Can OU football QB John Mateer remain efficient vs South Carolina?
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Can OU football QB John Mateer remain efficient vs South Carolina?
Colton Sulley, The Oklahoman
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3 min read
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NORMAN —John Mateerknows football is unpredictable.
It's that realization, complimenting the fact he forgave himself from his past mistakes this season, that he's aiming to keep in mind moving forward this season. Mateer feels like he's prepared well for every game this season but having short-term memory when something goes wrong will be critical duringOklahoma'sfinal five games.
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"It's just staying in the moment," Mateer said after practice Monday evening. "I mean, things are gonna happen. It's an imperfect game. That's why everybody loves it. That's why it's the greatest game. You can learn so much. But knowing who I am, trusting in the week of preparation and just playing free.
"One play could go bad, but the next play matters."
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Sam West (87) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby reacts during warm ups prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 24: John Mateer #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Justin Ford, Getty Images)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) runs the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Sam West (87) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Sam West (87) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders pose for a photo prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby reacts during warm ups prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jayden Jackson (65) reacts with defensive lineman Adepoju Adebawore (34) during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) hands the ball off to running back Lloyd Avant (9) during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) runs the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Fatt Forrest (0) makes the tackle during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners cheerleader reacts during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) huddles with his team during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (1) runs after a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone (0) makes the tackle during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 24: John Mateer #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 24, 2026 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Justin Ford, Getty Images)
16/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Jonathan Hatton Jr. (20) runs the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/19
Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 8 college football game, see photos
Oct 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) passes the ball during warm ups prior to the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(Petre Thomas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
It's that mindset that led to perhaps Mateer's best game in years this past weekendagainst Mississippi State. The Sooners' offense recorded 467 offensive yards and Mateer threw for a season-high 283 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers.
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Mateer is looking to continue that efficiencyagainst South Carolinaon Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
"Super clean, really proud of John," coach Brent Venables said on his coach's show. "Managed the game in a great way, made plays. Certainly took what was there but made some fantastic plays. Had big vision."
It helped that OU relied heavily on the run game earlier, which helped open up the pass game. The Sooners also took advantage of quality field position thanks to their defense.
"The defense got us the ball in a lot of plus territory," Mateer said. "We were at the 50-yard line a lot. We had that one drive that was really long, but other than that, it was really at the 50-yard line, and so we're already in the zone to take advantage of where we're at. And so we ran the ball well.
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"Obviously, put up a lot of numbers, and I thought I was efficient, throwing the ball short and letting them run long."
Mateer has proven to be turnover-prone this season. That could be a problem against a talented crop of Gamecocks edge rushers, including Dylan Stewart.
If Mateer plays clean football and continues to live in the moment, the Sooners believe they can win all five games remaining on their schedule.
"It feels good," Mateer said. "The goal is to go 1–0 every week. And you can get a little ahead of yourself: 'We've got to win this and this and this.' You just focus on the right now and winning the game and making it happen.
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"So we did, and it was a close game. Probably didn't have to be, but we made it that way. And we finished a four-minute drill, and it felt good to win."
OU vs. South Carolina
KICKOFF:3:15 p.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman (SEC Network)
Colton Sulley covers theOklahoma Soonersfor The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing adigital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
