UTEP at Oklahoma

The decisive matchup is UTEP’s protection against an Oklahoma front built to disrupt the backfield. Edge Taylor Wein returns after recording seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss, while tackles David Stone and Jayden Jackson are projected as central pieces of a deep rotation. Behind them, Kip Lewis brings proven production and can punish an offense forced into predictable downs. UTEP’s quarterback, whoever emerges, must identify pressure and get the ball out cleanly; its line also has to create enough early-down movement to keep Wein and Oklahoma’s other rushers from dictating the game.

Oklahoma can control the game by making its continuity count: let a more settled offensive line establish the run, keep Mateer out of must-create situations and use his command of Arbuckle’s system to sustain drives. UTEP’s best route is narrower but clear. It needs manageable down-and-distance for its quarterback, productive touches from a backfield that now includes Missouri transfer Tavorus Jones, and a defense anchored by returning tacklers Jayden Wilson, Justin Content and Xavier Smith to limit second chances. If UTEP can avoid giveaways and force Oklahoma to earn long drives, it can keep the game compressed. If Oklahoma’s front creates obvious passing downs, Oklahoma can rotate its rushers and keep the pressure on.