Oklahoma won, but this was nothing like the comfortable victory that had been predicted.
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Predicted Score: Oklahoma 38, New Mexico 17
Actual Score: Oklahoma 14, New Mexico 6
Oklahoma won, but this was nothing like the comfortable victory that had been predicted. The Sooners struggled offensively and survived New Mexico 14-6 in Norman.
The most surprising statistic was Oklahoma’s three turnovers. Quarterback John Mateer threw two interceptions, and the Sooners also lost a fumble. Those mistakes repeatedly prevented Oklahoma from turning a substantial talent advantage into points.
Mateer still completed 19 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. His best play came in the third quarter when he connected with Isaiah Sategna III for a 53-yard touchdown that gave Oklahoma its final eight-point advantage.
Sategna finished with six receptions for 101 yards, while Hayden Hansen caught the Sooners’ other touchdown.
New Mexico never reached the end zone. The Lobos settled for two second-quarter field goals and generated only 185 total yards. Oklahoma’s defense was therefore the primary reason the Sooners avoided what would have been a major upset.
The Sooners limited New Mexico to just 3.2 yards per play and shut out the Lobos throughout the second half.
Oklahoma’s offensive numbers were modest: 299 total yards, including only 61 net rushing yards. That represents a major concern as the Sooners move toward stronger SEC competition.
Our predicted score of 38-17 assumed Oklahoma would control the game comfortably. The defense essentially did its part, allowing even fewer points than predicted. The offense did not.
Still, a difficult victory is better than a damaging loss. Oklahoma moves forward knowing its defense can carry the team through an uneven night, but three turnovers and only 14 points against New Mexico are warning signs that must be addressed quickly.
