Oklahoma may open 2012 football season at UTEP

By Kevin Kelley -

Oklahoma SoonersOklahoma at UTEP? As a season-opener? It could happen. OU is in need of two non-conference games to complete their 2012 football schedule.

The Sooners had been in discussions with Rutgers for a 2012 game at MetLife Stadium, but those talks appear to have broken off because the Scarlet Knights don’t want to return the game in Norman.

Several sources, including NewsOK.com and Dennis Dodd of CBS, have reported that Oklahoma could travel to face the UTEP Miners at the Sun Bowl in both teams’ season opener. The Sooners are 2-0 all-time against the Miners with wins in Norman in 2000 and 2002.

UTEP is one of three Conference USA schools that haven’t officially released their 2012 football schedule. The Miners are in need of a season opener on Saturday, Sept. 1. If Oklahoma agrees to play in El Paso, it would likely be a one-game deal.

NewsOK.com also reports that Oklahoma may be in discussions with FCS champions North Dakota State for a game in 2012. The Bison currently have open dates on Sept. 15, Sept. 22 and Nov. 24.

If the Sooners are able to schedule these two games, it would complete their 2012 non-conference slate. Oklahoma is already scheduled to host Notre Dame on Oct. 27 and that date appears to be firm.

Football Schedules:

Comments (4)