Oklahoma finally got its statement win, and it came in style. Well, John Mateer accounted for three TDs as No. 18 Oklahoma knocked off No. 15 Michigan 24-13 on Saturday night. And after the game, with Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now?!” blasting, players hoisted HC Brent Venables in celebration. Here, Venables tried to deflect the spotlight, saying, “I’m embarrassed. This is a players’ game…celebrate, man. What we do is too hard.” Still, the victory felt like a turning point for the Sooners (2-0), who are clawing back from last season’s 6-7 stumble. And now, following that win, an OU football legend turned ESPN analyst made a bold claim.

Brent Venables entered his fourth season at Oklahoma with pressure mounting, holding a 23-17 record. Given that, some even whispered about the hot seat. But OU legend Dusty Dvoracek called the Michigan showdown a defining moment. “I think it’s the biggest game of Brent Venables’ career since he’s been at Oklahoma,” said Dvoracek at SEC Media Days. He also added that a win would bring “real dividends to the positive,” while a loss could deal “a crushing blow for the fan base’s spirit and belief.” Now, after Venables guided the Sooners to victory, Dvoracek turned his attention to the team’s star QB, John Mateer, delivering a bold national verdict.

On September 11, The REF shared Dusty Dvoracek’s glowing take on John Mateer. “John Mateer is the best QB in the country. There’s not many that I can think of that I would rather have as my quarterback,” he said. Then Dvoracek praised more than just Mateer’s arm. “I think he’s just the temperament, the swag, the attitude—what he brings is just much needed and perfect for Oklahoma football right now. He was what I love,” he added. But the OU legend wasn’t finished there.

He also highlighted Mateer’s legs. “I love the interview with Hell Hero after. His ability as a runner, man, he knew they can pick up yards, and I saw it against Washington State. But he’s got vision and the ability to make people miss like a running back. It’s really impressive watching him run this offense, including the continuity of him in Arbuckle.” And following Mateer’s improvement under OC Ben Arbuckle, such high praise feels well-deserved.

John Mateer opened the season with 392 passing yards against Illinois State, then racked up 270 more through the air and 74 on the ground in the win over Michigan. Well, Arbuckle, who knows Mateer well from Washington State, raves about his vision, dual-threat talent, and poise under pressure. That’s why in just two games, Mateer has totaled 662 yards and five scores, quickly emerging as a Heisman candidate and the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s high-flying offense. But now, the star QB gets a warning from Temple’s HC.

The cautionary note for John Mateer

The Sooners hit the road this week for their first away game of the season, traveling to Philadelphia to face the Temple Owls. And the kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT. Well, last year, Oklahoma dominated Temple 51-3, but both programs have evolved. Now, the Owls boast a new coaching staff led by two-time FCS champion K.C. Keeler, while the Sooners are reloaded offensively with OC and star QB John Mateer leading the charge. Here, Keeler isn’t taking Mateer lightly.

“I love his style,” he said. “Dual-threat guy. Ran the ball 19 times this weekend. When they want to get a yard, they put the ball in his hands. That’s his guy. … He’s mechanically sound, very accurate. Really super talented.” But he added a warning. “It’s going to be important for us to get as many hits on him as possible… When he pulls the ball down and becomes a running back, he has to pay the price.” But Oklahoma knows that caution comes with merit.

Mateer racked up 54 combined passing and rushing attempts in the Michigan win, showcasing his toughness. Still, he can’t be the workhorse every week. To keep him effective through the season, the Sooners will need contributions from their offensive line and RBs Troy Blaylock, Jaydn Ott, Xavier Robinson, and Jovantae Barnes. Because keeping Mateer upright is key, not just this week, but for the long haul.