Mack Rhoades reveals how John Mateer injury, recovery impacts Oklahoma's College Football Playoff ranking

In late September, as Oklahoma was in the midst of a 4-0 start, the Sooners lost their quarterback. John Mateer suffered an injury against Auburn that required surgery, and he has been working his way back toward his old self ever since.

As he does, OU came in at No. 12 in the second College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings. While that puts the Sooners just outside the projected 12-team bracket, they still are in position to get a spot if things go their way these next few weeks.

But as for how Mateer’s injury and recovery impacts Oklahoma’s ranking, CFP selection committee chair Mack Rhoades said that conversation has come up. Rhoades added the committee sees him starting to turn a corner, though, compared to how Mateer looked in his return against Texas.

“Oklahoma, we’ve got, obviously, great respect for them,” Rhoades said on a post-rankings show teleconference. “Ranked 11th. Really good quality wins against No. 18 Michigan, going to Tennessee, beating Tennessee. We’ve had conversation about quarterback John Mateer. Felt like he was playing at a really high level prior to the hand surgery. Obviously, the first game back, big game vs. Texas.

“We, the committee, probably did not think he was at full strength and seems, as the season has moved on, he’s getting closer to that. Certainly have great respect for him as a quarterback and hope he continues to heal.”

Comparing John Mateer before, after injury

Oklahoma is 2-2 since John Mateer’s return in the Red River Shootout. That includes the Sooners’ most recent victory over Tennessee, which came on Rocky Top out of their bye week. In fact, both Oklahoma wins in that stretch came on the road.

Prior to his surgery, Mateer had a 67.4 completion percentage as he threw for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns, to three interceptions, before undergoing surgery. Following his return, though, he has completed 59.7% of his passes for 734 yards and two touchdowns, to four interceptions.

But Oklahoma’s last game was Mateer’s best since he came back. He went 19 of 29 for 159 yards while adding 16 carries for a season-high 80 rushing yards and a touchdown to help lead the Sooners to the 33-27 victory, which is proving to be critical for their College Football Playoff resume.

Another huge game is on tap this week, though. Oklahoma will take on No. 4 Alabama, looking to not only make a dent in the Crimson Tide’s playoff hopes, but further improve its own resume in the process.