Texas rolls into Red River game week, and it’s time to break down the Sooners that you need to keep an eye on. Oklahoma is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but there are some injury questions offensively. Texas has their back up against the wall and Oklahoma is walking in with all of the confidence in the world. Who are the Sooners that will define this game?
John Mateer – QB
The questions have begun to swirl, mainly “will we see John Mateer this weekend or not?” It sounds like he is progressing well, but if you remember the Dillon Gabriel situation a few years back, you won’t believe it until he takes the first snap. Mateer is a true competitor, and if he can go, I assume he will. That is still very much up in the air, but all eyes will be on #10 in crimson and cream in pregame warmups.
“He’s doing his normal protocol. He’s done zero good-on-good work,” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said Tuesday. ” … John is doing no good-on-good work. So it’s Michael (Hawkins Jr.) and Whitt (Newbuaer) right now.”
But ESPN’s Pete Thamel continues to report there’s a chance the Little Elm QB plays. “There’s a belief that Mateer’s return less than three weeks after hand surgery is possible, according to sources, as he has reacted well to the operation.” Thamel said.
Isaiah Sategna III – WR
This has become the go-to guy for this offense, with or without John Mateer. The Austin native has led the Sooners in receiving yards in the last three games, including over 95 yards in two of them. The special thing Sategna brings is his versatility. He can run a number of different routes, but is really special as a punt returner. He’s already topped his career high in receiving TDs for a season through five games. The Texas secondary will have to communicate where #5 at all times, because he can score in a hurry.
Jaren Kanak – TE
This is not only the most welcome surprise for Oklahoma, but maybe one of the more interesting developments in the country. Jaren Kanak played his first three seasons in Norman at LB, and flashed at times, but has found a home at TE. Kanak is sitting at 328 receiving yards on the season, good for second on the team, and is a mainstay in the Oklahoma offense. Kanak consistency has been huge for Oklahoma, so Texas taking him out of the game as best they can is a massive key to success.
David Stone – DT
Stone is a name many Texas fans will know from the recruiting world, being that Texas finished second in his recruitment. In his second year, Stone has become a true star on the IDL for the Sooners, and he is going to be a handful for the Texas OL. Stone, along with Jayden Jackson, are a strong pass rush duo on the interior for Oklahoma, and if Texas can’t hold them off a little bit, it’s going to be a long day for Arch Manning. 1.5 sacks on the year, 19 tackles, but consistent pressure and an incredible motor makes him a handful for every OL he faces.
R Mason Thomas – DE
This is maybe the most complete edge player in the country. R Mason Thomas has racked up 3 sacks and a FF on the year, but his incredible ability to set and hold an edge is what makes him unique. Standing at 6’2”, 249 lbs, he doesn’t measure as the biggest edge rusher in the world, but he plays as physically as any player in the country. Goosby and Baker(and maybe others) will have their hands full with Thomas, and will need to get help from Manning and Sarkisian to handle the challenge.
Courtland Guillory – CB
Oklahoma’s pass rush has been one of the most dominant in the country, and their backend does plenty to back them up. Gentry Williams and Robert Spears-Jennings lead the way, Peyton Bowen continues to grow but Courtland Guillory has brought a lot to the table. Guillory did struggle at times against Auburn, particularly against the bigger bodied Cam Coleman. This could be a matchup Emmett Mosley V could excel against if they can get him into 1-on-1 situations.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Sooners to watch in Red River: Will Mateer play?
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
