No. 4 Oklahoma rides into Sun City to take on UTEP - Open Gamethread

It was not the game the Oklahoma Sooners had originally scheduled, but it's finally here.

For the third time, No. 4 Oklahoma will come face-to-face against UTEP in both team's season opener, with the Sooners making their first trip to El Paso in program history.

Oklahoma, led by Artesia, New Mexico-native Landry Jones, is a team being recognized as a BCS Championship-caliber team this season. They will look to continue its dominance against the Miners, a team they have outscored 123-14 in their previous two meetings (2000 and 2002). The Sooners also have the last 89 points scored in the matchup.

UTEP will be testing its new-look running game with sophomore Nathan Jeffery, a player on the Doan Walker Watch List, after the Miners lost nearly 88 percent of the statistic from last year to graduation.

Returning is quarterback Nick Lamaison, a Preseason All-Conference USA selection, who passed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games last season. He will be assisted by three tight ends who saw significant playing time this past spring practice, scored at least one touchdown last year and averaged over 10 yards a catch. Leading the way is junior Kevin Perry, who had 203 yards on 17 receptions and one touchdown last season, along with Eric Tomlinson and Craig Wenrick.