John Mateer speaks on early season struggles ahead of Red River Rivalry game

Nearly one year ago, Oklahoma fans were clamoring for the return of quarterback John Mateer ahead of the Red River Rivalry game against Texas. Mateer, who looked phenomenal for the Sooners through their first four games last season, was rehabbing from hand surgery that put him in danger of missing the game. The OU quarterback returned in time for that matchup, but threw three interceptions in a 23-6 loss to the rival Longhorns. This season, things are much different. Mateer is at full health, but hasn’t played to the standards many fans set for him heading into his second season as OU’s starter. Mateer opened the season with a strong performance against UTEP, but has struggled over the Sooners past three games. Across that span, which includes games against Michigan, New Mexico, and No. 2 Georgia, Mateer has passed for just 658 yards (219.3 YPG) and five touchdowns with four interceptions. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage Although Oklahoma entered the season with a second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance on the mind, the Sooners sit at 2-2 through four games. The disappointing player of Mateer has certainly been a factor in that record. On Monday, he opened up about his struggles this season. “The fact that I haven’t performed is disappointing. But, I’m blessed to play ball today and get better,” Mateer said, via SoonerScoop’s George Stoia III. “It’s a kid’s game that we all take really seriously, and I’m honored to stand here in this position. I come out to practice today knowing it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Even when you struggle and get judged, it’s because I’ve done well in the past, and something is expected of me. That’s okay. This is the position I’m in, and I’m learning.” David Pollack opens up about John Mateer’s struggles this season Oklahoma heads into Saturday’s Red River Rivalry game against the No. 1-ranked team in the nation seeking its first win over the Longhorns since 2023. Over the past two seasons, Oklahoma has been outscored 57-9 in its two meetings with Texas. Ahead of that game, David Pollack opened up about the struggles that Mateer has faced this season. “He’s broken,” Pollack said, regarding the Sooners signal-caller. “The longer John Mateer holds the football, the more bad things happen. Now he’s at 10 turnovers, seven touchdowns with an elite defense. Listen, the run game is non-existent for Oklahoma. They’re not pushing people around. He’s doing his best to contribute to the run game.” Mateer will look to get things going on Saturday against the Longhorns, although that will surely be a tall task. The Texas defense had Tennessee‘s offense in a stranglehold two weeks ago, as the Volunteers totaled just 221 yards of offense. Superstar EDGE Colin Simmons had a monstrous day, as he recorded 5.5 sacks against quarterback Faizon Brandon. Last season, Mateer was held to 202 yards passing by Texas. He did not throw for a touchdown, and tossed three interceptions.