The Oklahoma Sooners commenced their 2026 college football season in impressive fashion, securing a resounding 51-0 victory against the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners. The Sooners established their dominance early, outscoring UTEP 21-0 in the first quarter and maintaining control throughout the game.
While the win was a strong start for Oklahoma, there were still aspects of the game that raised questions. Here are three key takeaways from the Sooners' performance against the Miners.
First and foremost, the running game appears to be on an upward trajectory. This was a significant focus for the Sooners during the offseason, and they demonstrated their commitment to the ground attack by utilizing various formations, including plays from under center. However, the running game was more effective in small increments rather than delivering explosive plays. Oklahoma amassed 170 rushing yards with two touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, but only two runs exceeded 20 yards. Lloyd Avant emerged as the leading rusher, contributing 79 yards on 15 carries.
Despite the solid yardage, the running game did not showcase the kind of dominance that fans might have hoped for. It's important to note that the Sooners were missing three projected starters on the offensive line, including center Jake Maikkula and guard Ryan Fodje, both sidelined due to injuries. Tackle Michael Fasusi played sparingly, likely to ensure his health for upcoming games.
On the defensive side, Oklahoma's unit put forth a strong performance on paper, achieving a shutout and limiting UTEP to under 200 total yards. The defense forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force. However, there were moments of concern, particularly with missed tackles and lapses in outside containment. UTEP managed to penetrate Oklahoma's territory multiple times, but their efforts were thwarted by missed field goals. Notably, the Miners gained 112 rushing yards, including a 51-yard run by Raymond Moore II, which highlighted areas for improvement.
Despite these concerns, the defense's overall performance was commendable, and head coach Brent Venables will likely address the missed tackles as the Sooners prepare for tougher opponents. With Michigan on the horizon, it will be crucial for Oklahoma to refine their tackling and maintain their physical style of play.
Another bright spot for the Sooners was the tight end position, which showed potential as a significant strength this season. Oklahoma frequently utilized two-tight-end sets, with Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers leading the way. The tight ends contributed effectively in the passing game, with Beers recording two catches for 43 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown. Hansen added another catch for 15 yards, indicating that this position group could play a more integral role in the offense compared to the previous year.
Overall, Oklahoma's season opener yielded many positives, including quarterback John Mateer's performance, as he completed 11 of 17 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Isaiah Sategna also made headlines with an impressive 88-yard punt return for a touchdown. As the Sooners look ahead to their matchup against Michigan, they will need to build on their physicality while addressing the missed tackles and continuing to develop their rushing attack. If they can do so, they will enter Ann Arbor with a renewed sense of confidence.
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