As always in the SEC, Oklahoma faces an important season ahead. With quarterback John Mateer at the helm, the Sooners aim to return to the College Football Playoff. Head coach Brent Venables’ team enjoyed a 10-win season after finishing below .500 two years ago. A college football analyst chimed in on what Mateer must accomplish.
How Oklahoma QB John Mateer Can Lead the Sooners Back to the CFP
While the Sooners did reach the College Football Playoff, it seemed to cap an uneven year for Mateer. Starting at 22:35 of the video, college football analyst Greg McElroy provided his thoughts about the Oklahoma signal-caller on the “ESPN College Football Podcast.”
“He’s capable of being one of the best quarterbacks in college football when everything’s going right. So, the question’s never been about talent.”
Mateer is a dual-threat passer with 72 combined touchdowns, 6,291 passing yards, and 1,408 rushing yards. McElroy believes that Mateer will force the ball often, leading to disaster.
“The question is whether or not he can somehow avoid trying to do too much.”
Last season, Mateer threw 11 interceptions. On top of that, completing 62.2% of his passes means that he struggles with consistency. McElroy thinks that Mateer dealt with something that affected his season.
“The question is whether he’s maybe adjusted his mechanics just a little bit knowing that thumb was hurt for part of last season and now he can maybe be a little better on some of the deep balls, be a little more accurate.”
Last year, during a victory against Auburn, Mateer fractured a bone in his right hand, which was operated on within a few days. The Washington State transfer only missed one game due to a bye week within their schedule. When he returned, Mateer did not look like the same player he had been before the injury, and the stats bear that out.
During the last eight games, Mateer threw eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. The offense scored over 27 points just once, a 33-27 win against Tennessee. Of those interceptions, the last one changed the complexion of Oklahoma’s season.
Earlier in their CFP opening-round game against Alabama, Mateer staked his team to a 17-0 lead. Yet, with 1:18 remaining in the first half, Zabien Brown picked Mateer off and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. That score tied the game.
Alabama tacked on 17 more points, winning 34-24. Many attribute Mateer’s performance and Oklahoma’s loss to his injured hand. Mateer landed at No. 72 in the PFSN CFB QB Impact Rankings.
Mateer will have the opportunity to put the loss behind him on Sept. 5, when they welcome UTEP to Norman. With him as their starting quarterback, Oklahoma can go as far as he takes them. Can he put last year behind him and emerge better?
