Ben Arbuckle praises TE room after shutout win over UTEP
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Ben Arbuckle praises TE room after shutout win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) leaps over UTEP's Justin Content (0) as he runs in for a touchdown after a catch in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
Aaron Gelvin, Sooners Wire
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3 min read
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TheOklahoma Soonersdefeated the UTEP Miners 51-0at home on Friday night, kicking off the 2026 season with a dominant win. OU's 51 points are the most in one game since the 2023 season, and the offense had multiple flashes of strong football, especially early in both halves.
All offseason long, the Sooners talked about improving the run game, and they pointed to the tight end room as a big reason why that could happen. In the season opener, OU committed to the run early, often playing multiple tight ends at the same time. Oklahoma just about lived in 12-personnel (one running back and two tight ends) in this game, and the running game had moments that looked better than last season, even without two starting offensive linemen.
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After the game, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle was asked about the two tight ends' looks, andhe highlighted that roomfor their play on Friday night.
"I think it's a culmination of a whole bunch of different things," Arbuckle said. "Structurally, I think it was something that we felt like was going to be an advantage for us against that certain defense, but also I think it's a credit to the tight ends in that room. People don't put players on the field they don't trust, and those guys just over the last eight and a half, nine months have just done nothing but get better, be consistent, and constantly try and improve in areas that maybe that they were weak at at one point and make it a true strength of their game, and that can be said for a lot of guys in that room."
Trust in the overall tight end room hasn't been something the Sooners have enjoyed in a long time, and they are hoping that is changing this season. With Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers getting most of the snaps at the position, the Sooners also used Jack Van Dorselaer and Trynae Washington as well.
Having a tight end group that can consistently help move people in the running game is something that Oklahoma needs this season if it is going to become more effective at running the football. Thenine tight ends on the rosterare part of an overall bigger focus on becoming a better running team, but they are a big part of it, nonetheless. Despite just 170 yards on the ground to open the season, there are reasons to believe that the Sooners might have a solid ground attack in 2026.
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"Shoot, they they did a lot of really good things, you know, we did, I think we ran a whole bunch of it," Arbuckle said. "I don't know the exact number off the top of my head, but threw a whole bunch of different things at them schematically for those tight ends to, you know, have to figure out, sort through, and talk through, and I thought they did a great job."
Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III cheers before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with his team before the game against the UTEP Miners Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to Lloyd Avant (9) in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) celebrates a touchdown in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III get by UTEP's Carver Cheeks as he returns a punt for a touchdown n the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten reacts during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) celebrates after making a tackle on Texas El Paso Miners wide receiver Kam Thomas (8) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass as Texas El Paso Miners safety Donavan Howard (12) 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 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fans cheer during the during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) hurdles over Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Justin Content (0) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders perform during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) makes a catch as Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Kaleb Miles (23) 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 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrate after the game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III cheers before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Reggie Powers III cheers before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks with his team before the game against the UTEP Miners Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/24
Updated Oklahoma game-by-game projections from ESPN Matchup Predictor
Oklahoma's John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to Lloyd Avant (9) in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
4/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker James Nesta (47) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Whitt Newbauer (16) rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Oklahoma's Rocky Beers (81) celebrates a touchdown in the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
8/24
LSU, Ole Miss climb in SEC power rankings after Week 1
Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna III get by UTEP's Carver Cheeks as he returns a punt for a touchdown n the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the UTEP Miners at the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Sept. 4, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
9/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners kicker Tate Sandell (29) celebrates after making a field goal during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight ends coach Jason Witten reacts during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie Powers III (3) celebrates after making a tackle on Texas El Paso Miners wide receiver Kam Thomas (8) during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass as Texas El Paso Miners safety Donavan Howard (12) defends during the second quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners fans cheer during the during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) rushes during the second quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) hurdles over Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Justin Content (0) during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) makes a catch during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/24
John Mateer gives honest assessment after Oklahoma's win
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders perform during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Lloyd Avant (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Elijah Thomas (14) makes a catch as Texas El Paso Miners cornerback Kaleb Miles (23) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/24
Brent Venables praises OU's offensive versatility after Week 1 win
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24/24
Photos from the Oklahoma Sooners win over UTEP
Sep 4, 2026; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) and Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrate after the game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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