The Oklahoma Sooners put together a strong performance in Week 1 in their 51-0 win over the UTEP Miners. They displayed an improved rushing attack, and John Mateer had a strong performance, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns. The Sooners are No. 10 in the nation in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but aren't looked at as favorably in ESPN's power rankings after Week 1.
ESPN ranks the Sooners No. 15, down one spot from their preseason ranking.
Oklahoma's win was highlighted by the play of Mateer and wide receiver Isaiah Sategna. Sategna recorded 225 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. New starting running back Lloyd Avant ran the ball 15 times for 79 yards and a score. He also chipped in one reception for six yards.
That improved running game
was a highlight of the day for the offense. Sure, Mateer threw touchdowns to Sategna, new wide receiver Trell Harris, and new tight end Rocky Beers, but Oklahoma could throw the ball last year when Mateer was healthy. What the Sooners could have used was an efficient and effective running game. Week 1 provided a glimpse of that possibility.
Avant averaged over five yards per carry, had two runs of 10 yards or more, and averaged 3.73 yards after contact per attempt. He's earned the trust of the coaching staff this offseason and looks like Oklahoma's starting running back heading into the big-time matchup against the Michigan Wolverines.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Where does Oklahoma rank in ESPN's latest Power Rankings after Week 1?
