The Oklahoma Sooners enter Week 3 with their backs against the wall. It wasn't simply that Oklahoma lost to Michigan in Ann Arbor that was troubling; it was how they lost the game. The Sooners' offense put together just a few drives against the Michigan defense and only put 10 points on the board. That doesn't even come close to cutting it, even with the Sooners ' vaunted defense.
A good New Mexico team comes to Norman to challenge Oklahoma's resolve and dedication. Are the Sooners the team we saw last week in the Big 12, or are they a College Football Playoff contender? This week won't answer that question with a win, but it could build momentum as the Sooners prepare for SEC play.
The Oklahoma Sooners have little room for error after their 1-1
start. Can they find their offensive groove vs. the Lobos and get back on the right side of the win column?
Here are this week's Sooners Wire Staff Predictions.
Week 1: Predictions vs. UTEP
Week 2: Predictions vs. Michigan
Good Enough?
Oklahoma fell flat on its face in the first test of the season last week, and this game isn’t as easy as it may look on the surface. New Mexico represents one of the best non-power conference teams OU has played in the regular season in recent memory. If the Sooners are ineffective again on offense, there won’t be a lot of confidence gained heading into the conference slate. The Lobos are well-coached, and they aren’t just going to roll over. They’re coming to Norman to fight for a win. Obviously, it’s the OU offense that will be watched very closely in this one, but Oklahoma’s overall talent edge should give them enough to get a win at home.
Oklahoma 23, New Mexico 7
Aaron Gelvin, Contributor
Just Win
It’s one of those games where you win comfortably, but you don’t feel great about it.
Oklahoma 31, New Mexico 13
Jaron Spor, Contributor
Big-Time Run Game
Since 2000, the Sooners are 41-5 in regular season games following a loss in the same year. I think the Sooners put another tick in the win column here. OU’s offense is understandably facing much scrutiny after last week’s performance. I think that’s a reason we’ll see a motivated group taking the field on Saturday. Given what both Brent Venables and Ben Arbuckle expressed over the past couple of days, the Sooners are going to commit to running the football more. I expect a bigger day from Lloyd Avant and John Mateer on the ground. Which is the best option to complement the Oklahoma defense. I think on paper, Oklahoma is better in every facet of the game here. And that it will be too much for New Mexico to handle, even though they’re a veteran-led and championship-level team in their own conference.
Oklahoma 31, New Mexico 10
James D. Jackson, Contributor
Offensive Resurgence
It's hard for me to envision the Oklahoma Sooners having another bad day on offense. It's also hard to imagine the Oklahoma defense struggling to tackle as badly as they did last week against the Wolverines. This week gets back to the offense we saw against UTEP and inexplicably didn't see vs. Michigan. It's a run-heavy attack led by Lloyd Avant and Jonathan Hatton, and John Mateer finds more comfort and efficiency throwing the ball, leading to an improved performance.
Elijah Thomas has a breakout game for the Sooners just in time for their trip to Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs.
Oklahoma 38, New Mexico 6
John Williams, Lead Writer
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Staff Predictions for Oklahoma Sooners vs. New Mexico Lobos
