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Oklahoma to Stick With Mateer Against Florida
· Confirmed
In Short: Oklahoma plans to start quarterback John Mateer against No. 25 Florida, despite his inconsistent season.
Oklahoma will stick with quarterback John Mateer as the starter against No. 25 Florida, according to multiple reports. Despite Mateer's uneven performance this season, head coach Brent Venables has decided to keep him in the lineup.
Mateer's latest outing was turnover-free, but his accuracy issues persisted, reflecting an inconsistent season. The decision to keep Mateer as the starter comes after a recent shake-up on offense, with the firing of offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Venables emphasized that 'Everything's on the table' when discussing the quarterback situation, indicating that Mateer's position is not secure. However, sources tell On3 that Mateer took most of the first-team quarterback reps in practice this week, and the plan remains for him to start.
The Sooners' offense has struggled this season, with Mateer throwing seven interceptions in eight games. The running game has also been weak, averaging just 3.17 yards per carry, which ranks 128th in the nation.
Interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten, formerly a tight ends coach, will call the plays against Florida. Venables stated that the team needed a 'change' in firing Arbuckle, who brought Mateer with him from Washington State ahead of last season.
Mateer's status as the starter had been in question, with many speculating about whether he would be benched. However, Venables' decision to keep Mateer in the lineup suggests that the coach believes in his quarterback's potential.
Venables noted that both Mateer and backup quarterback Tanner Mordecai are capable players, with Mateer having more experience in the system. Venables emphasized the team's commitment to maximizing their opportunities and maintaining high expectations.
Despite the ongoing questions about Mateer's performance, the decision to keep him as the starter is consistent with previous reports. Venables' statement that 'Everything's on the table' underscores the pressure on Mateer to perform against a strong Florida defense.
The Sooners face a tough challenge against Florida, with high expectations for both teams. Oklahoma's defense has been strong, but the offense's struggles have been a concern, particularly with Mateer's inconsistent play.
Venables' decision to keep Mateer as the starter is a testament to his belief in the quarterback's ability to lead the team. However, the margin for error is shrinking, and Mateer will need to perform well against Florida to solidify his position as the starter.
What this adds
The decision to keep Mateer as the starter is consistent with previous reports, despite ongoing questions about his performance. Venables' statement that 'Everything's on the table' underscores the pressure on Mateer to perform against a strong Florida defense.
Background
Oklahoma will start quarterback John Mateer against No. 25 Florida, despite his inconsistent season.
What's confirmed
- Oklahoma plans to start senior John Mateer against No. 25 Florida, despite his uneven season and a recent shake-up on offense.
- Mateer’s latest outing was turnover-free, but his completion rate reflected the accuracy issues that have marked an inconsistent season.
- Oklahoma is making a change at playcaller, not quarterback.
- Mateer gets another chance to lead the offense, but the margin for error is shrinking.
- Oklahoma faces Florida on Saturday, with Witten calling the offense and Mateer expected to start.
- Oklahoma is expected to start quarterback John Mateer at Florida on Saturday night, sources tell Sooner Scoop’s George Stoia and On3’s Pete Nakos.
- Mateer’s struggles have been coupled with a running game averaging just 3.17 yards per carry, which ranks 128th in the nation.
- That report will likely be proven accurate, but OU's quarterback situation is a bigger question mark than ever since head coach Brent Venables said during Tuesday's weekly press conference that "Everything's on the table" when asked if the plan was to start Mateer.
- "They're both very good players," Venables said.
- Zenits actually reported the opposite about OU earlier this week, when he said on Monday that the Sooners are still expected to start Mateer, even after firing offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who brought Mateer with him from Washington State ahead of last season.
What's still developing
- Trinidad Chambliss was unable to keep up the magic against Florida, while Oklahoma's John Mateer collapsed against Georgia.
- According to On3's George Stoia and Pete Nakos, Mateer is expected to take the field as the starting quarterback on Saturday night against No. 23 Florida.
- "Everything's on the table... All three quarterbacks got reps [Monday]."
- What is always an outstanding defense was expected to be accompanied by a productive Year 2 of quarterback John Mateer, but that hasn't quite been how the season has played out.
- ESPN College GameDay makes picks for Week 10 slate, Miami vs.