NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — John Mateer overcame a shaky start with two touchdown passes, and No. 24 Oklahoma leaned on its defense to hold off New Mexico 14-6 on Saturday night and avoid consecutive non-conference losses.
The Sooners (2-1), who were coming off a loss to Michigan and open SEC play at No. 2 Georgia next week, were able to limit the high-scoring Lobos to 69 yards rushing and 185 yards of total offense — and just two field goals.
Oklahoma defensive
tackle David Stone stuffed New Mexico running back Scottre Humphrey on fourth-and-1 at the Oklahoma 17 with 2:58 left, and the Sooners were able to convert on third down moments later to help them run out the clock.
Oklahoma jumped out to a 7-0 lead on a 29-yard scoring pass from Mateer to tight end Hayden Hansen early in the second quarter, but the Lobos answered with a pair of field goals. Boos erupted when Oklahoma took the air out of the ball in the final seconds of the first half, and All-American kicker Tate Sandell missed a 41-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
After the Sooners forced a quick punt to start the second half, Mateer led them on a 70-yard drive, capping it with a 53-yard TD pass to Isaiah Sategna that gave the home team some breathing room for the first time in the game.
Toa Fa'avae had 79 yards passing for the Lobos, who blew out Central Michigan to open the season, then piled up the points in a 70-7 whipping of Mercyhurst last week.
New Mexico: The Lobos forced three first-half turnovers, picking Mateer off twice, but couldn't do much with them on offense.
Oklahoma: The Sooners struggled to bounce back from their loss to Michigan, which led to a 13-spot tumble in the AP Top 25.
New Mexico: Plays at New Mexico State on Saturday
Oklahoma: Plays at No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
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