ESPN analyst suggests opponents step on Oklahoma QB John Mateer’s surgically repaired hand



Well, this would be one way to attack your opponent.

Shortly before Saturday’s 23-6 win over Texas over rival Oklahoma, ESPN/ABC analyst Booger McFarland suggested an aggressive way for the Longhorns defense to take Sooners quarterback John Mateer out of the game.

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McFarland proposed that Texas defenders should step on Mateer’s throwing hand, the one he recently had surgery on to repair a broken bone, if they had the opportunity.

In this March 28, 2017, file photo, SEC Network analyst Booger McFarland, right, broadcasts during Florida’s NFL Pro Day in Gainesville, Fla. AP

“That’s a thumb and a hand I would be looking to step on as a defensive lineman,” McFarland said on the broadcast.

McFarland, who spent eight seasons in the NFL as a defensive lineman, seemingly intended for this proposal to be a joke, but it came off in poor taste as no one else on the broadcast responded to it.

Mateer and Oklahoma struggled in the loss, as he threw three interceptions and was sacked five times in what was the No. 6 Sooners’ first defeat of the season.

A lot of coverage leading up to Saturday’s game between the SEC rivals has focused on Mateer’s quick path back to the gridiron following his operation.

Mateer, 21, underwent surgery in late September after suffering the injury in the Sooners’ win over Auburn on Sept. 20.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The surgery was ultimately successful, with Mateer having an unusually fast timeline in returning to the field, missing just one game for recovery.

“Thank God for a successful procedure,” Mateer posted to X following his surgery. “Dr. Shin is the GOAT. BOOMER SOONER!!”

Through four games played this season, Mateer has already racked up 1,215 passing yards, along with six touchdowns, completing 95 of 141 passes.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer signals to the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Dallas. AP

Despite the uncertainty of Mateer’s status heading into Saturday’s contest, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said that his team had been preparing for the Junior from the start.

“You have to. He’s a dynamic player, he’s the heartbeat of that offense for sure. Everything goes through him. We played against [Michael] Hawkins last year. He’s a much-improved player,” Sarkisian said.


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