NORMAN — Oklahoma has a tough balancing act on its hands with John Mateer . By his own admission, the redshirt junior must play a lot better to help OU’s offense progress. But the Sooners need Mateer to remain confident despite shaky performances against Texas and Ole Miss.

John Mateer followed an overthrown third-down ball to Jaren Kanak with an overthrow to Javonnie Gibson to end a needed drive for the Sooners late in the game. Mateer didn’t play his best down the stretch — but he’s still believing in himself entering a tough road environment this week.

Oklahoma pulled off one of its grittiest wins of the season Saturday night in Knoxville. They knocked off No. 14 Tennessee 33-27 in a game that kept College Football Playoff hopes alive for the Sooners.

John Hoover, Ryan Chapman, Carson Field and Ryan Aber previewed No. 18 OU's trip to take on No. 14 Tennessee on the latest Sooners on SI Podcast.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has struggled since undergoing surgery on his throwing hand. The Washington State transfer started the season strong, even being mentioned as a Heisman contender.

Sooners -Vols is set for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 1, from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Oct. 29.

Sooners quarterback John Mateer showed of brilliance in OU's win over the Volunteers, helping them improve to 7-2.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer lands a new NIL deal, boosting his national profile ahead of a key matchup with Ole Miss. John Mateer and the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners are 6-1 through seven games this season. Their only loss came to the Texas Longhorns in Week 7. They will now face the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels in Week 9.