Oklahoma’s 23-21 win over Alabama didn’t satisfy QB John Mateer, as a single win isn’t the destination. They’re chasing the SEC title, and the road ahead won’t be easy. The Sooners sit at No. 6 in the SEC with an 8-2 overall record, while Texas A&M and Georgia occupy the top spots. Now, if OU wants to climb the rankings, improvement is the only option, and the redshirt junior QB didn’t hold back to admit that.

“We can get a lot better. You can say that every week, and we obviously left a lot of meat on the bone,” said Mateer after the win. “But I mean, there’s a lot of room for improvement. We didn’t run a whole lot of plays, and that’s partly our fault.” In the game against Alabama, Mateer threw for 138 yards, his lowest of the season, and did not record a passing TD. With that, while the offense wasn’t up to the mark, the defense initiated scoring efforts.

Kicker Tate Sandell sealed the deal with three clutch FGs, while DB Eli Bowen set the tone with an 87-yard pick-six for OU’s first score. Here’s where Mateer didn’t take time to point out the strength. “You get a pick six, and then special teams play so well, like some plays just get cut off,” said the QB. But Mateer has a contribution too. Following LB Sammy Omosigho’s fumble recovery, which set up a quick two-play drive, Mateer added a rushing TD.

Still, there’s work to be done. “We have to do better at extending drives. You can watch the tape and see that,” said Mateer. “I’m not expected to play perfect, but I expect myself to play better. We did enough to win, but there’s always more… I gotta make the right read to do it.” With a 68.6 QBR, John Matter may have that potential, but OU’s road to the SEC title becomes slimmer, especially considering the words of DE Marvin Jones Jr.

Jones Jr. brings title-winning experience from Georgia’s 2022 championship run. When the FSU transfer was asked where this OU team could still improve, he was candid. “I mean, I think our coaches do a good job of that. We all know none of us graded out 100 on the grade sheet after the game,” said Jones after the Alabama win. “So there’s always a thing to improve. I think that’s it.”

These words from a former Bulldog make it clear that surpassing Georgia on the road to an SEC title won’t be a walk in the park, at least for this season. Still, there’s hope, as there are similarities between the 2022 Georgia team and this OU squad.

When Jones was asked, his answer was simple. “I’ll say physicality definitely pops off first to me in that Georgia defense,” said Jones. “That’s something Kirby definitely prided the defense is on. I think that’s something that we have here along the same lines.” OU’s defense ranks 11th nationally with 292.6 YPG. Now, with the defense rolling, the Sooners look ready to finish the last two games strong.

But Mateer’s confidence in the ability to improve wasn’t always there in the beginning. The QB has already battled through some tough moments this season.

Injury can’t stop John Mateer’s belief in his team

Before surgery, John Mateer averaged 304 passing yards. But he hasn’t looked the same since that hand injury. His air game dipped, and that number fell to 174. To cap it off, he rushed back 17 days after the procedure to face Texas. But the surrounding noise hasn’t stayed quiet.

Still, John Mateer admitted the early struggles hit hard. With Oklahoma clawing for a playoff spot, the criticism was loud, and the vibes were rough. “It was bad at one point; everybody hated me. Now, everyone wants us in the playoffs,” said Mateer. “I got to keep it even keel and go play ball.” Despite the noise, Mateer sticks to discipline, but he stays off social media.

Throughout the season, OU has faced its share of highs and lows, but Mateer believes this team is built for the climb. “A lot of tough guys, mature men that are okay with challenges; that’s hard to find,” he said. “We all embrace it.”

While the injury may have slowed him, Mateer’s confidence lies in his team’s potential.