As a result, each of the Sooners' stars comes from the defensive side of the ball. Simply put, if the defense wasn't as good as it is, Oklahoma would have had little chance to win this game, despite playing a Group of Six opponent. Sure, the Lobos might be one of the favorites to win the Mountain West Conference, but OU shouldn't need a full four quarters to decide the game, especially at home.
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Still, Oklahoma finished out its non-league slate with a victory, and now it's all SEC opponents from here. Let's take a look at three stars from OU's win over UNM.
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) bring down New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
Sixth-year linebacker Owen Heinecke is a big reason why the Sooners won this game. He tallied eight total tackles, including 1.5 TFLs and one sack. He was everywhere for the OU defense, and he looked absolutely gassed at the end of the game. Without his running mateKip Lewisor Oklahoma's No. 3 linebackerCole Sullivan, it was Heinecke who held everything together in the middle of the unit. He'll have to do more of the same in the weeks to come.
Sep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive line Jayden Jackson (65) tackles Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Junior defensive lineman Jayden Jackson played well last week againstMichigan, and that continued this week againstNew Mexico. Though he had just five total tackles, he helped OU limit the powerful Lobo rushing attack to just 69 yards. Oklahoma's continued ability to get stops won them the football game, and you don't do that without strong performance at defensive tackle.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates beside lineman Taylor Wein (44) after tackling Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
Junior defensive lineman David Stone had his best performance of the young season in Saturday night's win. He tied Heinecke for the lead in total tackles with eight, and he also registered 2 TFLs and half a sack. With the Lobos driving late and looking for the tying touchdown, Stone made the stop on fourth and short that took away what would become UNM's final chance to score. After a quiet start to the year, he flashed several times this week.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) bring down New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Jacob Maldonado (16) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) fights off New Mexico Lobos safety Kevin Longstreet (20) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) calls a play in the huddle during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos safety Drew Speech (12) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore (42) runs onto the field with the American flag before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) leaps but cannot bat down a pass by New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Bailen George (81) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables reacts during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as New Mexico Lobos safety Austin Brawley (0) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) breaks the tackle of New Mexico Lobos linebacker Mercury Swaim (2) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables talks with New Mexico coach Jason Eck before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/23
Oklahoma sticking with John Mateer at quarterback
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and coach Brent Venables talk after a play during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
3/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) bring down New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Jacob Maldonado (16) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) fights off New Mexico Lobos safety Kevin Longstreet (20) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/23
Brent Venables praises South Carolina's Shane Beamer ahead of matchup
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) walks off the field after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Oklahoma won 14-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
10/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) calls a play in the huddle during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/23
Stacking up each of Oklahoma's offensive play-callers since 1999
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reacts during the second half against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Danny Okoye (16) tackle New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos safety Drew Speech (12) during the second half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Wyatt Gilmore (42) runs onto the field with the American flag before the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) leaps but cannot bat down a pass by New Mexico Lobos quarterback Toa Fa'avae (13) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; New Mexico Lobos wide receiver Bailen George (81) makes a catch as Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Eli Bowen (23) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/23
Brent Venables praises Kentucky's Will Stein ahead of Saturday matchup
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables reacts during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) catches a touchdown pass past New Mexico Lobos linebacker Jaxton Eck (6) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs with the ball as New Mexico Lobos safety Austin Brawley (0) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) breaks the tackle of New Mexico Lobos linebacker Mercury Swaim (2) to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/23
Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/23
Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 14-6 win over New Mexico
Sep 19, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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