OU football QB John Mateer focused on not being 'trapped' by Texas win
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NORMAN — John Mateer feels like he regained some confidence following Oklahoma’s Red River Rivalry win over Texas this past weekend.
Mateer, after a disappointing start to the season in which his belief in himself wasn’t at an all-time high by any stretch, made two clutch throws to Isaiah Sategna III in the final 19 seconds Saturday to set up Tate Sandell’s game-winning field goal.
“It feels good,” Mateer said after Monday’s practice. “There's a peace to it, knowing that I made those throws in the big moments.”
Following the euphoria of helping lead the Sooners to a much-needed 27-24 victory over their archrival, Mateer’s tallest task now is to help turn the group’s focus toward No. 15 Kentucky and continue improving. There’s still a lot of room to grow for OU’s quarterback who only threw for 155 yards and no touchdowns in the big win.
His hope is the feeling of victory will give the Sooners a boost for the rest of the season.
“It can obviously build momentum, but it can also get you trapped,” Mateer said. “That's a lot of what we're focusing on. I heard that last time we beat Texas in '23, people started celebrating and (veteran safety Peyton Bowen) stepped up and made sure that wasn't going to happen (this season).”
OU used touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams to defeat the Longhorns. Coach Brent Venables has preached the need for complimentary football all season after that’s what helped the Sooners reach the College Football Playoff last season.
If OU wants to put together a run moving forward, Mateer will need to take care of the ball and given how the offense has struggled, the Sooners will need all phases to step up. OU recorded only 238 total yards this past weekend but saw contributions from each unit.
Mateer said Monday that’s exactly what he envisions the Sooners’ offense at its best.
"I'd say real physical in the run game and then doing stuff off of it,” Mateer said. “We want to run the ball and we want to dominate the line of scrimmage. We've kept attempting to do that and it's getting better and better. I'm proud of the guys doing that."
OU’s quarterback felt he started the game too excited, which led to the offense’s slow start. But the more he settled in, he felt the Sooners put a lot of good on tape to learn from.
It only helps that OU found a bit of a run game in the second half, too, as Colorado State transfer Lloyd Avant finished with 72 yards and a touchdown.
"Later, managing the game and playing quarterback, sometimes you’ve got to just manage the game,” Mateer said. “Defense was playing good, special teams was playing good, so I didn't need to do anything crazy, out of line, too many throws and that's something I think I was better at.
“Every game is different, and you've got to feel the game and that's just the way that game was going."
As Mateer rushed the field with his teammates, basking in the glory of defeating the No. 1 team in America, he found his mentor. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle embraced Mateer, who he’s coached now for four seasons, reemphasizing his belief in him.
The two have been through a lot together and the moment meant a lot. With a little bit of rejuvenated confidence, Mateer is looking forward to what’s next for both.
“Hearing it, blocking it out,” Mateer said of the criticism both have faced. “I've known him for a long time, and you dream about moments like that. It was awesome.
“He called a great game, and he's getting better every week, just like all of us are. He's learning, and that game meant a lot to both of us.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football QB John Mateer focused on not being 'trapped' by Texas win
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