Stifling Defense Leads OU Past New Mexico

Saturday, September 19

Norman

6:30 p.m. CT

University of Oklahoma

2-1 , 0-0

New Mexico

2-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
New Mexico	0	6	0	0	6
Oklahoma	0	7	7	0	14

Stifling Defense Leads OU Past New Mexico

September 19, 2026 | Football

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NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — John Mateer threw two touchdown passes and No. 24 Oklahoma leaned on its defense to hold off New Mexico 14-6 on Saturday night.

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 run out the clock.

"I knew we needed it and they were getting really close to the end zone and the game's on the line," said Stone, who finished with a career-high eight tackles.

The Sooners had six sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

Oklahoma took 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.

"I'm proud of our guys for overcoming the turnovers in the first half," Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said. "I thought we were fortunate to be up 7-6. Those are some incredible turnovers, man. Killed us. But the toughness, the resolve. ... The defense really responded and saved our butt."

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.

"Sunday was a big day for me, coming off Michigan," Mateer said after completing 19 of 25 passes for 238 yards. "It recentered me with the Lord. I'm not going to say I was in a good place after that game. I thought I was going to come out here and play clean and play ball. I need to be better."

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.

"We have a good football team. I knew it would be a close game," New Mexico coach Jason Eck said. "I'm not discouraged at all by this game."