Venables mulled benching QB Mateer after nightmare first half — SkimNews
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- Venables said Oklahoma coaching staff discussed benching QB John Mateer at halftime of Saturday's 41-13 loss to No. 2 Georgia; offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said the staff ultimately kept Mateer in as their best chance to win.
- Mateer turned the ball over on three consecutive second-quarter drives — including an 85-yard fumble return touchdown by Georgia linebacker Chris Cole — fueling a 28-0 Bulldogs halftime lead.
- Mateer has now committed six turnovers in three games, including a late interception that set up Michigan's game-winning touchdown in Week 2 and two first-half picks against New Mexico in a shaky 14-6 Week 3 win.
- Venables described Mateer's confidence as "bruised," while Mateer pushed back, saying he is "still playing fast" and not questioning his process.
- The preseason No. 10-ranked Sooners dropped out of the AP Top 25 after the loss and now face No. 1 Texas in the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 10.
Why it matters: Mateer has six turnovers in three games with his own coach publicly calling his confidence "bruised," and the Sooners' next game is against No. 1 Texas in two weeks — a loss there likely buries Oklahoma's playoff hopes after the preseason No. 10 ranking already evaporated.
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