Mateer Led Oklahoma Past UTEP in Victory
Quarterback John Mateer threw the decisive touchdown pass to secure Oklahoma's second win of the season.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
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Oklahoma defeated UTEP behind a strong performance from quarterback John Mateer, who threw two touchdown passes in the win. The final score came in the third quarter after Mateer improvised his play.
Why it matters
The victory marks Oklahoma's second win of the season, maintaining momentum ahead of a challenging upcoming road game. Mateer's ability to adjust his progression mid-play proved critical to closing out the game.
John Mateer completed 19 of 25 passes for 252 yards, contributing two touchdowns and two interceptions. The decisive touchdown occurred on a 2nd and 8 play while Oklahoma held a narrow 7-6 lead.
The players
John Mateer
He is the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma football team.
Isaiah Sategna
He is a wide receiver for Oklahoma who caught the game-sealing touchdown pass.
Oklahoma
The college football program competing in the current season.
UTEP
The opponent that competed against Oklahoma in the recent matchup.
The details
Mateer admitted he missed his intended receiver on his first look and only identified Isaiah Sategna as an open target after hearing the reaction of the crowd. This touchdown pass served as the final scoring play for the match.
Timeline
- 2026-09-20
Oklahoma defeated UTEP in the game.
Week 4: Oklahoma travels to face Georgia at Sanford Stadium.
Season Trajectory
This victory helps set Oklahoma's competitive footing as they prepare for a high-profile matchup against a ranked Georgia team in Week 4. The win brings their season total to two as they look to build momentum.
Oklahoma now moves to a 2-0 record on the season while preparing to face a No. 2 ranked Georgia squad. Fantasy managers should note Mateer's ability to maintain high completion percentages despite throwing two interceptions.
The takeaway
Quarterback awareness can often outweigh a predetermined play call, especially when home-field advantage provides audible cues. Successfully navigating the pressure of a close game is essential for any team looking to remain competitive against top-ranked opponents.
What happens next
Oklahoma will face Georgia at Sanford Stadium during Week 4 of the college football season.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
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