Oklahoma's defense contains Texas Tech scoring machine

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma's defense made sure there was no comeback for Texas Tech's potent offense on Saturday. <br/><br/>In their previous two games, the Red Raiders came back from deficits

Sunday, October 3rd 2004, 2:55 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma's defense made sure there was no comeback for Texas Tech's potent offense on Saturday.

In their previous two games, the Red Raiders came back from deficits of 21 and 25 points, but there was no such rally against the Sooners.

Texas Tech was able to produce 425 yards and 27 first downs, but the Sooners kept the Red Raiders' air show in the middle of the field. Texas Tech, which averaged 38 points in its first four games, got into the red zone only twice, scoring once.

``We moved the ball all day, but with (Oklahoma) your margin of error is narrow,'' Red Raiders coach Mike Leach said. ``The key was to stop them quickly so they couldn't use the clock. Then we needed to score quickly. We tried hard, but we didn't get those things done.''

Tech was held to only two field goals before scoring a touchdown in the final minutes of a 28-13 loss.

``To hold them to 13 points is a solid day against them,'' Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said.

Oklahoma forced four turnovers _ a fumble forced and recovered by Antonio Perkins and three interceptions.

The interceptions were Oklahoma's first of the season.

``The interceptions made us feel pretty good,'' said defensive back Brandon Shelby, who had one of the three picks. ``Texas Tech is a good team with a great offense.''

Defensive end Jonathan Jackson also provided key pressure on Texas Tech quarterback Sonny Cumbie, the nation's leading passer entering the game, and finished with one sack, two quarterback hurries and two tackles for loss.

Linebacker Lance Mitchell, who batted down a key pass in the fourth quarter, said it was frustrating when Tech would get long yardage on third downs.

``It's frustrating because you hold them and then they get one big one out of the gate on you,'' Mitchell said. ``It gets frustrating at times, but you have to let those plays go ... We wanted a goose egg, but we held them to under 14 points, which we always come out to do as a defense.''

In previous games this season, Texas Tech was able to stage a comeback in the third quarter outscoring opponents 58-3. But OU's defense only allowed a Tech field goal in the third quarter as the Sooners outscored Tech 7-3.

Stoops said the defense could still play better.

``We were not as efficient as we could be,'' Stoops said. ``I'm concerned over busted coverages but you're bound to give up a play here or there.''