No. 3 Oklahoma 48, Louisiana Tech 16: Trevor Knight threw for 253 yards and the Sooners' vaunted defense shut down the Bulldogs in an easy season-opening home victory.

With its sights on a national title, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops turned to Knight this season over the more experienced Blake Bell. Knight, who threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-31 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last season, finished 19-of-34 with a TD and interception against the Bulldogs.

The Oklahoma defense, which led the Big 12 last season by yielding only 350 yards per game - its fewest since 2009 - limited Louisiana Tech (0-1) to 245 yards. Kenneth Dixon, who ran for 917 yards and a 6.1 average last season, was held to 42 yards on 16 carries by the smothering Sooners defense.

Cody Sokol, a transfer from Iowa, was 22-of-36 for 191 yards and two fourth-quarter scores for the Bulldogs, who lost their 21st straight game against ranked foes dating to 2000. Sixth-year wide receiver Sterling Griffin had seven catches for 74 yards.

Keith Ford sandwiched two rushing TDs in the first quarter around a 16-yard scoring pass from Knight to Sterling Shepard for a 21-0 Oklahoma lead. The Sooners led 31-3 at the half, outgaining Tech 270-89, and cruised to their 43rd straight win when leading at the half while improving to 88-5 at home under Stoops.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The victory gives the Sooners 106 wins since 2004, second most in FBS behind only Boise State's 112. … Oklahoma scored 21 points in the first quarter for the first time since Nov. 20, 2010, against Baylor. … CB Zack Sanchez intercepted a pass and also blocked a field-goal attempt - the first such play for the Sooners since 2004.