Oklahoma defense feeling confident heading into matchup with Tulsa

Louisiana Tech quarterback Cody Sokol (19) is sacked by Oklahoma defensive end Matt Dimon (90) and linebacker Eric Striker (19) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (The Associated Press)

Louisiana Tech running back Blake Martin is tackled by Oklahoma defensive lineman Charles Walker (97) and linebacker Aaron Franklin (25) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. Oklahoma won 48-16. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (The Associated Press)

Oklahoma's defense was in midseason form in the opener against Louisiana Tech.

The Sooners shut down Louisiana Tech for much of a 48-16 win on Saturday night. Oklahoma held the Bulldogs to just 245 yards, including 54 yards rushing on 29 attempts.

Oklahoma's starters were especially dominant. The Sooners led 31-0 before the Bulldogs scored their first points on a field goal with only seconds left in the first half. The Sooners expect their defense to be better than the unit that led the Big 12 in total defense last year.

Oklahoma's defensive swagger could be tested Saturday at Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane defeated Tulane 38-31 in double overtime in their opener Thursday. Quarterback Dane Evans passed for 438 yards, and Tulsa rolled up 592 yards total.