Spencer Rattler threw for 243 yards and five touchdowns — all in the first half — as No. 4 Oklahoma blew out visiting Western Carolina 76-0 on Saturday in Norman, Okla.
It was the Sooners’ biggest margin of victory since a 77-0 victory against Texas A&M in 2003 and the most points by Oklahoma in a game since a 79-10 victory over North Texas on Sept. 1, 2007.
The Sooners scored on each of their first seven possessions, including six touchdowns. None of the drives lasted longer than 3:28.
Oklahoma’s defense, which struggled in the season opener against Tulane, handled the FCS Catamounts much more cleanly, allowing just 178 total yards (123 passing, 55 rushing).
The Sooners forced three Western Carolina turnovers, all in the second half.
Western Carolina managed just 68 first-half yards, rushing for minus-4 yards, and twice turned the ball over on downs in the first half.
The Catamounts had three first downs before halftime, while the Sooners had 22.
It didn’t get much better for Western Carolina in the second half, as Oklahoma’s run defense continued to make life difficult, even as the Sooners dipped deep into their roster as the starters exited the game by halftime.
The only Oklahoma first-half drive — with the exception of taking a knee after taking possession in the final minute — that didn’t end in a touchdown came on the second Sooners’ drive after Rattler was sacked on third down.
But Gabe Brkic nailed a 56-yard field goal to put Oklahoma up 10-0.
The field goal was Brkic’s fourth of 50 or more yards through the first two games.
With Oklahoma leading 62-0 after three quarters, the teams agreed to shorten the fourth quarter to 12 minutes.
Eric Gray rushed for 74 yards on nine carries for the Sooners (2-0), while walk-on running back Jaden Knowles added 37 yards and two touchdowns, plus two catches for 65 yards.
Kenny Benjamin had six catches for 34 yards and six carries for 10 yards for Western Carolina (0-2).
Rogan Wells threw for 86 yards, completing 16 of 29.
Oklahoma finished with 624 yards, including 277 rushing. The Sooners averaged 7.3 yards per carry.
–Field Level Media