Three Takeaways From No. 24 Oklahoma's Ugly Win Over New Mexico

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Oklahoma tight end Rocky Beers tries to fight for more yards after a reception against New Mexico. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectBut the No. 24 Sooners’ performance against New Mexico won’t inspire much confidence.

The offensive struggles at The Big House proved to be more than a fluke, as OU ended up in a fistfight against the Lobos.pair of touchdown passes were overshadowed by his two interceptions and his unit’s misfires, which allowed the visitors to hang in the game despite their own struggles againstneeded to stuff a fourth-and-2 run with 3:02 left in the game to preserve a 14-6 victory. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer looks to the sideline before a snap in the first half against New Mexico.

| Carson Field / Sooners on SIInstead, Mateer locked in onThe offense followed that up by moving the chains once on the second drive, then it promptly stalled out to draw some boos. Mateer threw another interception in the second quarter — this one leading to a New Mexico field goal — and everyone bungled the final drive of the half to usher in the loudest protests of the night.

OU finished the first half with just 42 rushing yards, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt, again putting the pressure on Mateer’s right arm. Sategna broke open in the third quarter wasn’t punished, as he was still able to hit the streaking receiver for a 53-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-6. Oklahoma receiver Isaiah Sategna crosses the goal line for a touchdown against New Mexico.

| Carson Field / Sooners on SI That touchdown came with 8:05 left in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Sooners moved the chains just one more time before the final possession, when they converted on third-and-3 to help ice the game. Sategna's 9-yard grab truly brought the night to an end, but there was no curtain call for the team before fans started to file out.

Oklahoma started the drive on its own 26 with one timeout, and New Mexico had its full set of potential stoppages. The Sooners got rolling with a couple of quick passes, and a 12-yard completion to Rocky Beers set OU up with a fresh set of downs on New Mexico’s 32-yard line.called two straight run plays, one of which got nine yards and the other was stuffed at the line.

With no timeouts, OU was forced to spike the ball and settle for a field goal attempt. How Arbuckle arrived at the idea to call two rushing plays with the clock still rolling is one question. Why Venables allowed his offense to execute that plan was equally concerning.missed the 41-yard attempt. Boos rained down on the Sooners as they trotted to the locker room in protest of the product on display in the first half.

Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone celebrates after a sack against New Mexico. | Carson Field / Sooners on SIThat might be the story in 2026, however.

For the most part, the defense cleaned up the tackling issues that plagued it in the first half of the first two games in Saturday’s opening two quarters.missed tackle on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter — but he erased that disappointment with a 13-yard sack two plays later.had the chance at a pair of potential pick-sixes in the first half, which both ended as incompletions. Had Bowen housed those opportunities early, Oklahoma may not have needed to make a fourth-down stop leading by eight late in the fourth quarter.

Those didn’t end up costing the Sooners the win on Saturday night, but the plays will have to be made next weekend in Athens if OU hopes to stand any chance of upsetting No. 2 Georgia. It’s not unfamiliar territory for Venables’ defense, but it looks like it will be the case as Oklahoma opens up conference play next week. Loading recommendations...

Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsRyan is co-publisher at Sooners On SI and covers a number of sports in and around Norman and Oklahoma City. Working both as a journalist and a sports talk radio host, Ryan has covered the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the United States Men’s National Soccer Team, the Oklahoma City Energy and more.

Since 2019, Ryan has simultaneously pursued a career as both a writer and a sports talk radio host, working for the Flagship for Oklahoma sports, 107.7 The Franchise, as well as AllSooners.com. Ryan serves as a contributor to The Franchise’s website, TheFranchiseOK.com, which was recognized as having the “Best Website” in 2022 by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters. Ryan holds an associate’s degree in Journalism from Oklahoma City Community College in Oklahoma City, OK.

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