NORMAN — The temperature climbed past 90 degrees under a bright Oklahoma sun, but the real heat Saturday afternoon came from a Sooners team that looks increasingly comfortable in its own skin. Against San Diego State, No. 2 Oklahoma delivered a methodical, physical 49–10 win that felt less like a September tune-up and more like a statement of readiness.
Coach Lovie Mahawg never raised his voice on the sideline. He didn’t need to. His team did the talking.
“We don’t chase style points,” Mahawg said afterward. “We chase standards. Today met the standard.”
A Calm Answer to an Early Punch
San Diego State struck first, grinding out a short touchdown run midway through the opening quarter. It was the kind of moment that sometimes tests focus. Oklahoma answered immediately.
Senior running back Taylor Tatum capped the ensuing drive with a one-yard plunge, and from that point forward the field tilted sharply in the Sooners’ favor. Oklahoma poured in 21 points in the second quarter, breaking the game open with efficiency rather than flash.
Tatum was at the center of everything. He rushed for 125 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns and added four receptions for 86 yards, including an 18-yard receiving score in the third quarter.
“Taylor runs like he understands the situation,” Mahawg said. “Short yardage, open field, pass game — it all matters to him. That’s leadership.”
Wakefield in Control, Defense in Attack Mode
Quarterback Jake Wakefield continued his steady start to the season, completing 19 of 27 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. He distributed the ball to eight different receivers and rarely put Oklahoma in a bad position.
“Jake doesn’t force the game,” Mahawg said. “He lets the game come to him, and that’s how you win big games in November.”
One of Wakefield’s best moments came late in the second quarter, when he hit Ivan Carreon on a quick out that turned into a 12-yard touchdown with just 20 seconds left before halftime. Moments earlier, Oklahoma’s defense had already delivered a dagger of its own.
Cornerback Brian Nelson II jumped a route and returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, swinging momentum fully to the home sideline.
“That play’s about preparation,” Mahawg said. “Brian didn’t guess. He knew.”
Depth on Display
The third and fourth quarters turned into a showcase of Oklahoma’s depth. Eric Carter added a 19-yard touchdown run late, Jacob Jordan caught a 17-yard score, and the offensive line continued to lean on a San Diego State defense that simply couldn’t hold up.
Oklahoma finished with 550 total yards, including 241 on the ground, and controlled the ball for more than twice as long as the Aztecs. San Diego State managed just 19 rushing yards and threw two interceptions as Oklahoma’s defensive front kept collapsing the pocket.
Linebacker James Nesta recorded an interception and added pressure throughout, while the defensive line rotation — Jayden Jackson, Kevin Wynn, Darrell Droogsma, and David Stone — combined for consistent disruption.
“When you stop the run, everything else gets easier,” Mahawg said. “That’s not scheme. That’s effort.”
Eyes Already Forward
By the time the final seconds ticked away, the scoreboard read 49–10, and Oklahoma moved to 3–0 with a growing sense of cohesion. Mahawg, however, wasted little time basking in it.
“We’re stacking days,” he said. “That’s all we’re doing right now.”
That mindset will be tested immediately. Next week, Oklahoma hosts No. 4 Michigan in Norman — a matchup layered with history, bitterness, and plenty of noise coming from Ann Arbor. Michigan head coach Colm Inmupantz spent the week unloading a barrage of words toward Oklahoma after a lopsided win over Kentucky, questioning Mahawg’s toughness and revisiting old wounds.
Mahawg was asked about it once. He answered once.
“I don’t coach press conferences,” he said flatly. “I coach football teams.”
He paused, then added:
“If they want to talk, that’s fine. We’ll be right here.”
Later, as the locker room emptied, Mahawg offered one more thought — quieter this time.
“Games like today matter,” he said. “Not because of who you play, but because of who you become. We’ll see who we are next Saturday.”
Oklahoma doesn’t have long to wait. Michigan is coming to Norman. The volume will rise. The stakes will sharpen.
The Sooners, it seems, are ready to let the football speak.
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