How Oklahoma QB John Mateer’s injury could actually benefit his Heisman case

The odds for Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer to win the Heisman Trophy plummeted after news of his injured throwing hand sidelining him for multiple weeks, but by December, the injury could actually make the case stronger for Mateer to win the Heisman.

Although OU head coach Brent Venables has spoken to media twice since the Sooners announced Mateer’s injury, there’s still no firm timeline for when Mateer could return. It seems he will for sure miss the game against Kent State next week with the Sooners off this weekend, but the biggest concern is if he’ll be healthy by the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 11.

John Mateer missing multiple weeks with hand injury

Regardless of when Mateer returns, the Heisman race will still be wide open, and Mateer could assert himself back on top as early as his first week back on the field.

Mateer broke a bone in his thumb in the first quarter against then-No. 22 Auburn on Saturday. Then, even with an injured throwing hand, Mateer led his team for three more quarters to a top-25 victory, including a heroic fourth quarter and game-winning touchdown run.

After a slow start, Mateer completed his final 11 passes. Down 17-16, the Sooners got the ball on their own 25 with 6:58 left. Going 4-for-4 with 62 passing yards, Mateer finished the drive with a nine-yard diving touchdown run that ultimately won the game. Teammates later said they never knew Mateer was injured during the game. He just kept playing.

A game against a weak Kent State defense would certainly be a chance for Mateer to pad stats, but missing it won’t kill his Heisman chances. Even missing the Red River Rivalry could eventually benefit Mateer’s Heisman campaign.

Without Mateer, the Sooners will be underdogs and expected to lose against Texas. Even if they do, though, the Sooners will still be College Football Playoff contenders with just one loss against a top-10 team at that point.

Mateer should be back by OU’s game against South Carolina on Oct. 18. The Sooners still have a loaded schedule beyond Texas. If Mateer continues to play like he was and keep the Sooners as national contenders after one loss without him, that would solidify his value to his team while succeeding through a daunting SEC slate.

However, Mateer, just 17 days after hand surgery, walking out of that tunnel at the Cotton Bowl and beating the Sooners’ biggest rival while going head-to-head with the preseason Heisman favorite would be stuff of legends.

Mateer’s stats will continue to be at the top of college football on a game-by-game basis. Between his surgeon going viral and leading his team to a win after an injury, Mateer already has the best storyline in the sport, and it’d be naïve to think that doesn’t catch the attention of Heisman voters. But if Mateer either rescues the Sooners after a loss in his return or comes back early to take down Texas, not only would OU still be a top contender, but Mateer would solidify himself as the Heisman favorite.

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