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Oklahoma vs UTEP recap: John Mateer shines as OU earns shutout win
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- Oklahoma vs UTEP recap: John Mateer shines as OU earns shutout win
It was everything Oklahoma fans wanted to see from the Oklahoma Sooners in their season opener against the UTEP Miners .
The Sooners established the run early, converted a special-teams score, forced a pair of defensive turnovers, and quarterback John Mateer and many of the key starters watched from the sidelines in the fourth quarter with the game in hand.
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No. 10 Oklahoma completed a 51-0 shutout win over UTEP in front of the 84,315 fans at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Friday night. The Sooners opened the season off to a good start, highlighted by John Mateer's three touchdown passes, Isaiah Sategna's two scores, and the defense's two forced turnovers.
Oklahoma out-gained UTEP 401 - 198 in total yards. Matter, who completed 11-of-17 passes for 225 yards, three touchdowns and zero turnovers in three quarters was the driving force offensively. His three touchdown passes were to wide receivers Sategna and Trell Harris and to tight end Rocky Beers. As far as the rushing attack goes, Lloyd Avant, led the way with 79 of Oklahoma's 170 rushing yards.
Defensively, Peyton Bowen forced a fumble that Taylor Wein recovered, and James Nesta also recovered a fumble late in the game. All while holding UTEP quarterback EJ Colson Jr. to 6-of-12 passing for 52 yards. Two Sooners, PJ Adebawore and Bishop Thomas, earned sacks.
On special teams, Sategna returned the first punt of the season 88 yards for a thrilling touchdown while kickers Tate Sandell (2) and Liam Evans (1) combined to convert all three of Oklahoma's field-goal tries.
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Oklahoma begins the season 1-0 and prepares for a matchup with the Michigan Wolverines next week.
Oklahoma vs. UTEP score
| Quarter |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTEP |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Oklahoma |
21 |
6 |
17 |
7 |
51 |
Oklahoma vs. UTEP Live Analysis and Updates
Final: Oklahoma 51, UTEP 0
11:35 PM ET, September 4 2026
The Sooners completed the shutout victory with a dominant performance in all three areas of the game. UTEP had three chances to put points on the board, but missed all three field goal tries. Either way, Sooner fans have to be pleased with the performance from their squad. Oklahoma out-gained UTEP 401 - 198 in total yards, won the turnover battle (2-1), and kept UTEP out of the end zone.
Oklahoma turns it over, but UTEP can't take advantage
11:06 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
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Oklahoma's RB Andy Bass committed the Sooners first turnover as he fumbled the ball midway through the fourth quarter. UTEP's Adarius Hutchinson fell on it and the Miners took over at the OU 17-yard line. Bass was the 2023 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year, where he played quarterback for Heritage Hall. He led them to a Class 3A state Championship in his senior year. Bass made the switch to running back when he arrived at OU.
Even with good field position, OU kept UTEP off the board. A three-and-out stop, and UTEP's Carlos Arreola missed a 41-yard field goal, his third miss of the day.
Oklahoma defense forces second turnover
10:55 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
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It appeared UTEP finally had something positive going. Raymond Moore returned the kickoff 51 yards before being brought down by Oklahoma's Markel Ford at the Sooner 24-yard line. But it was short-lived as a handoff exchange error resulted in a fumble. Oklahoma's James Nesta jumped on it for the second turnover of the night.
"Hang half a hundred on 'em" - Barry Switzer
10:49 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
Oklahoma's backup quarterback Whitt Newbauer put his stamp on the game as he ran his way for his first score as a Sooner. Newbauer took over for John Mateer and led the Sooners on another scoring drive. It gave the Sooners a 51-0 lead.
Parker Livingston makes his first catch as a Sooner
10:45 PM ET, September 4 2026
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Parker Livingston made his first catch as a Sooner on the second play of the fourth quarter. Livingston transferred to Oklahoma from the Texas Longhorns in the offseason. He was questionable to play Friday night, due to him being in concussion protocol for a bit. But he was cleared ahead of the matchup . QB Whitt Newbauer found him for a 6-yard reception.
End of third quarter: Oklahoma 44, UTEP 0
10:41 PM ET, September 4 2026
By the end of the third quarter, QB John Mateer's night was finished. His three touchdown passes allowed him to sit and rest in the fourth as Whitt Newbauer came in to relieve him. Mateer finished the day 11-of-17 for 225 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 turnovers. Either way, the Sooners had full command of the game in front of their home crowd.
Adding to the lead
10:32 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
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Oklahoma couldn't get much going offensively after the defense forced another three-and-out, capped by a Bishop Thomas sack. But after Isaiah Sategna's 27-yard punt return the Sooners were in good field position regardless. This allowed Oklahoma's kicker Liam Evans to knock through a 34-yard field goal to add to the lead. It was Evans' first field goal of the year and it gave OU a 44-0 lead. He is a hometown kid from Moore, Oklahoma.
Third touchdown pass of the night for Mateer
10:17 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
The Sooners continued to pour it on, and Mateer found his third different target for a touchdown pass on the night. With his best throw of the game so far, Mateer zipped it to transfer WR Trell Harris, who was darting wide open across the middle of the field. Harris completed the 48-yard pass nearly untouched on his way to the end zone. It gave the Sooners a 41-0 lead.
Mateer, Sategna continues stellar night
10:06 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
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Oklahoma's offense quickly took advantage of the defensive turnover. On the second play of the drive, QB John Mateer threw a 34-yard touchdown to Isaiah Sategna. The veteran receiver made his way beyond the UTEP defense and fought a defender off his hips as he capped the explosive play with a score. It was Mateer's second touchdown pass and Sategna's second score of the night. It gave Oklahoma a 34-0 lead.
Defense forces first turnover of the season
09:59 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
It took just one half, for the Sooners defense to earn its first turnover of the season. On UTEP's first drive of the second half, safety Peyton Bowen punched the ball out of UTEP's Tavorus Jones' hands and EDGE Taylor Wein jumped on the ball. It gave the Sooners the ball at the 46-yard line.
Halftime: Oklahoma 27, UTEP 0
09:53 PM ET, September 4 2026
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Overall, it was a very solid first half for the Sooners. They have already shown that this offense is going to have more weapons to work with this season. That includes newcomers, RB Lloyd Avant and TE Rocky Beers, who have both scored. Special teams has also looked great. Isaiah Sategna took the first punt of the season for an 88-yard touchdown. Last season, the speedster got close to returning punts to the endzone, but he just came up short multiple times. Tate Sandell has also made his first two kicks.
Total yards: Oklahoma 229, Colorado 111
Finishing the first half on a good note
09:41 PM ET, September 4 2026
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The Sooners continued to add to the lead in the first half. Oklahoma was put in good field position after a defensive three-and-out and an 8-yard punt. OU was only able to muster a 6-play, 29-yard drive, but Sandell knocked through his second field goal. This one was 32 yards out, giving the Sooners a 27-0 lead with just a minute to go in the first half.
Defensively, the Sooners EDGE rusher, PJ Adebawore, earned his first sack of the season on the final play of the quarter.
Oklahoma builds a commanding first-half lead
09:15 PM ET, September 4 2026, James D. Jackson
Oklahoma: 24, UTEP 0: After an 11-play, 53-yard drive, Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell added to the Sooners lead with a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter.
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Missed UTEP FG: UTEP went on an 11-play, 43-yard drive to get into Oklahoma territory. But the Sooners defense didn't allow for the Miners to cross the endzone. On a 3rd down try, linebacker Owen Heinecke hurried Colson, and the screen pass was dropped. That forced UTEP to settle for a 50-yard field goal. But Arreola missed his second field goal of the game.
Oklahoma 21, UTEP 0: The Sooners offense continued to look good. Oklahoma's transfer tight end Rocky Beers caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from John Mateer. Beers put an exclamation on the run by hurdling the final defender near the goal line to punch in for the score. It gave the Sooners a three-score lead with 1:01 to play in the first quarter.
UTEP Missed FG: The UTEP offense found some life on their second drive of the game. New transfer quarterback EJ Colson Jr. led the Miners 50 yards down the field to the Sooners 15-yard line. But that's where the drive stalled. UTEP's Carlos Arreola missed the 33-yard field goal.
Oklahoma 14, UTEP 0: After the Sooners defense forced a three-and-out, the special teams made a big play. Isaiah Sategna III returned the punt 88 yards for the Sooners' second touchdown. That gave Oklahoma a 14-0 lead with 7:27 to go in the first quarter.
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Oklahoma 7, UTEP 0: Oklahoma opened the game establishing the run. Lloyd Avant ran for consecutive first downs on the opening drive. A third Avant carry put the Sooners in plus territory. He was able to finish off the 12-play, 76-yard opening drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Avant gave the Sooners a 7-0 lead as he carried it six times for 36 yards and the score.
Injury Update
01:00 PM ET, September 4 2026, John Williams
-
Jake Maikkula, C - Questionable
-
Ryan Fodje, OL - Questionable
-
Parker Livingstone, WR - Questionable
The Oklahoma Sooners were forced to slide Fodje over to center in the wake of Maikkula's injury, but then had to rework the offensive line again after Fodje got hurt in practice. Neither injury is expected to keep Oklahoma's projected starting offensive linemen out long, but they're unlikely to play against UTEP on Friday night. Both Maikkula and Fodje were suited up and at practice during the week. Caleb Nitta is expected to get the start at center with Noah Best at right guard.
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Wide receiver Parker Livingstone is also not expected to play this week.
Weather Forecast
12:00 PM ET, September 4 2026, John Williams
via Weather.com
Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s starting at 12 p.m. CT, reaching a high of 97 degrees at 4 p.m. CT. By kickoff the temperature is projected to be 96 degrees at 7 p.m. CT. Sunset is expected for 7:42 p.m. CT. At 9 p.m., the temperature is supposed to be down to around 90 degrees.
Oklahoma vs UTEP predictions, picks, odds
11:00 AM ET, September 4 2026, John Williams
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, September 4
Oklahoma 56, UTEP 0:The Oklahoma Sooners are going to make a point on Friday night. And that point is they've found a running game. The Sooners are going to run the ball and run it a lot, while also flashing their big-play passing attack. After the way the 2025 season ended, this team is on a mission in 2026. They know they have a team capable of winning at the highest levels in 2026, and their season-opening win over UTEP will be a statement, business-like performance for the Sooners. Look for Oklahoma to rush for over 250 yards and crack 50 points for the first time since the win over Maine in November of 2024. - John Williams, Lead Writer
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Moneyline:N/A
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Spread:Oklahoma by 41.5
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Over/under:51.5
Scene Setter
10:20 AM ET, September 4 2026, John Williams
Voice of the Oklahoma Sooners, Toby Rowland, and the Oklahoma Athletics media team did it again. For the first time since December, it's football time in Oklahoma.
