Noah Best earns first start at center in Oklahoma win over UTEP

True freshman Noah Best started at center for the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners in their 51-0 win against the University of Texas at El Paso on Friday night at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The 6-foot-4, 319-pound lineman became the first Oklahoma true freshman to start a season opener at the position since 1992. His debut followed a series of injuries to the team's offensive line during fall camp, including setbacks for Jake Maikkula and Ryan Fodje. Head coach Brent Venables praised Best's ability to navigate constant pressure and blitz packages throughout the contest. Oklahoma produced 401 total yards of offense, with Best and the line allowing only one sack during the game. Best replaced Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta to secure the starting role.

• 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — Oklahoma HC Brent Venables praises freshman after first career start