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UTEP head coach has high praise for Oklahoma Sooners defensive line
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- UTEP head coach has high praise for Oklahoma Sooners defensive line
The Oklahoma Sooners are heavy favorites over the UTEP Miners in their Week 1 Friday night matchup. But that doesn't mean that it'll be easy. UTEP played the Texas Longhorns to a 7-3 halftime score before ultimately losing 27-10 last year in Austin.
The Miners have a talented quarterback in E.J. Colson. Colson spent time at UCF in 2024 before starting eight games for Incarnate Word in 2025. The challenge for Colson and the Miners' offensive line is dealing with one of the best defensive lines in college football.
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"If they aren't the best d-line in the country, I'd like to see who is," UTEP coach Scotty Walden said at his weekly news conference to kick off Oklahoma week. "If they aren't No. 1, they are top three. They are an unbelievable defensive line so it's going to be a great challenge."
Facing a defensive line with future NFL Draft picks David Stone , Jayden Jackson, and Taylor Wein is a tough task for any school, let alone a program that was one of the worst offenses in college football last year. But it's a veteran group along the offensive line with four of their five starters in their third year or beyond.
"How awesome is it for our offensive line to have that type of competition out of the gate, to be able to gauge where we're at? The continuity, the trust and the belief has to be there because they are so intricate up front. You're going to have to believe in your buddy to come help you in the A gap or B gap and work together to negate those elite pass rushers."
Oklahoma's defense is expected to be one of the best in college football, but they have to take care of business every week for the Sooners to be contenders in 2026.
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) runs onto the field with the Oklahoma flag before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Apr 20, 2024; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after pressuring Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
David Stone (0) runs drills during a Oklahoma football practice in Norman, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) tries to block a field goal attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Aug 30, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables stands beside Kobie McKinzie (11) and David Stone (0) after a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 20, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after a tackle during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) brings down 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after a safety during the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) brings down 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts to Auburn Tigers running back Damari Alston (0) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Diego Barajas (77) blocks Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) leads a tackle against Temple Owls running back Jay Ducker (20) in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA football game between the Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) against the Alabama Crimson Tide
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) hits Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula (9) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) runs onto the field with the Oklahoma flag before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) runs onto the field with the Oklahoma flag before the game against the Illinois State Redbirds at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Apr 20, 2024; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after pressuring Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the Oklahoma Sooners spring game at Gaylord Family OK Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
David Stone (0) runs drills during a Oklahoma football practice in Norman, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.
(NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN, NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) tries to block a field goal attempt during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Aug 30, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the second half against the Temple Owls at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables stands beside Kobie McKinzie (11) and David Stone (0) after a University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 20, 2024.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 6, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after a tackle during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) brings down 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday,Sept. 20, 2025. Oklahoma won 24-17.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts after a safety during the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) brings down 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 à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Oklahoma Sooners front seven the best in college football
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) and Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Taylor Wein (44) during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) sacks Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 20, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts to Auburn Tigers running back Damari Alston (0) during the first half at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Diego Barajas (77) blocks Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts against the Temple Owls in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) leads a tackle against Temple Owls running back Jay Ducker (20) in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross, Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) reacts during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj, Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone (0) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA football game between the Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
(NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN, NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) against the Alabama Crimson Tide
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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Best photos of David Stone with the Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) hits Missouri Tigers quarterback Beau Pribula (9) as he throws during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Missouri Tigers at Gaylord Family à Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Oklahoma won 17-6.
(BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN, BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: UTEP head coach has high praise for Oklahoma Sooners defensive line
