Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle says quarterback John Mateer still gives the Sooners their best chance to win, despite a season marked by costly mistakes. Arbuckle, in his fourth year working with Mateer, pointed to the 44 touchdowns Mateer accounted for at Washington State in 2024 and the team's College Football Playoff appearance last season after they moved to Oklahoma together. The Sooners, now 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the SEC, face Mississippi State on Saturday.
The concern is turnovers. Mateer is responsible for nine of Oklahoma's 14 turnovers this season, including seven interceptions. He has also played behind a banged-up offensive line, with three regulars missing the loss to Kentucky and versatile Ryan Fodje struggling through an ankle injury. Against Kentucky, Mateer matched his career high with three interceptions in a 21-13 home loss, two of them in the final 16 minutes, and the Wildcats turned both into touchdowns.
Arbuckle said he takes responsibility for the calls and design, but stressed that the team must eliminate backbreaking errors. "For all the good that he does, we have to eliminate those, and he's not alone in that," Arbuckle said. "I have to be better and I have to take accountability."
Mateer has completed 114 of 175 passes (65.1%) for 1,308 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Coach Brent Venables said he saw improvement, noting Mateer "battled his butt off" against Kentucky and gave the team a chance to win. Mateer also delivered a 27-24 upset over No. 1 Texas earlier in the season, though his consistency remains the central question as Oklahoma looks to turn its season around.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing