The highly anticipated news is finally here: John Mateer, Oklahoma's star quarterback, will take the field against Texas in the Red River Rivalry, a game that has everyone on the edge of their seats. This announcement has been a long time coming, and it's a relief for Sooners fans and the team alike.
Mateer, who underwent successful surgery on his throwing hand late last month, was listed as probable in Oklahoma's Friday SEC availability report. The injury, sustained during the Week 4 game against Auburn, kept him out of action since, but now he's ready to make his return.
The Sooners were fortunate that Mateer's injury only forced him to miss one game. The team had a bye week after the Auburn game, and backup Michael Hawkins stepped up to the plate, leading OU to a dominant 44-0 victory against Kent State last week. Hawkins' performance, with 162 yards and three touchdowns, has given the Sooners added confidence heading into this rivalry game.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mateer's absence hasn't slowed down Oklahoma's offensive momentum. In fact, he was already a Heisman Trophy frontrunner before his injury, with impressive stats to back it up: 1,215 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air, plus 190 rushing yards and five more scores on the ground. His 303.8 passing yards per game this season still lead the SEC.
And this is the part most people miss... Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been preparing for Mateer from the start, acknowledging his dynamic play and the impact he has on Oklahoma's offense. Sarkisian said, "You have to. He's the heartbeat of that offense. Everything goes through him."
Mateer's return is a huge boost for the Sooners, especially with his strong connection to offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who was hired this offseason after a successful stint at Washington State. Mateer was Arbuckle's QB1 with the Cougars, so their partnership is a key factor in Oklahoma's success.
Despite any uncertainty surrounding his health, Mateer is determined to play against the Sooners' bitter rival. Kickoff for the Red River Rivalry is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET, and ABC will broadcast this highly anticipated matchup nationally.
So, what do you think? Will Mateer's return be the game-changer Oklahoma needs to secure victory? Or will Texas' preparation for Mateer pay off? Let's discuss in the comments!
