Oklahoma sticking with John Mateer despite turnover issues

The Oklahoma Sooners fell to 3-3 on the season in their 21-13 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. At the center of all three losses is quarterback John Mateer. In Oklahoma's losses to Michigan, Georgia, and Kentucky, Mateer has a combined seven turnovers.

Mateer played well for two-plus quarters against Kentucky, even as the Sooners managed just 13 points. But a tipped-ball interception changed the game and the momentum the Sooners had created offensively. All of a sudden, the offense was stuck in neutral, and Mateer threw two costly interceptions in the game's final moments.

Despite Mateer's continued turnover issues, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle reiterated the Sooners' commitment to Mateer as their starting quarterback.

"Just throughout everything that he's done, the player that he is, the preparation that he has, we believe that John Matier gives us the best chance to win", Arbuckle said Tuesday. "Like I've said multiple times, we have to eliminate back-breaking errors, catastrophic errors. For all the good that he does, we have to eliminate those, and he's not alone in that."

Arbuckle took ownership for his quarterback's turnover issues. While the offense's inconsistencies certainly fall on the offensive coordinator's shoulders, Arbuckle can't make decisions for his QB. Choosing when and where to throw it is up to the quarterback in the moment.

The Oklahoma Sooners are out of the College Football Playoff picture with their three losses. Mateer may give them the best shot at earning bowl eligibility. At the same time, his turnover issues have also put Oklahoma in a 3-3 hole.

If the Sooners want to build for the future, they have a chance to get important snaps against live competition for quarterbacks Whitt Newbauer or Bowe Bentley.