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Kirk Herbstreit Names Lofty Comparison for Oklahoma QB John Mateer During Michigan Game Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 10:23 AM ET

The Oklahoma Sooners maintained control of their home game vs. Michigan on Saturday night as they battled the Wolverines on their home turf.

The Sooners led 14-0 at halftime and continued their successful ways in the second half.

Sooners quarterback John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, took center stage in his duel with prized Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood on the night as he made big play after big play with his legs and his arm in the face of a highly regarded Wolverines defense.

Mateer's strong play earned him a comparison to a college football legend whose name will be immediately familiar to Sooners fans as he continued to battle Michigan's defense at home.

Mateer Compared to Sooners Legend Baker Mayfield

Herbstreit could not help but compare Mateer to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and former Oklahoma Sooners QB Baker Mayfield as the game progressed toward its conclusion Saturday night.

"I'm not comparing him to Baker Mayfield I'm just telling you," Herbstreit began.

'They energy that he can bring to this stadium, the belief...We didn't see this the last couple years for Oklahoma," he added, saying, "I know Baker is out there watching."

Mateer's Team Attempts to Weather Michigan Storm

Mateer and the Sooners attempted to weather a second half Michigan storm in Norman as the Wolverines drove late in the third quarter attempting to cut into a 21-10 deficit.

Mateer counted 211 passing yards on 15-for-24 passing with a touchdown and an interception as of late in the third quarter, adding 12 carries for 36 yards and two touchdowns along the way.

The OU quarterback's dynamic talents gave Sooners fans hope for a signature home win as the Wolverines drew to within 21-13 on a Dominic Zvada field goal, his second of the game, toward the end of the third stanza.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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