Oklahoma Sooners star quarterback John Mateer hasn't had the season he hoped for so far. Mateer is completing 66.1% of his passes for 883 yards and eight touchdowns, but he has six interceptions this year.
He's also not been effective in the run game, which is arguably his greatest strength. He's rushed for just 76 yards on 1.9 yards per carry and no scores. In the previous two seasons, he ran for 1,257 yards and 23 touchdowns combined.
Mateer's play has drawn heavy scrutiny as he prepares to take on the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday. Mateer said the criticism comes with the territory.
"It comes with playing the game," Mateer said via OU Insider. "I'm off of everything. I don't see it. It's not good for anybody to see. The fact that I haven't
performed is disappointing. But I'm blessed to play ball today and to get better... When you struggle and get judged, it's because I've done good in the past. Something is expected of me from me and other people."
Mateer's ability to block out the outside noise could help him enter Saturday's game with the right mindset. He has acknowledged he hasn't played to his standard, but his focus on improving gives him a chance to respond when Oklahoma needs him most.
There may not be a better opportunity to do that than against Texas. If Mateer can rediscover the playmaking ability that made him so dangerous as a runner while taking care of the football, he could turn the criticism into motivation and give the Sooners a chance to pull off a statement win in the Red River Rivalry.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma QB John Mateer disappointed in early season struggles
