John Mateer recognizes that he did not play to his potential in OU’s 23-21 win over Alabama.
The redshirt junior quarterback threw for 138 yards, his lowest of the season, and did not record a passing touchdown against the Crimson Tide in a game the Sooners’ defense led scoring efforts. Sophomore defensive back Eli Bowen returned a 87-yard pick-six for OU’s first touchdown, while Mateer rushed into the end zone off a two-play drive after junior linebacker Sammy Omosigho's fumble recovery for the Sooners’ second score. Redshirt junior kicker Tate Sandell scored OU’s remaining points with three field goals, as the Sooners scraped by the Tide.
“We obviously left a lot of meat on the bone,” Mateer said. “There's a lot of room for improvement. … I'm not expected to play perfect, but I expect myself to play better. We did enough to win, but there's always more (we can do).”
Mateer understands that while the defense and special teams were able to secure a win, he and the rest of the offense need to be better for the Sooners to play at their best.
“(We) have such a good defense, such good special teams, … but I think there's spots that I can be more aggressive (with) the way I make my decisions,” Mateer said.
Mateer’s lack of air production against Alabama continued a trend of a drop in numbers since he returned from a hand injury he suffered against Auburn on Sept. 20. He came back to action 17 days after surgery in a 23-6 loss to Texas, and he has averaged 174 passing yards in his last five games as opposed to 304 per game before the injury.
Mateer said that he dealt with negative energy early on in the struggles, but with the Sooners fighting for the playoffs, he has seen a shift. With fluctuating fan feelings, he focuses on staying level-headed.
“I believe you can have discipline in what you think, and if you stop yourself from thinking certain things, you just don't get carried away — don't look at social media, just like always,” Mateer said. “It was bad at one point; everybody hated me. Now, everyone wants us in the playoffs. I got to keep it even keel and go play ball.”
Before the Alabama game, the Sooners were No. 11 in the College Football Playoff projections and the first team out due to the five-highest conference champions earning automatic bids. However, they responded with the win before the next rankings will be released Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
“(We have) a lot of tough guys, mature men that are okay with challenges; that's hard to find,” Mateer said, “and there's a lot of people who shy away from it. We all embrace it.”
