Broyles – also struggled with dropped passes. Of the 49 passes Bradford threw, 11 were dropped.

However, Bradford did spread the ball around, completing passes to nine different receivers. Brandon Caleb led all receivers with 139 yards, his second 100-yard game of the season.

The Sooners also struggled inside the red zone. Jimmy Stevens tied an OU record with four field goals, but all four came after the Sooners moved inside the 20-yard line and could not get in the end zone. The Sooners’ first two touchdowns came because Baylor committed personal fouls deep in their own territory to extend OU’s drives.

Despite the offense’s struggles, the Sooners still racked up 586 yards, recorded 33 first downs and ran a total of 99 plays. DeMarco Murray finished with 107 yards, his second 100-yard rushing game of the season. Chris Brown added 70 yards and scored both of OU’s rushing touchdowns.

Sam Bradford made his first start since injuring the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in the Sooners’ season-opening loss to BYU. He now has a full game under his belt going into OU’s annual showdown with rival Texas in the Red River Rivalry.