DeMarco Murray Sets Records In First NFL Start

Corey DeMoss, News9.com

DALLAS – Former Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray made his first NFL start Sunday, and he made the most of it. He broke the Dallas Cowboys' single-game rushing record with 253 yards on 25 carries.

Murray received his first start because normal starter Felix Jones sat out with a high ankle sprain. Murray broke a 91-yard touchdown run on his first carry of the game, and never looked back. His 253 yards broke the team record of Hall of Famer and NFL all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith.

Murray amassed his yardage in slightly more than three quarters of play. With the Cowboys up by a substantial margin, head coach Jason Garrett pulled Murray to avoid injury and he did not register another carry.

Murray was within striking distance of the overall NFL single-game record of 296 yards, set by fellow Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Only eight players have rushed for more yards in a game than Murray did Sunday.

The Cowboys went on to win 34-7 over the St. Louis Rams, who were playing without starting quarterback and former Sooner Sam Bradford, who also sat out with a high ankle sprain.

Of the Cowboys' 34 points, 22 were scored by former Oklahoma or Oklahoma State players. Murray scored six, wide receiver Dez Bryant scored six, and kicker Dan Bailey scored 10. Bailey now has made 16 consecutive field goals.