Behind the Steel Curtain
We are less than 24 hours away from Week 3 of the college football season, which means it’s time to check back in on the quarterbacks we’ve been following. After a handful of marquee matchups to open the season, the vast majority of our passers and major programs faced smaller programs to Week 2. This is common during the early stretch of the season. These games might not be as meaningful as conference games or showdowns against ranked opponents, but they can still be useful for our purpose. It can also raise concerns when a quarterback struggles. With that much in mind, let’s jump in.
The result: Michigan 13 – Oklahoma 24
The stats: 21-34 (61.8%), 270 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 Big Time Throws, 2 Turnover Worthy Plays, 9.3 ADoT, 1 sack
19 rushes, 75 yards, 3.9 ypc, 2 tds
There’s been a steady buzz building around Mateer since he transferred to Oklahoma. One of the most entertaining, albeit unconventional, quarterbacks in college football, the main question was whether the Washington State transfer’s play style would translate when facing stiffer competition. The Michigan team Mateer faced isn’t on the level as the Wolverines team that recently won the national championship, but they are still a respected blue blood in the Big Ten and came into the game ranked 15th in the country.
Let’s start with the negatives and then wash it down with the positives.
Mateer wasn’t as accurate as he was during the season, and there are a couple of throws he attempts in this game where he is lucky not to turn the ball over. (2:53)(4:03) He also had a few balls sail on him in this game, including the interception he threw in the first quarter (1:46), and a fleaflicker that could have resulted in a touchdown (5:43).
It’s easy to watch Mateer and nitpick his game and traits. He’s shorter than I typically like in a quarterback. He plays with a frenetic, backyard style. His throwing motion reminds you of a shortstop turning two, and he’s seemingly always throwing his fastball. Sometimes, when he goes on the move you have to hold your breath because you aren’t sure if he’s going to run into a massive sack or do the most insane thing you’ve ever seen. His footwork and mechanics are not what they would call teach tape for young quarterbacks.
But at the same time, that’s what makes Mateer special. Mechanically, he reminds me a ton of Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray. The ways those quarterbacks move and the systems they’ve all gone through have a lot of similarities. I don’t have a catchy name for it, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that all four went to high schools with a seven-and-a-half-hour drive from each other.
Regardless, this game also proved that Mateer can produce against stiffer competition. He had some truly impressive throws attacking the seam (0:15), and soft spots...
