Tag: UTEP Miners

Oklahoma WR Gavin Freeman electrifies social media on first collegiate touch

Playing in his first game with the Oklahoma Sooners, true freshman Gavin Freeman took his first career touch 42 yards for a touchdown.

It didn’t take the Oklahoma Sooners long to get going in the season opener against UTEP. They jumped on the board quickly with a five-play 75-yard drive that took just over a minute and culminated in a Dillon Gabriel 12-yard touchdown run to open the scoring for the 2022 season.

Brayden Willis added another touchdown on Dillon Gabriel’s first passing touchdown of the season.

Up 14-0, the Oklahoma Sooners got a contribution from one of their true freshmen, wide receiver Gavin Freeman.

Freeman took a reverse toss from Gabriel and found open space going against the grain. He bounced off several tacklers before rumbling 42 yards for the first touchdown of his career.

In a first quarter that provided tons of highlights, Gavin Freeman’s first career touch showed all kinds of toughness, agility, and speed, providing a glimpse of what’s to come from the true freshman.

Let’s check out how social media responded to the big play that put Oklahoma up 21-0.

3 keys to an Oklahoma win in Brent Venables’ first game as a head coach

Oklahoma kicks off their season against the UTEP Miners. We discussed three keys to the game for Oklahoma.

Oklahoma gets set to kick off its 2022 campaign against the UTEP Miners on Saturday afternoon in Norman, Oklahoma. Sooner Nation has been itching to see their team play in meaningful action for the first time under new head coach Brent Venables. While Venables is far from new to roaming the Owen Field sidelines, the game against UTEP marks his first time as head coach.

His team is the more talented team, but that doesn’t mean anything if they don’t come out and execute. UTEP has a few players that could be potential thorns in Oklahoma’s side, and if the Sooners don’t execute, they could find themselves a little anxious while UTEP hangs around.

Here are three keys for the Oklahoma Sooners to start the season off 1-0.

Settle in early

It goes without saying, Oklahoma has to relax. They can’t come out pressing and trying to prove something by forcing plays that aren’t there.

The team has to execute within their defined roles. If that happens, the talent will take over, and the rest will work out the way most people believe it will against UTEP.

Some quick passes for Dillon Gabriel, a few touches for starting running back Eric Gray,  an early stop on defense, or a few early first downs on offense would be monumental in Oklahoma getting settled in and getting their own emotions in check.

Up Next: Offensive and Defensive Key to the Game

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Final thoughts on the Oklahoma Sooners season opener vs. the UTEP Miners

As the Oklahoma Sooners get set to embark on a new era, here are some final thoughts on the matchup with the UTEP Miners.

When the final whistle blew against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Stillwater, many were left feeling underwhelmed by the results of the 2021 season. It was supposed to be the one that restored Oklahoma as a legitimate national title contender.

It never materialized. From the week one nail-biting win over Tulane to the losses to Baylor and Oklahoma State, it was as disappointing a year as an 11-win season can be.

While there were initial frustrations in the wake of Lincoln Riley’s departure, this offseason provided a chance to reset the foundation and the identity of OU Football.

Riley’s tenure didn’t yield a national championship, but he won a lot of games. At the same time, it never felt as if this team was getting any closer to national title contention.

From the Alamo Bowl win over Oregon to a record-setting spring game, and now to the start of the 2022 season, it’s time to turn the page. It’s time to see what the Sooners can do under first-year head coach Brent Venables.

The calm before the storm, it’s finally time for Oklahoma Sooners Football

The new chapter of Oklahoma Sooners Football finally begins today.

It’s finally time. No more preseason rankings. No more talking heads ranking the new head coaching hires. No more college football playoff expansion. No more offseason hype videos. Finally. It is time for Oklahoma football once again.

It has been 271 days since Brent Venables landed in Norman, 279 days since the former head coach deaparted and 248 days since the Sooners last took the field in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl against Oregon.

The team that wil be wearing the crimson and cream this afternoon will be very different than that squad.

The leading rusher Kennedy Brooks is gone. Both starting quarterbacks departed for USCs on opposite sides of the country. The defense will utilize an entirely different scheme, as will the offense.

The Brent Venables era will officially begin today. I’ve long said that, despite his phenomenal resume, Venables needs to prove he can be the guy in charge on Saturdays.

Since being brought in, Venables has completely changed the culture around Oklahoma football. The coaches feel it and so do the players. How will that change affect how the team plays on Saturdays? Well, it’s time to find out.

A year ago, Oklahoma played Tulane in Norman after a hurricane pushed the game out of New Orleans. The then No. 2 ranked Sooners struggled in the second half against the inferior Green Wave, limping to a 40-35 win. That score would become a theme for the season. The only teams Oklahoma beat by more than a score were TCU and Texas Tech: both of which had recently fired their head coaches.

If the Sooners have similar issues against UTEP today, something went horribly wrong. It’s really that simple. After all of the talk of how different this program is now, it’s time to show it. UTEP has no business hanging around in this football game.

Today marks the real beginning of a new era for Oklahoma football. It’s time for the Sooners to retake their spot among college football’s elite.

[listicle id=70274]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

The calm before the storm, it’s finally time for Oklahoma Sooners Football

The new chapter of Oklahoma Sooners Football finally begins today.

It’s finally time. No more preseason rankings. No more talking heads ranking the new head coaching hires. No more college football playoff expansion. No more offseason hype videos. Finally. It is time for Oklahoma football once again.

It has been 271 days since Brent Venables landed in Norman, 279 days since the former head coach deaparted and 248 days since the Sooners last took the field in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl against Oregon.

The team that wil be wearing the crimson and cream this afternoon will be very different than that squad.

The leading rusher Kennedy Brooks is gone. Both starting quarterbacks departed for USCs on opposite sides of the country. The defense will utilize an entirely different scheme, as will the offense.

The Brent Venables era will officially begin today. I’ve long said that, despite his phenomenal resume, Venables needs to prove he can be the guy in charge on Saturdays.

Since being brought in, Venables has completely changed the culture around Oklahoma football. The coaches feel it and so do the players. How will that change affect how the team plays on Saturdays? Well, it’s time to find out.

A year ago, Oklahoma played Tulane in Norman after a hurricane pushed the game out of New Orleans. The then No. 2 ranked Sooners struggled in the second half against the inferior Green Wave, limping to a 40-35 win. That score would become a theme for the season. The only teams Oklahoma beat by more than a score were TCU and Texas Tech: both of which had recently fired their head coaches.

If the Sooners have similar issues against UTEP today, something went horribly wrong. It’s really that simple. After all of the talk of how different this program is now, it’s time to show it. UTEP has no business hanging around in this football game.

Today marks the real beginning of a new era for Oklahoma football. It’s time for the Sooners to retake their spot among college football’s elite.

[listicle id=70274]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners vs. UTEP Miners: Stream, injury report, broadcast info for week 1

Trying to figure out where to find the Sooners game on Saturday, here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. UTEP.

No. 9 Oklahoma will play UTEP on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Sooners will open the season in Norman against the Miners in what will be an incredible atmosphere. Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is sold out in anticipation of Brent Venables’ head coaching debut. The Sooners will begin to unveil Venables’ vaunted defense and Jeff Lebby’s fast-paced offense.

Unlike recent seasons, Oklahoma comes into 2022 with something to prove. Turnover on the roster and the coaching staff has cloaked this team with doubt heading into the season. There’s reason for optimism, however, that Oklahoma can return to the Big 12 title game and College Football Playoff.

In addition to what many believe will be an upgraded coaching staff, the Sooners bring in one of the more highly-coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal, Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel has thrown 900 collegiate passes across 25 career starts. He recorded more than 8,000 passing yards and 70 touchdowns through the air during his time at UCF. His experience and leadership have been huge for an offense in transition.

The defense will feature a host of new starters across the board. While we often look at individual performances, how this unit plays as a team will be something to watch in their first game in the Brent Venables-Ted Roof defense.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Sept. 3, 2022
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
  • TV Channel: Fox
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
  • Listen: Sreaming on the Varsity App

No. 9 Oklahoma vs. UTEP injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Elbow (out for season).

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 70 of 102 (68.6%) for 814 yards, 9 touchdowns and 3 interceptions (2021).

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 32 receptions for 705 yards, 22 yards per reception and 5 touchdowns (2021).

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 78 carries for 412 yards, 5.3 yards per carry, and 2 touchdowns; 23 receptions for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns (2021).

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 60 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (2021).

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 19 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks (2021).

[autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag], S: 47 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles (2021).

UTEP

Gavin Hardison, QB: 21 of 48 (43.8%) for 293 yards, 1 touchdown (2022).

Tyrin Smith, WR: 7 receptions, 127 yards, 1 touchdown (2022).

Reynaldo Flores, WR: 8 receptions, 122 yards (2022).

Tyrice Knight, LB: 11 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss (2022).

Kobe Hylton, CB: 9 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (2022).

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Best photos from the last two matchups between Oklahoma and UTEP

A look back at the most recent matchups between the Oklahoma Sooners and UTEP Miners in fantastic photos.

The Oklahoma Sooners are 4-0 all time against the UTEP Miners. In those four wins, the Sooners have averaged 50.75 points per game with an average margin of victory of 43.75 points.

The last time the Sooners played the Miners was in 2017. That was also a season opener and it also featured a first-time head coach making his debut with the Oklahoma Sooners; Lincoln Riley.

The Sooners won that game 56-7 and it featured Baker Mayfield making the start and Kyler Murray coming in later in the game. Mayfield was 19 of 20 and threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns to kick start his Heisman campaign. Murray was 10 of 11 for 149 yards and a touchdown as the Sooners rolled to victory.

Now, Brent Venables turns the page on a new chapter of Oklahoma football, making his debut against UTEP as well. Will the Sooners repeat history against the Miners with another blow out win? Or will it be like the 2012 game that was a win, but nearly as big a margin of victory in the Sooners 24-7 win down in El Paso.

We’ll find out on Saturday.

Until then, enjoy some of the best photos of Oklahoma’s last two performances against the Miners.

3 UTEP Miners that could cause problems for the Oklahoma Sooners

UTEP has some playmakers on both sides of the ball that could give Oklahoma fits if they aren’t careful.

Oklahoma finally straps up their pads on Saturday to take on a UTEP Miners team coming in off a 31-13 week zero loss to North Texas.

UTEP struggled to compete in the second half, allowing UNT to score 17 unanswered points and unable to do anything offensively in the second half.

That won’t work if they plan to remain competitive against Brent Venables’ Sooners. A team who comes in with the added juice of playing for a first-year coach. Add that to the fact that the Palace on the Prairie will be rocking, and things could snowball fast for UTEP.

Oklahoma can’t take UTEP for granted, or they will find themselves in a second-half dog fight like OU did this time last year with Tulane. The talent level may not be up to Big 12 standards, but UTEP has some pieces that could make life difficult for the Sooners.

Up Next: An Explosive Wide Receiver

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Oklahoma Sooners vs. UTEP Miners: Sooners Wire staff predictions

Sooners Wire staff predicts the Oklahoma Sooners’ Week 1 matchup vs. the UTEP Miners.

The Oklahoma Sooners open the season with the UTEP Miners coming to town for Week 1. It should be a raucous environment to kick off the Brent Venables era.

If the Sooners’ spring game attendance record of 75,000 is any indication, fans of the program are itching to get things underway in the first year for Venables.

Each week on Sooners Wire, we’ll give you our predictions for the Oklahoma Sooners’ matchup.

You can also check out our thoughts on how the 2022 season will play out for the Sooners.

Sooners Wire staff predictions for OU vs. UTEP

Take a deep breath, Sooner fans. We made it.

After an offseason none of us saw coming this time last year, Oklahoma football is back. This time last year, as the Sooners prepared for Tulane, we talked about Spencer Rattler as a Heisman hopeful, and OU fighting for the College Football Playoff.

Neither materialized, and Lincoln Riley left for USC, which allowed Brent Venables to come back as head coach.

His first game is against UTEP, and the energy in Norman should be electric. Venables brings his incredible national championship-winning caliber defensive approach with him, and Jeff Lebby is bringing the tempo back on offense. The Sooners should cruise, but how this team comes together on Saturday will be something to watch.

New starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel lights up the scoreboard before departing sometime early in the third quarter. Two touchdown passes for him combined with rushing touchdowns by Eric Gray and Marcus Major. Defensively, I see three OU takeaways. One by Billy Bowman, my breakout player of 2022 for OU.

Oklahoma 48, UTEP 13

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Up Next: More Sooners Wire Staff Predictions

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5 Oklahoma freshmen we look forward to watching vs. UTEP

With the Sooners set to take on the UTEP Miners, here are five freshmen we’re looking forward to seeing on Saturday.

Brent Venables and his coaching staff did a tremendous job finishing the 2022 cycle with the No. 8 recruiting class. There’s a lot of talent in this group. Notably 15 true freshmen cracked the game one depth chart released earlier this week.

Those freshmen came right in and got to work. The mid-year enrollees spent the winter and spring reshaping their bodies and learning the ins and outs of the playbooks.

With so many true freshmen on the depth chart and a game against an opponent that Oklahoma should beat comfortably, we could see quite a few of these freshmen getting game action this weekend. We took the liberty of tossing out the five freshmen to we’re looking forward to watching.