Oklahoma's pregame fireworks issue emblematic of current state of program
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There aren't many things going right for Oklahoma football right now. Not even the pregame pyrotechnics.
Before the Sooners struggled to a 14-6 win over New Mexico in Week 3, a fireworks issue struck Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. A few fireworks — or something similar — grazed the field while Oklahoma's players entered for the game. The viral clip shared on social media showed cheerleaders dodging the sparks.
Thankfully it appears no one involved was hurt, but it was somewhat emblematic for the Sooners, who put together one of their worst offensive performances under fifth-year coach Brent Venables.
Not a good sign #BOOMER 😭 pic.twitter.com/imS1ZhwLGt
— Tattoo Baker 🎥✨ (@TattooBaker) September 19, 2026
Oklahoma averaged a paltry 1.9 yards per carry against the Lobos, rushing for 61 yards as a team on 32 carries against a non-Power Four opponent. Quarterback John Mateer's turnover woes continued, as he completed 19-of-25 passes for 238 yards with two touchdowns to two interceptions.
Venables' defense was lights-out, per usual, allowing six points and 185 total yards despite being on the field for 34:08 of the game.
Is there anything Venables feels Oklahoma can hang its hat on offensively right now?
"Not really, no," he said after the game. "You watched the game. Did you see anything?"
There were high hopes for Oklahoma this season after it entered the year ranked No. 9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll following a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. But after scoring 24 combined points against Michigan and New Mexico the last two weeks, the Sooners could be in for a rough conference scheduled, especially with their next two games against No. 2 Georgia and No. 1 Texas.
As made evident from the pregame fireworks problems, very little is going right for the Sooners in 2026.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oklahoma's pregame fireworks issue emblematic of current state of program
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