Overview
- Brent Venables said Wednesday that John Mateer remains Oklahoma’s starting quarterback even after coaches considered a change following the loss to Georgia.
- Mateer struggled for consistency this season and against Georgia completed 25 of 34 passes for 231 yards with two touchdowns while taking three sacks and throwing one interception.
- Backups Whitt Newbauer and Bowe Bentley received heavy practice reps during the bye so coaches can evaluate them, but staffers note both lack significant game experience.
- Venables said he has liked Mateer’s response in practice and that the staff is working to rebuild the quarterback’s confidence after multiple turnovers and missed blitz pickups.
- Oklahoma enters the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 10 and a difficult remaining schedule that will sharply affect the Sooners’ chances for a conference title or College Football Playoff berth.