Game report: Oklahoma 56, Kansas 3

First quarter

The key: Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook showed his speed, racing down the middle of the field for a 71-yard punt return touchdown early. The big play gave the Sooners a 7-0 lead even after going three-and-out during their first offensive possession.

Second quarter

The key: On a third-and-16, Westbrook took a lateral, faked a pass, then broke four KU tackles to pick up a first down to extend a drive that would later result in a touchdown and a 21-3 lead. It was the third time that Oklahoma converted on a third down of at least 10 yards in the first half.

Third quarter

The key: KU quarterback Montell Cozart never saw linebacker Jordan Evans, who leaped up for an interception. After running backwards 10 yards like a sandlot football player, Evans snaked his way forward for a 33-yard interception return for touchdown to put the Sooners up 49-3.

Fourth quarter

The key: KU’s defense forced a punt from Oklahoma’s second-string offense early in the fourth quarter, stopping a streak of six straight touchdown drives for the Sooners.

THE GRADES

Offense

F

Mark this as another step back for KU’s league-worst offense. Quarterback Montell Cozart’s biggest mistake was costly, as he followed up a KU first-quarter fumble recovery with an interception into double coverage. The Jayhawks offensive line also struggled to open up holes, even when given a numbers advantage in the box.

Defense

F

Here was Oklahoma’s offensive drive chart on its first nine possessions: Punt, fumble, punt, touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, touchdown. So while there were plenty of positives early, those were erased quickly as quarterback Baker Mayfield found a rhythm.

Special teams

F

Dede Westbrook had a 71-yard punt return for touchdown and followed that up with a 101-yard kickoff return for a score that was brought back by a phantom holding call. KU’s special teams have regressed in recent weeks, and the hiring of Joe DeForest — at this point — hasn’t appeared to result in significant improvement.

Coaching

F

KU’s defense had a strong first quarter and was able to limit Oklahoma’s strong running game. That momentum quickly faded, though, and KU coach David Beaty wasn’t able to scheme up enough offense against an Oklahoma defense that surrendered 854 yards to Texas Tech the week before.

TAKEAWAYS

Player of the game: Westbrook had a punt return for touchdown, a receiving touchdown, 105 receiving yards and a kickoff return for touchdown that was brought back because of penalty. On a talented roster, he clearly stood out as Oklahoma’s best player.

Reason to hope: Next week’s game against West Virginia concludes the toughest part of KU’s schedule. After that, the Jayhawks host Iowa State and Texas before playing at Kansas State.

Reason to mope: KU’s offense still lags well behind the rest of the Big 12, as the Jayhawks haven’t scored more than 23 against any FBS opponent this year.

Looking ahead: The Jayhawks will play at West Virginia at 2:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Saturday.

This story was originally published October 29, 2016 at 9:54 PM with the headline "Game report: Oklahoma 56, Kansas 3."