By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer

NORMAN — Landry Jones’ fourth-quarter numbers said it all in Oklahoma’s 42-30 win over Kansas State Saturday night.

The redshirt freshman was 10-of-10 for 133 yards and one touchdown as the Sooners had touchdown drives of 67 and 68 yards. Both drives came after K-State had cut the lead to five points.

In OU’s three losses, Jones was a combined 12- of-22 for 84 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the fourth period.

“To me, the most exciting part was us answering back when we had to,’’ said OU coach Bob Stoops. “It’s a sign we’re becoming a more complete team. We’re a long way from where we need to be, but we’re progressing.’’

The Sooners entered the period with a second-and-42, thanks to two flags for holding and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Jones hit passes to DeMarco Murray for 18 yards and Ryan Broyles for 25 yards for a first down at the KSU 17. Five plays later, Jones hit Murray on a 6-yard scoring pass to give OU a 35-23 lead.

“We knew we needed to score on that drive no matter what,’’ said Broyles, who juked at least three defenders on his big third-down play. “We went out and competed. I’m a competitor. I just do whatever I can for the team.’’

“There’s not many plays you can call on a first and 45,’’ said Jones with a chuckle. “We just had to chip away and get chunks of yardage. Ryan made a great play on third down.’’

Stoops called Jones’ performance “really awesome ... he was really poised and trusted the guys around.’’

“It was just one of those things where the line gave me the protection and enough time to set in the pocket,’’ said Jones, who hit on his last 14 passes. “The receivers got open. I tried to get it in their hands and let them make a play.’’

The offense, Jones said, “is beginning to find itself.’’ He is feeling more comfortable as he takes the reins from injured Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, who had season-ending surgery Wednesday for an injured shoulder.

Four different receivers — DeJuan Miller (9 for 94 yards), Broyles (8 for 91 yards), Adron Tennell (4 for 62 yards) and Murray (4 for 28 yards)— caught four or more passes.

“I feel like the guys have confidence in me and I have confidence in the other guys,’’ Jones said. “It’s always easier taking all the snaps in practice with the first team. I just went through all of my progressions and whoever was open, I tried to get the ball to him.’’

The Sooners did not have a turnover and were five-of-five scoring touchdowns in the red zone.

“That was the difference in the game,’’ said OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. “We always tell our guys if we can score, it does stress the opponent out with our defense.’’

The Sooners were able to average 4.7 yards a carry on the ground with Chris Brown getting 83 yards on 15 tries and Murray 62 on 15 after missing last week’s Kansas game with an ankle injury.

Murray said it was time for the offense to take charge after “the defense has been holding us up’’ all season.

“We pride ourselves on being physical,’’ he said. “The tempo was great tonight with the combination of run and play action passes. We had a lot of receivers open. Complete teams win championships.’’

Box gets first start

Enid’s Austin Box, making his first start at middle linebacker, drew praise from Sooners defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

“I thought he did pretty good,’’ Venables said. “I thought he would have a chance to help us.’’

Box was credited with three solo and one assisted tackle. He was used in run-package in an attempt to slow down the multi-facet Wildcats.

Box was used in Ryan Reynolds’ usual middle linebacker spot with Reynolds going to strongside linebacker. Keenan Clayton, the usual strongside linebacker, came in on passing situations.

“We felt from a physicality standpoint that was the best guys to have out there from a matchup standpoint,’’ Venables said.’’

Box’s play, Venables said, “definitely warranted’’ him more playing time when the Sooners go to Nebraska Saturday.

K-State had only 19 yards in the first quarter, but had 157 yards at halftime and 300 yards in the third quarter. The Wildcats had 64 yards in the fourth period but were stopped on their last two drives on downs and an interception by Quinton Carter.

“They make you play a lot of different things,’’ Venables said. “I didn’t know what was out there on the other side (K-State offense) in the first half, but it wasn’t what we saw on tape. They did a great job of keeping us off balance. It was hard for our guys to get locked in.’’