UTEP at Oklahoma — Sept. 5
Oklahoma enters this matchup with a considerable personnel advantage, but UTEP provides the Sooners an opportunity to sharpen their execution before the SEC schedule becomes more demanding. Oklahoma should emphasize establishing the run, protecting the quarterback, and generating explosive plays without becoming overly dependent on the passing game. UTEP’s best opportunity will be shortening the contest, avoiding turnovers, and producing sustained drives. Defensively, the Sooners should have enough speed to limit big plays and create negative-yardage situations. Oklahoma may experience a few early-season mistakes, but its superior depth and athleticism should eventually turn this into a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Oklahoma 42, UTEP 13
