Sooners crush Blue Raiders

Sep 24, 2006, 2:40 GMT

Norman, OK - Coming off a controversial loss to Oregon last week, 17th-ranked Oklahoma took out its frustration on lowly Middle Tennessee, as Paul Thompson threw for three touchdowns and Adrian Peterson ran for three scores to lead the Sooners over the Blue Raiders, 59-0.

Thompson completed 13-of-18 passes for 257 yards and no interceptions, while Peterson rushed 27 times for 128 yards for the Sooners (3-1), who lost 34-33 last week to nationally-ranked Oregon.

Clint Marks completed just 3-of-9 passes for 40 yards and an interception, while DeMarco McNair rushed for 37 yards for the Blue Raiders (2-2), who have not beaten a ranked foe since joining the I-A ranks in 1990.

Last week against Oregon, the officials incorrectly ruled that the Ducks recovered an onsides kick late in the game. Oregon took advantage of the mistake, scoring a touchdown to win the game.

Against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Oklahoma left no doubt about the outcome, scoring 45 points in the first half to cruise to victory.

After settling for a 28-yard Garrett Hartley field goal on their first drive, the Sooners forced a Blue Raiders' fumble and quickly took a 10-0 lead when Malcolm Kelly hauled in a 18-yard score.

Thompson then hooked up with Kelly for a 74-yard reception on Oklahoma's next possession and one play later, Peterson scored again to make it 17-0.

On the first play of the Blue Raiders' ensuing possession, Zach Latimer stepped in front of a Marks pass and ran it back 22 yards for a score as Oklahoma took a 24-0 lead in the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Peterson scored from two yards out to cap a five-play, 63-yard drive that featured a 43-yard catch by Kelly.

Thompson hit Jermain Gresham for a 22-yard strike with 5:22 left to play. Middle Tennessee fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Peterson scored yet again to give Oklahoma a 45-0 lead at the break.

Juaqui Iglesias caught a 16-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter and Reggie Smith returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown in the fourth to complete the scoring.

Game Notes

Kelly finished with five receptions for 164 yards.

.Middle Tennessee fell to 0-10 lifetime against ranked opponents.

Oklahoma has won eight straight games at home.

© 2006 The Sports Network