No. 8 Oklahoma almost got more than it bargained for from Utah State in Saturday's season opener.

DeMarco Murray rushed for 207 yards and two touchdowns to help the Sooners avoid being upset in their season opener for the second straight year with a 31-24 win over the Aggies in Norman.

BYU knocked out quarterback Sam Bradford then knocked off the Sooners in last year's season opener.. Utah State, led by quarterback Diondre Borel, very nearly did it again to Oklahoma.

The Sooners built a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter, but found themselves in a seven-point game heading into the fourth quarter.

Borel shredded the Oklahoma defense for 340 passing yards. He threw two long touchdown passes in the third quarter to cut the Sooner lead to 31-24. But his three interceptions proved costly, as the Sooners managed to escape with the win.

Sooner quarterback Landry Jones completed 17 of 36 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, both to Ryan Broyles in the first half. Jones also threw two interceptions and was sacked three times.

Utah State, a more than four-touchdown underdog, outgained the Sooners 437-413.

Oklahoma improved to 67-2 at home under Stoops and set up next week's showdown with Florida State in Norman. The Seminoles cruised past Samford, 59-6 in their season opener.

Utah State is now 0-42 on the road against Top 25 teams and 0-11 against the Big 12.