Overview

• The SEC availability report moved Mateer to probable on Thursday, 17 days after surgery on a broken bone in his right throwing hand.
• ESPN reports he has practiced and is set to attempt to play, with his pain level and ability to grip the ball to be evaluated up to kickoff.
• Coach Brent Venables has given no commitment on a starter and says he will defer to medical guidance for the final decision.
• Michael Hawkins Jr., who led a 44-0 win over Kent State, remains the next option if Mateer cannot go or has to exit.
• Betting lines near Texas -1 to -1.5 and market action reflect an expectation that Mateer will play, though a late change remains possible.