How Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer can still leave his mark on the program

How Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer can still leave his mark on the program

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How Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer can still leave his mark on the program

How Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer can still leave his mark on the program originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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There is still a path for much-maligned Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer to leave the school as a revered part of its elite quarterback tradition.

He probably won't be adored quite like Heisman winners Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Sam Bradford and Jason White unless he wins a national title, but he can still be remembered as a success. The senior just needs a little help from his offensive line and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.

For a while, it looked like Mateer would be the next great quarterback for the Sooners. He was a Heisman candidate last season before a broken bone in his right thumb slowed him down. He returned after missing a game but never fully recovered. Even at less than full strength, he helped the Sooners reach the College Football Playoff.

There were hopes that he'd take a step forward this season and become the all-around quarterback folks expected when he transferred in from Washington State before the 2025 season. Instead, he struggled with accuracy and turnovers in losses to Michigan and Georgia.

Not all of his legacy is negative. He has a habit of making big plays at critical times.

Last season, he scored game-winning rushing touchdowns against Auburn and Tennessee. He threw three interceptions against LSU before tossing a 58-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna with 4:16 remaining to lead the Sooners to a 17-13 win.

This season, a 53-yard touchdown pass to Sategna in the third quarter against New Mexico gave the Sooners breathing room in a 14-6 win, and his two completions to Sategna late against Texas set up the game-winning field goal in the 27-24 victory over the No. 1-ranked Longhorns. 

He still has work ahead to make up for the other part of his reputation — making too many mistakes. Last season, he threw 11 interceptions and lost two fumbles. This season, he has thrown four interceptions and lost three fumbles in five games. He threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter of a 17-10 loss at Michigan in Week 2. 

There's a few things that can get Mateer going the second half of the season.

Arbuckle has to stubbornly commit to the run to take pressure off his quarterback. Mateer is best when he feels safe in the pocket, and he's very good at throwing the long ball when he has time. The best way to give him that is to slow the pass rush with an established run game.

The Sooners should feature running back Lloyd Avant more prominently. He had a breakout game against Texas and clearly needs the ball more.

Giving Avant the carries he deserves won't matter without better offensive line play. That will be a challenge with offensive linemen Michael Fasusi, Heath Ozaeta and Eddy Pierre-Louis listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against Kentucky. But they figured it out short-handed against Texas and can potentially do so again versus a far-less talented Wildcats defense.

The Sooners should be more intentional about using Mateer as a runner. He seems to thrive on contact. He's the opposite of most quarterbacks — he gets better when he gets hit. Let him convert a few first downs with his legs so he can get going, and you'll see the best version of him.

MORE:Better days appear likely for Oklahoma offense

Mateer needs to take advantage of Rocky Beers' emergence as a high-level tight end. Beers is second on the team with 22 catches and 284 yards, but he sometimes disappears from the game plan.

Lastly, Mateer needs to find Sategna more often. He is simply too good to not give multiple chances to impact games. If Mateer can give Sategna the opportunity to make plays without risking interceptions, the Sooners can potentially get the big plays on offense they need to support their outstanding defense. 

If those things happen, Oklahoma becomes a threat to go back to the playoff, and Mateer can leave Norman a happy man.

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