John Mateer‘s journey this season feels like a rollercoaster. A few weeks ago, he seemed to be the Heisman contender who was in control of Oklahoma’s attack like a veteran. But things haven’t looked the same since that thumb surgery. The Sooners are struggling as a result of the throws being pretty off and the shaky rhythm. Mateer insists that his thumb is “perfectly fine” and that the injury is not a factor, but stats don’t agree with him. Fans in Norman are worried about fewer yards, more interceptions, and missed chances in critical moments.

In the recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show, Joel Klatt admitted, “the thing that haunts me about OU and should haunt OU fans is that Mateer has just not been the same since that hand injury,” warning that quarterbacks rarely return to full form right away. The stats support that too; since returning, he has averaged almost 150 fewer yards. Mateer was sad about losing time, and even Brent Venables acknowledged that surgery was “the best option for John’s short- and long-term future” after consulting medical professionals. And the expectations were high because the treatment was performed by Dr. Steven Shin, the same surgeon who operated on Stephen Curry and Drew Brees. However, Mateer hasn’t been as sharp since returning, though.

The stakes are high for Saturday night’s showdown at Knoxville between two 6-2 SEC heavyweights. It’s about survival for Oklahomans. For Tennessee, the goal is to prove that Josh Heupel’s comeback is legit. Oklahoma’s impressive 5-0 start has faded into dissatisfaction. The Vols have recovered from early heartbreaks to Georgia and Alabama and are suddenly finding their offensive rhythm again. Since John Mateer’s return from thumb surgery, the Sooners’ attack hasn’t looked the same, which is a dangerous problem. As Klatt says, “And if Tennessee just makes them earn their way down the field, force them to snap it 10 and 12 times… this game goes towards Tennessee.”

Then Klatt considers “The Neland factor”. The atmosphere in Knoxville is unmatched as “one of the toughest places to play in all of college football”. The Vols have “won 25 straight home games against teams not named Georgia,” while Oklahoma’s “pass rush has not been the same” lately. They could only manage just one sack in each of their last two games.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s powerful offense is thriving, with Joey Aguilar leading the country’s No. 2 scoring unit. The Vols are too polished and explosive under the lights, but the Sooners will need to be perfect to win this game. Otherwise, Klatt says, “I like Tennessee in this game… Tennessee wins it 28–20.” His prediction sets the tone of Oklahoma’s fading edge later in the season.

John Mateer’s injury shook Oklahoma’s season

We can see it from the stands, we can feel it in his throws that “Mateer has just not been the same since that hand injury.” The guy was roaring before Auburn. Every drive was rhythmic. Now? The arrogance and confidence that once defined John Mateer have all faded. He knows it. Brent Venables knows it, and honestly, everyone in the audience from Knoxville to Norman is aware of it. Venebles said, “There’s never been as much disruption as there is today… From a fan’s perspective, everybody is wanting a piece of that action. I get it.”

The tension on Oklahoma’s sidelines only increases with each short jump and overthrown ball because the rhythm is disrupted and the touch is gone. Brent Venables seemed to be bearing the burden of two seasons: this year’s faltering promise and last year’s 6-7 loss. “Once again, Brent Venables did not have his team ready to play for a big home game,” said Bayless. He added, “I just don’t see much fire, intensity, fight.”

Still, Mateer has always had a heart. After the Ole Miss defeat, you could sense the disappointment and will to bounce back in his voice. “I emphasized in practice throwing the ball down the field, and then I just missed… it’s something I have to be better at. Period. Got to be better.” Even though his own hand may not believe, that child nevertheless has faith.He stated, “My thumb is perfectly fine. I think there’s just ups and downs with the flow of the game. I’m human, I’m not perfect. So, there’s good times, there’s bad times.” For Oklahoma its not about winning or rankings. Its survival. A team trying to juggle trohgh tough times with an injured quarterback.