Greg McElroy places John Mateer in ‘driver’s seat’ for Heisman race

John Mateer had his coming-out party this past weekend in Norman against Michigan. The Oklahoma quarterback starred as the Sooners knocked off the Wolverines in Week 2.

That performance has Greg McElroy singing his praises. The former Alabama quarterback turned ESPN analyst evaluated where Mateer stands in the Heisman race, and while it’s still early in the season, McElroy believes the Oklahoma star is at the forefront right now.

“The Heisman race is a long way from being finished, but it’s clear John Mateer is in the driver’s seat right now,” McElroy explained, via Always College Football. “We know Oklahoma’s defense set the tone — we understand that. But the offense was almost completely reliant on what John Mateer did.

“When he transferred over from Washington State, we already knew he was going to be an immediate upgrade over whatever Oklahoma had last year at quarterback. But we also wondered — the teams he played against at Washington State — there was a huge gap between the level of competition he saw there in Pullman and the level of competition he’s going to see week in and week out in the SEC, plus in the non-conference against Michigan.

“Well, he rose to the occasion. He threw for 344 yards, accounting for three touchdowns. He did an amazing job with his runs, including some designed runs and a couple of crucial scores on the ground. … I think he is absolutely the Heisman Trophy frontrunner right now. That’s not just based on this game — though he was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.

“The mobility, the running threat he always has, keeping plays alive, third-down efficiency, the little things he did, even with the one bad throw, the high pick — all that stuff. But for the most part, man, he’s just getting started, which is a scary thought for some of the teams on Oklahoma’s schedule in the year to come.

“A Heisman-caliber quarterback, paired with a really aggressive, difference-making defense led by a front that can take over games — because of John Mateer’s arrival, Oklahoma is a legitimate national championship contender.”

It’s easy to see why McElroy is so high on Mateer. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown against Michigan, while also rushing for 74 yards and two more scores. The stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story though, as he passed the eye test with flying colors.

Looking ahead, Mateer will face stiffer competition, especially once SEC play ramps up. Whether he can maintain this level of play remains to be seen, but McElroy has little doubt right now — Mateer will have every chance to prove him right.