If it wasn't already clear as day, Saturday's 41-13 loss to No. 2 Georgia left no doubt: Oklahoma has a major problem at quarterback. Brent Venables now has two weeks to solve it before his team meets No. 1 Texas in Dallas. Coming into Saturday, Oklahoma could hang its hat on the possibility that its defense could keep it in the game, even if the offense struggled against Georgia.
That theory only works if the Bulldogs aren't scoring points on defense, too. The Sooners got off to a slow start in the first quarter, but disaster really struck in the second quarter. With Oklahoma at the Georgia 2-yard line, Mateer rolled out to pass and fumbled when he loaded up to throw.
Georgia scooped up the fumble and ran it back 85 yards for a touchdown -- a possible 14-point swing. CHRIS COLE HOUSE CALL 🏠📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/wNOacZCjqI On the very next possession, Mateer had a clean pocket but waited until pressure was in his face to throw a ball into heavy coverage. The pass was underthrown and easily intercepted by KJ Bolden.
The Sooners' defense bailed out Mateer, forcing a three-and-out, but he made another costly mistake on the ensuing drive. On fourth-and-1, Mateer fumbled, and Georgia returned it to the Oklahoma 11-yard line. Two plays later, the Bulldogs were in the end zone, and the game was never remotely in doubt again.
In his postgame press conference, Venables admitted the idea of changing quarterbacks was considered. "It was something we discussed, but it's a conversation where you'll look at everything in how to get better," Venables said. Garbage time production made Mateer's overall numbers -- 231 yards, two touchdowns and an interception -- look better than they actually were, but it was another ugly performance.
One way or another, the Sooners need to get better play at that position if they want to beat the Longhorns. If Mateer were a game manager who took care of the football and avoided major mistakes, perhaps Oklahoma could work around that, given the talent on its defense. However, Mateer has made catastrophic mistakes that have cost his team in each of the Sooners' two losses.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
