Oklahoma Sooners starting quarterback John Mateer was widely criticized for his play over the past month, and at least some of that criticism was deserved. However, though he wasn't perfect, Mateer made the plays that mattered in OU's rousing 27-24 win over rival Texas on Saturday.
Mateer's stats (18-for-26 passing for 155 yards and no touchdowns) were pedestrian, but he did exactly what Oklahoma needed. He managed the game and took care of the football for 59 minutes and 41 seconds. Then, when the Sooners needed him to put on the cape, he made two throws in the last 19 seconds to set up a game-winning field goal, delivering two beauties to wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III.
that's another catch 🤲 https://t.co/dU2WVdYcCd pic.twitter.com/0G4NiWiQJV
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 10, 2026
Mateer's play was not without flaws, but his mental toughness was again on display against the 'Horns. He looked as confident as he did in Week 1, and he helped keep the Sooners in the game by not making mistakes that put them out of it. That's what OU needed from him in Dallas.
After the game, linebacker Owen Heinecke praised Mateer for dealing with everything that has come his way over the last four weeks. As one of the team's veteran leaders, Heinecke has seen Mateer's work first-hand.
"I can’t even imagine being in his shoes, dealing with all the negativity," Heinecke said. "Was it warranted? Probably, but all he can do is respond, and that’s what he did today. No turnovers. Moved the ball in a timely way. When we needed plays, he made them. That’s the kind of team we want to be: gritty, never give up, no matter the circumstances. John epitomized that today."
Heinecke was certainly no slouch himself against the Longhorns, leading the Sooners in total tackles (9) and tackles for loss (2.5). He was one of the unheralded players in the win, along with other defensive stalwarts such as fellow linebacker Kip Lewis, and defensive linemen Jayden Jackson, David Stone, and Taylor Wein.
Heinecke, Mateer, and the Sooners will now head back home for another big game against the Kentucky Wildcats in Norman. After helping deliver a statement win, Mateer earned a lot of respect for his mental fortitude and his ability to keep fighting to defeat Texas.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Owen Heinecke praises John Mateer's play in win over Texas
