Brent Venables praises John Mateer's performance against Texas

The Oklahoma Sooners haven't had the start they hoped for, sitting at 3-2 and unranked in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll. However, the Sooners are coming off a huge win over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl, 27-24.

Quarterback John Mateer had struggled up to this point in the season. He's completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,038 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. His play has drawn scrutiny. On Saturday, he completed 18-of-26 passes for 155 yards and, most importantly, had no turnovers.

He made his best plays in crucial moments. With 19 seconds left and the game tied, the Sooners got the ball back at their 39-yard line. Mateer then found Isaiah Sategna for 13 yards before throwing a perfect back-shoulder pass for 20 yards. Those set up a walk-off, game-winning 47-yard field goal by Tate Sandell.

Head coach Brent Venables reacted to his quarterback's performance.

"I thought he did a great job playing quarterback," Venables said. "Taking care of the ball, taking what was there. Playing complementary football and not trying to win the game in the first quarter. It goes without saying, he was fantastic against one of the country's best-coached defenses... John was just really, really good when he had to be."

Mateer's performance against Texas could be the confidence boost he needs to settle into the season and lead Oklahoma's offense with greater consistency. The Sooners don't need him to force big plays on every possession; they need the poised decision-making he showed in Dallas in the final seconds. Protecting the football and delivering in high-pressure situations will be crucial as the schedule gets tougher.

The win also gives Mateer and the Sooners something tangible to build on after a frustrating start. If he can carry that late-game composure into the weeks ahead, Oklahoma can turn its momentum into a sustained run and keep its postseason hopes alive. The Texas win was a major step, but stringing together strong performances will determine how far the Sooners can go.