It’s amazing what one week can change in college football. Seven days ago, Oklahoma QB John Mateer was everyone’s favorite scapegoat after the Sooners’ 23-6 meltdown against Texas. He looked rattled, the Sooners looked lost, and Brent Venables looked like a man running out of answers. This week, he’s the guy his HC can’t stop raving about and for good reason.

An X post on October 18 shared an excerpt of Brent Venables’ postgame conference speech where he talked about John Mateer. “This is a dude,” the Oklahoma coach said after their 26-7 bounce-back win over South Carolina. “He’s got a track record of responding in tough moments… He’s got all the right stuff — the guts, the toughness… One of the best leaders I’ve been around.” That’s a coach recognizing a player who refuses to flinch.

John Mateer owned the moment in the South Carolina clash. The Washington State transfer threw for 150 yards and a touchdown, leading two long scoring drives, one of 75 yards and another of 92. More importantly, he protected the football and trusted his defense, which did the rest. Oklahoma’s front seven bullied the Gamecocks with six sacks, an interception, and even a safety, setting the tone for a team that looked like it had learned its Texas lesson the hard way.

Brent Venables’ postgame message hit home. “Every quarterback is gonna have some moments they’d like to get back,” he said. “And heavy as the crown goes to that position, and he’s exactly who I thought he was, and nothing more, nothing less.” For a QB who wore last week’s failure like a badge of shame, this was redemption in real time. It was a statement game that showed his ability to weather the noise and deliver when it mattered. And just like that, Oklahoma looked like Oklahoma again.

Oklahoma offense finds its groove again

Oklahoma (6-1, 2-1 SEC) rediscovered its balance. A patient, mistake-free offense paired with a suffocating defense. Tory Blaylock opened the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown run, followed by Xavier Robinson bulldozing in from ten yards out to make it 14-0. Then came the defining moment. South Carolina’s fake punt attempt. 

Defensive end Taylor Wein read it like a textbook, snagged the interception, and five plays later, John Mateer hit Isaiah Sategna III for a 20-yard touchdown. That made it 24-7 and effectively shut the door. Shane Beamer knew it, too. “Right now, I am not getting the most out of this team as the head football coach,” he admitted postgame, a raw confession that underscored just how far the Gamecocks have fallen.

And the rest of the SEC probably noticed. Oklahoma’s mix of defensive dominance and John Mateer’s renewed poise has officially put 15 teams on alert. If you thought the Sooners were shaken, think again. Their QB just proved he’s built for the storm and they’re suddenly looking like a problem for the entire SEC.