Sooners dominate in 51-0 win over UTEP
The Sooners started its 2026 campaign with three first quarter touchdowns and never looked back in a dominate 51-0 win over UTEP on a rare Friday night game in Norman.
Isaiah Sategna’s first quarter touchdown catch and 88-yard punt return for a touchdown had fans happy. That and returning QB John Mateer’s efficient management of the game and a suffocating Sooner defense were the highlights of the game.
But Coach Brent Venables’ immediate post-game comment was: “Plenty to clean up.”
He is right. Early in the game, UTEP had surprising success scrambling their quarterback. Coach Brent Venables said there was some sloppy tackling. That doesn’t bode well for game two of the season, when the Sooners travel to Ann Arbor to take on the Michigan Wolves and their dynamic athlete at quarterback Bryce Underwood.
But let’s not get too doom and gloom. Oklahoma won by 51 and got their first shut out since 44-0 defeat of Kent State last year.
Dave: Offense the key question for ’26 Sooners
The 2025 Oklahoma Football season ended in disappointment for Sooner fans to the tune of a 34-24 first round playoff loss to Alabama in Norman last December.
What made it sting more was the 17-0 lead Oklahoma built to start the game. However, looking back on the season as a whole, you would have to say it was a very successful campaign and shows the program Brent Venables is building moving in the right direction.
A home college football playoff game is a big accomplishment. And even though we have a monster of a schedule to contend with in 2026, there is reason to believe a bigger jump could be expected this year.
The defense will continue to be the hallmark of Oklahoma football. With David Stone and Taylor Wien manning the line and the Bowen brothers along with Kip Lewis patrolling the second level, this unit could be even better than before.
And don’t forget returning Lou Groza award winner Tate Sandel. Reports from pre-season practices are saying he is hitting from over 60 yards out. A reliable place kicker is a huge weapon.