The Oklahoma Sooners (1-1) are back in action on Saturday night when they host the New Mexico Lobos (2-0). Oklahoma is coming off a disappointing loss against Michigan. While a strong performance and a win over the Lobos wouldn't erase what happened in Ann Arbor, it would help the Sooners get back on track before their road trip to Athens, Georgia next Saturday.
The Sooners were their own worst enemy last week against Michigan. They couldn't take advantage of the Wolverines' fumbles, and John Mateer struggled to connect with his receivers. Getting the offense back on track is key to Oklahoma
1. Stop the Run
New Mexico is working with a pair of quarterbacks who aren't incredibly adept at throwing the football. New Mexico is pretty good at running the football,
though. The Lobos will look to take pressure off of their quarterbacks with their efficient ground game.
New Mexico is averaging 246 rushing yards and five touchdowns per game. They're rushing for 5.1 yards per carry.
Oklahoma hasn't been as effective at stopping the run as they were in 2025, but they've been solid. The Sooners' issues have stemmed from overpursuit and underwhelming tackling performances through two games.
If the Sooners' defense can be more fundamentally sound, they have the talent to slow down the Lobos.
2. Run the Ball (With the Running Backs)
This matters as much in this game as it does for the rest of the season. Oklahoma needs to lean on its offensive line and run downhill.
Against Michigan, the Sooners were running it well. They were effective and efficient, but they simply didn't do it enough. Leading rusher Lloyd Avant got just five carries in the first half and four in the second. Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson, Oklahoma's leading rushers from a season ago, saw just four carries combined. Mateer, meanwhile, ran the ball 13 times.
The Sooners need to find an offensive identity that doesn't rely on quarterback John Mateer to be everything for his team.
3. Lots of Play Action
Only three SEC teams use play action less frequently than the Oklahoma Sooners: Arkansas, Missouri, and Vanderbilt.
Numbers can certainly be misleading, but not by this much. John Mateer is a more effective quarterback out of play action.
Play action can provide a tell for what the defense is trying to do. Play action forces the defense to consider the run, which can create more open space in the passing game.
It's just been two games and two very different opponents, but Mateer looks comfortable in play action.
Against UTEP, Oklahoma used play action on 61% of Mateer's dropbacks. Against Michigan, that number dropped to 16%. That doesn't explain all of the issues with the offense, but using more play action could make Mateer more comfortable and more efficient in the passing game.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners keys to the game vs. New Mexico
