Introduction to the Oklahoma Sooners
The Oklahoma Sooners have received a significant blow to their team, with quarterback John Mateer suffering a right-hand injury in their recent win over Auburn. This injury will require Mateer to undergo surgery, putting his availability for the rest of the season in question.
The Injury and Its Implications
On Tuesday, Oklahoma football and head coach Brent Venables announced the news of Mateer’s injury. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game against Auburn, but Mateer remained in the game and posted impressive stats, including 300 total yards and two touchdowns. Despite this, the injury is severe enough to require surgery, and Mateer’s return to action is uncertain. Venables stated that the expectation is for Mateer to return to action sometime this season, but the timeline is unclear.
Mateer’s Performance and Impact
Mateer had quickly established himself as a Heisman favorite four games into his Oklahoma career. He had completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,215 passing yards and six touchdowns, adding another 190 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. His performance had led the Sooners to a 4-0 record, and his absence will be felt by the team.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Venables said, "After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future. He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible."
Upcoming Games and Schedule
Oklahoma’s schedule offers Mateer a bit of a grace period in his recovery, as the Sooners are off this weekend and take on Kent State in their next matchup on Oct. 4. The following week, however, they’ll face off against Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Oct. 11, which is slated to be the Sooners’ biggest game of the season thus far.
Backup Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
Venables announced that sophomore backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will start for OU against Kent State. "We have all the confidence in the world in Michael and are excited for his opportunity to lead our offense while John recovers," Venables said. "He had some big moments for us last season as a true freshman and has just gotten better and better. I’m proud of the work Michael’s put in and the progress he’s made, and know he will attack this opportunity to help lead our football team."
Hawkins Jr., a Dallas-area native, gets another chance to lead the Sooners’ offense.
Current Rankings and Standings
The Sooners (4-0 overall, 1-0 SEC) are ranked No. 7 and No. 10 in this week’s AP and coaches’ polls, respectively.
As part of the new nine-game conference schedule, the SEC is having each school face three annual opponents.
Conclusion
The injury to John Mateer is a significant blow to the Oklahoma Sooners, but the team is confident in the abilities of backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. to lead the offense. With a bit of a grace period in their schedule, the Sooners will look to recover and come back strong in their upcoming games.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of John Mateer’s injury?
A: John Mateer suffered a right-hand injury in the game against Auburn, which will require surgery.
Q: Will John Mateer return to action this season?
A: The expectation is that Mateer will return to action sometime this season, but the timeline is unclear.
Q: Who will start for OU against Kent State?
A: Sophomore backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. will start for OU against Kent State.
Q: What is the current ranking of the Oklahoma Sooners?
A: The Sooners (4-0 overall, 1-0 SEC) are ranked No. 7 and No. 10 in this week’s AP and coaches’ polls, respectively.
Q: What is the significance of the SEC’s new conference schedule?
A: The SEC is having each school face three annual opponents as part of the new nine-game conference schedule.
