Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables told reporters that his coaching staff debated whether to bench quarterback John Mateer during halftime of the Sooners’ 41‑13 loss to No. 2 Georgia. The discussion came after Mateer turned the ball over on three consecutive drives in the second quarter, giving Georgia a 28‑0 lead at the break.
Turnovers drove the conversation
Mateer finished the game completing 25 of 34 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and two lost fumbles. The first turnover was a fumble recovered and returned 85 yards for a touchdown by Georgia linebacker Chris Cole. On the next drive, KJ Bolden intercepted Mateer, and minutes later Raylen Wilson forced another fumble that Cole recovered again, setting up another Georgia score.
Coaches weigh options
“It’s something that, you know, we discussed,” Venables said after the game. “We’ll look at everything, you know, how to get better.” Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle added, “We discussed all options on the headset and ultimately still felt like John was our best choice to win the game.” Both coaches acknowledged that the string of turnovers has bruised Mateer’s confidence, but they emphasized that no one is more disappointed than the quarterback himself.
Mateer’s response
Mateer did not openly admit to confidence issues. “I think I’m still playing fast,” he said. “I’m not questioning what I do during the play. I think the process is where it needs to be. I think it’s just not working out, so I wouldn’t say so.” He noted that the team will not quit and that the upcoming Red River Rivalry against No. 1 Texas on Oct. 10 remains a priority.
Recent turnover trend
Mateer has been responsible for six turnovers in his last three games, including a late interception that set up Michigan’s game‑winning touchdown in Week 2 and two interceptions in a narrow 14‑6 win over New Mexico in Week 3. Those mistakes have dropped the Sooners from a preseason No. 10 ranking out of the AP Top 25.
Looking ahead
Venables stressed the fundamental importance of ball security: “Nothing impacts a game like turnovers. Number one priority is taking care of the football, and we certainly failed miserably at doing that.” The coaching staff will use the week off to evaluate the quarterback situation and prepare for the high‑stakes matchup with Texas.
Context from last season
Mateer’s performance this year contrasts sharply with the previous season, when he guided Oklahoma to a 10‑2 regular‑season record and a playoff berth despite a brief October slump after returning from mid‑season surgery on his throwing hand. While questions have arisen about a possible lingering injury, Mateer denied any current issues.
The Sooners now turn their focus to the Red River Rivalry, a game that often defines the season for both programs. Fans can expect a renewed emphasis on protecting the football and restoring confidence in the quarterback position.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
