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David Stone on Oklahoma's struggles: 'Lot of season left to play'
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- David Stone on Oklahoma's struggles: 'Lot of season left to play'
The Oklahoma Sooners are off to a 2-2 start and are unranked after starting the season inside the top 10. The Sooners lost to the Michigan Wolverines , 17-10, and suffered a blowout to the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs, 41-13.
Oklahoma now takes on the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday. This marks a perfect opportunity for the Sooners to turn their season around. The game will likely depend on how well the defense plays this weekend and if they can keep Arch Manning and the Texas offense in check, while the offense protects the football and does just enough to get the win.
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Defensive tackle David Stone said he understands the team hasn't had the start they wanted, but there is still a lot of the season left.
"There's a lot of season left to play," Stone said via SoonerScoop. "I know we're like 2-2 right now. So, going forward, we're trying to keep going 1-0 every week. We put the past in the past and learn from the mistakes, but grow and get better every week."
Stone's mindset is exactly what Oklahoma needs as it enters the most important stretch of its season. The Sooners cannot change the losses to Michigan and Georgia, but they can use those games as lessons and focus on making the improvements necessary to become a more consistent team.
That opportunity starts against Texas. If Oklahoma can put together a complete performance and carry that 1-0 mentality forward, the Sooners could quickly change the tone surrounding the season and build momentum for the week ahead.
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to throw a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart walks on the field after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) catches a seventeen-yard pass for a touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; A Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts to game play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Khalil Barnes (7) and linebacker Chris Cole (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9) runs against Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) after recovering a fumble by quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) which results in a fumble during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) leaps while running after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) and defensive back Kyron Jones (31) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs live mascot Uga XI stands on the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) calls the snap count at the line of scrimmage against the Oklahoma Sooners defense during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders look on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks to the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Fans in the Georgia Bulldogs student section cheer for their team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) warms up before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) looks to throw a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart walks on the field after a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) catches a seventeen-yard pass for a touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; A Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts to game play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Khalil Barnes (7) and linebacker Chris Cole (9) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws a pass against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9) runs against Oklahoma Sooners tight end Hayden Hansen (89) after recovering a fumble by quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) which results in a fumble during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Rocky Beers (81) leaps while running after a catch against Georgia Bulldogs safety Rasean Dinkins (14) and defensive back Kyron Jones (31) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs live mascot Uga XI stands on the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Dwight Phillips Jr. (20) runs the ball against Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Omarion Robinson (2) and defensive back Eli Bowen (23) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) calls the snap count at the line of scrimmage against the Oklahoma Sooners defense during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma Sooners game-by-game predictions from ESPN
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass against Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders look on before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Oklahoma's Brent Venables discusses why he fired Ben Arbuckle
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables walks to the field before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Fans in the Georgia Bulldogs student section cheer for their team against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 loss to Georgia
Sep 26, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cheerleaders perform during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: David Stone on Oklahoma's struggles: 'Lot of season left to play'
