Steve Spurrier claims Oklahoma will 'be a factor' after 2-0 start to season

Steve Spurrier claimed Oklahoma could be a factor now that the Sooners are 2-0 to start the season, fresh off a win over Michigan. The Sooners’ biggest internal factor is QB John Mateer and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.

Both came over from Washington State in the offseason and have made an instant impact. Mateer has showcased his dual threat abilities, opening up the Oklahoma offense.

It’s still early, but improvements are evident for a program that was under the gun going into the 2025 season. Spurrier is certainly keeping an eye on the young SEC program.

“They got Washington State Coordinator and the quarterback from up there, Mateer,” Spurrier said on Another Dooley Noted Podcast. “He was a good player, and … everybody’s got confidence in the offense and then defense plays better. So Oklahoma, they’ll be a factor this year, I really believe … So you can get good in a hurry nowadays, picking up some ball players.”

Through two games this year, Mateer had 662 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions, a 71.8% completion percentage, 98 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Oklahoma quarterback was just named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

In any event, Oklahoma didn’t even play its best football against Michigan. Mateer said as much after the game as the QB constantly wants to see improvement.

“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 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.”