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John Mateer compliments team despite sloppy play: 'We didn't play our best game'

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh09/07/25griffin_mcveigh
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© BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Norman began the day on fire and will finish around the same temperature. Oklahoma took care of business Saturday night against Michigan, securing a massive win for head coach Brent Venables. Quarterback John Mateer had a bit of a coming-out party too, showcasing his talents in front of a national audience.

Even so, Mateer is not fully satisfied with how the Sooners play. He knows Oklahoma has the ability to perform at a higher level despite the win. Still, some high compliments for his teammates after getting the job done.

“We’ve been excited for this game for a long time,” Mateer said postgame with ESPN’s Holly Rowe. “I’m proud of these guys. I mean, we beat them and we didn’t play our best game. A bunch of turnovers, a bunch of things we need to clean up. I’m so proud of my teammates.”

Outside of Mateer, the story of the game was Oklahoma putting together a great defensive game plan. Michigan could not get anything going, outside of a couple of explosive plays. Most of the little offensive momentum created for the Wolverines came from the turnovers Mateer mentioned.

But back to Mateer, his legs were why the Oklahoma offense was able to flow. It’s something he is comfortable with under OC Ben Arbuckle, dating back to the Washington State days. Everyone wondered how it would translate with the Sooners and we got a pretty good answer.

“It’s dangerous,” Matter said. “Plus-one run game is not good for defensive coordinators and they don’t like it. I’m glad Coach Arbuckle trusts the ball in my hands. I’m proud of the o-line, running backs, and tight ends blocking it up.”

Mateer wound up being Oklahoma’s leading rusher with 74 yards on 19 attempts. Two touchdowns led the way thanks to some great blocks up front. And when it mattered the most, Arbuckle dialed up his quarterback’s number multiple times on the final offensive possession to officially put the game on ice.

There will be an instant opportunity to fix the mistakes Mateer highlighted in his interview. Oklahoma heads up to face Temple next Saturday, a quirky road game for the program. From there, bullets begin to fly in SEC play. Auburn is first up on Sept. 20, going up against old friend Jackson Arnold. Kent State and a bye week then take place before heading to Dallas for the Red River Shootout.