Oklahoma Sooners news: Arbuckle addresses coaching rumors, Mateer injury update and more

Ben Arbuckle addresses coaching rumors

Despite just turning 30 years old, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has already emerged as a hot head coach candidate for several midseason openings, including Oklahoma State, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Arkansas.

Arbuckle was asked during Tuesday's weekly press conference about the rumors swirling about him and if it was a role he was even interested in so early in his career.

"I'm flattered that someone would say that about me, but none of that stuff registers in my head at all," Arbuckle said. "I have a responsibility to this university, to these kids. I haven't even thought about if I would be ready to be a head coach.

"I'm not seeking anything either. My responsibility is to Oklahoma, to these kids, putting them in the best position to be successful every single day. That's where my loyalty lies, and that's where my mind is set is right here at Oklahoma. That's about all I got to say about that one."

John Mateer pushing limits for recovery from injury

It's unknown how long OU quarterback John Mateer will really be sidelined after having surgery on his throwing hand last week, but OU head coach Brent Venables during his weekly coach's show insinuated that the earliest date possible will be when Mateer is back on the field.

“From the very beginning, he’s out there stretching with the guys,” Venables said. “He’s going to push the limits on everything when it comes to his rehab and getting back. At the same time, I told him, ‘You’re not going to defy the odds… You need to let those things heal.’

“He’ll be good. He’ll be one of those guys who broke the record (for quickest return), if you will.”

Two starters returning for Sooners

Venables also shared some good news regarding injuries during his coach's show. According to Venables, wide receiver Javonnie Gibson and cornerback Eli Bowen should return against Kent State on Saturday. Both are projected starters who have been sidelined all season to this point.

"We got a couple guys coming back this week in Javonnie Gibson and — provided there's no setbacks — Eli Bowen,” Venables said. “So, excited to see those guys get back into the rhythm. They've been practicing for the last couple of weeks, so we'll give them a little action and see where they're at.”

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