John Mateer injury: Joel Klatt claims optimism around Oklahoma 'goes out the window' after surgery

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer could miss several weeks of game action after suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand. The injury requires surgery, and could put the Sooners’ perfect start to the season in jeopardy.

Joel Klatt believes the Sooners could be in for a rough go of it without their star transfer. That rings especially true when looking at Oklahoma’s upcoming schedule which includes ranked matchups in six of its last seven regular season games.

“Without Mateer, at least for the next few weeks, however long it’s going to be three, four, maybe five weeks, that optimism kind of goes out the window,” Klatt said on Wednesday. “I know that’s unfortunate, but it’s the truth. The problem is that the defense is going to be under so much pressure to completely own the game. Ask Iowa how that goes.”

Mateer was completing around 67% of his passing attempts before his procedure and had thrown for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also the team’s leading rusher with 190 yards and five additional touchdowns.

It doesn’t help the Sooners’ case without Mateer when considering who is Oklahoma’s opponents down the stretch during SEC play. They still have matchups against Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU to go — all of which are ranked.

Oklahoma has already played, and beaten, two ranked teams so far this year. However, they did so amid strong performances from Mateer.

“They’re not beating Texas without Mateer. They’re certainly not beating Ole Miss without Mateer, and they’re certainly not beating Tennessee without Mateer,” Klatt said. “So unless he gets back on the field, this is the season for OU, and that’s too bad because he was leading in the Heisman race. He was doing so many things well and providing a lot of optimism, at least for me.”

Oklahoma is idle during Week 5, giving Mateer an extra week of recovery without missing any game action. However, when the Sooners return, they’ll take the field against Kent State. This provides an opportunity for new quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who fans saw under center last season, to get his feet wet in OC Ben Arbuckle’s offense and do so in winning fashion.

After that, Arch Mannning and Texas will be looking to put an end to a potential undefeated start through five games for OU. Mateer or no Mateer, the second Saturday in October will have every college football fan tuned in to watch the annual rivalry matchup.