In this episode of Saturday vs Sunday, we break down Auburn’s gritty matchup with Oklahoma — a game defined by sacks, penalties, and tough defense. Neither team could run the ball, but the difference came down to quarterback play, and that’s where John Mateer gave Auburn the edge. While Jackson Arnold looked rattled behind a collapsing pocket and absorbed 10 sacks, Mateer managed to keep the chains moving with timely throws and scrambles.
We talk about how Auburn’s offense wasn’t pretty, but Mateer’s composure under pressure stood out. He avoided the disastrous mistakes that plagued Oklahoma, and even though this was an ugly game with nearly no run production, Mateer did just enough to give the Tigers a fighting chance. On the other side, Oklahoma’s only passing touchdown came off a questionable fake substitution trick play — the kind you can only pull once.
Ultimately, this one came down to grit. Auburn’s defense was excellent, Oklahoma’s defense was disruptive, but it was Mateer’s ability to make the small plays in big moments that separated the teams. In a game where stats don’t tell the full story, Mateer proved he could handle the pressure and keep Auburn competitive against a top defensive front.