Key Highlights
- Brent Venables gives surprising update on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s right hand injury ahead of CFP.
- Mateer was seen throwing without tape for the first time since sustaining an injury against Auburn.
- OU coach Brent Venables says Mateer still has some soreness but is better from a stability standpoint.
- Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has thrown for 2,578 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games this season.
The Road to Recovery: John Mateer’s Hand Injury Update
As Oklahoma prepares for their College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup against Alabama, the focus has shifted from the overall team strategy to an individual battle of wills. The quarterback position is no stranger to challenges, and this season, it’s Oklahoma’s own John Mateer who finds himself in a delicate situation with his throwing hand.
A Layoff of Preparation
The OU gunslinger has been dealing with an injury to his right hand since early in the season, which significantly impacted his performance. However, OU coach Brent Venables shared some encouraging updates during a pre-CFP Zoom call: “If you asked him, he still has some soreness, so he’s not pain-free,” Venables said. “From a stability standpoint, I think he’s better than he’s been and gripping the ball and things like that. So, that’s why he doesn’t have it on.” This revelation comes at an opportune time, as the team has had a lengthy layoff from the end of the regular season to the start of the playoff.
Numbers and Performance
Mateer’s performance this season has been notable despite the injury. In 11 games, he has thrown for 2,578 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding 416 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 130 carries. His completion percentage is a slight dip from his previous year but still impressive at 62.1 percent. Mateer’s efficiency has been crucial, especially considering the team’s overall offensive struggles against Alabama in their first meeting this season.
The Rematch: A Focused Mindset
“I’d say there’s always little details that you can do better to make it more efficient,” Mateer stated of the rematch. “There’s a lot of third downs that we just didn’t execute. I think that’s the biggest thing we took from the game, and I think ball security is always important. It’s at a premium right now in the playoff and at the end of the year.” His mindset remains laser-focused on improvement, as evidenced by his dedication to training during the layoff.
Mateer’s approach has been lauded by Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who praised him for staying true to his competitive nature. “I think John’s really excited,” Arbuckle said. “… As a competitor, there’s a reason John Mateer came to OU.
He wants to be the best, he wants to play with the best, he wants to compete against the best. He’s never once lost sight of that.” Arbuckle’s confidence in Mateer is palpable and essential as they face one of college football’s toughest challenges.
Conclusion
Ready for Dream Come True
The College Football Playoff presents a dream come true for John Mateer, but the road to the championship game has been bumpy. With his right hand showing signs of improvement and his mindset laser-focused on excellence, it seems that Oklahoma’s quarterback is ready to take on Alabama once again. As the teams prepare for their rematch, all eyes will be on Mateer to see if he can deliver the performance that has eluded him in their first meeting.
The journey from an injury-affected season to a potential CFP triumph is not just about physical recovery but also mental resilience. John Mateer’s story serves as a testament to the grit and determination required to rise above adversity on the biggest stage of college football.
