Oklahoma returns home looking to rebound from a disappointing 17–10 loss at Michigan.
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7:30 p.m. ET — ESPN2
The Sooners are 1–1 and cannot afford to overlook a New Mexico team that enters Norman 2–0 and scored 70 points against Mercyhurst last weekend.
The Michigan loss exposed Oklahoma’s biggest concern entering Week 3: offensive consistency. The Sooners managed only 10 points in Ann Arbor, and a team with Oklahoma’s ambitions needs considerably more production.
New Mexico should arrive with confidence and nothing to lose. The Lobos’ offensive success makes this more interesting than the traditional major-conference tune-up game, particularly if Oklahoma begins slowly.
The Sooners need to establish control immediately. A productive running game would reduce pressure on the quarterback and create opportunities downfield. Oklahoma also needs to finish drives with touchdowns rather than settling for field-goal attempts or coming away empty.
Defensively, the Sooners should have a substantial athletic advantage. Preventing New Mexico from generating early explosive plays will be important because confidence can make a heavy underdog increasingly dangerous.
This is also an important psychological game for Oklahoma. The Sooners travel to Georgia next week, so they need to regain offensive rhythm rather than simply survive New Mexico.
Expect the Lobos to compete early, but Oklahoma’s depth should become increasingly apparent as the game progresses. The Sooners pull away in the second half and restore some confidence before heading to Athens.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, New Mexico 17
