Halftime huddle: OU 9, Mizzou 3

COLUMBIA, Missouri – It’s a battle of stones at Faurot Field.

The Sooners lead Missouri 9-3 at halftime Zach Smithwho made all three of his field goals. That includes a 56-yard attempt at the end of the first half, which he completed with ease.

This was a much-needed boost considering OU and Missouri’s offense was abysmal. The two teams totaled 210 yards and 12 first downs in the first half.

Here’s a look at what’s happened so far:

Turnovers were the main problem for the Sooners in conference play. Entering Saturday, the Sooners had turned the ball over 11 times in five SEC games and had a -7 turnover margin.

Those issues have resurfaced and they’re the main reason the Sooners haven’t taken control.

The first turnover occurred on the second drive of the game. Jackson Arnold He managed 12 yards on the ground for what seemed like a nice run, but instead lost a fumble at midfield. The second turnover came from a botched punt by Peyton Bowenwhich was recovered by Missouri at the OU 28-yard line. That led to a Mizzou field goal.

This was combined with the Sooners’ struggles in the red zone. The Sooners had the ball inside the 10-yard line but went back 12 yards and had to kick a field goal. On another drive, the Sooners attempted a jet sweep Farmer Sharp inside the red zone for a loss of four, which helped force another field goal.

The biggest saving grace for the Sooners was the ineptitude of Missouri’s offense. With Brady Cook out of, Drew Pyne made his first start at quarterback for the Tigers and the results were disastrous. The Tigers gained 64 yards and four first downs on their six first-half possessions, and their only score came on Bowen’s muffed punt. Pyne completed six of 11 passes for 23 yards.

Farooq and Burks were listed as “likely” on Thursday and Friday and then left off Saturday’s availability report to indicate they were active.

But the question remained: How often would either of them see the field?

Answer? A lot.

Both were on the field for the first snap of the game and then played almost every snap of the first half. Farooq announced his return with a seven-yard reception late in the first quarter, his first catch since his 47-yard throw in the season opener. Burks made his first grab since Week 4 on a short reception early in the second quarter.

However, the Sooners’ offensive woes have kept them from making a major impact. The two receivers combined for three catches for 18 yards. However, that’s more than half of OU’s total offensive passing output – Arnold completed eight of 13 passes for 43 yards.

The Sooners’ offense was a disaster, especially early in the game. The first drive resulted in a first down before punting and Jackson Arnold After a nice run up the middle, he lost a fumble on the second drive. After two first downs on the third drive, the Sooners appeared to stall again at midfield.

Luke Elzinga was sent out to hit the ball. OU coach instead Brent Venables described as audible. Elzinga caught the ball and ran before finally attempting a diving pass Farmer Sharpwho picked up 43 yards on the way to the Mizzou 10-yard line.

The Sooners still had to settle for a field goal, but that play could have the biggest impact in a game where both offenses are lacking power. The Sooners finished the game with 122 total yards, while the Tigers finished with 86 yards.

Ironically, Elzinga has as many passing yards as Arnold and more passing yards than Pyne. The Sooners’ most valuable players were Elzinga and Schmit, and that’s not even close.