Oklahoma bounced back from its recent struggles with a 23-7 victory over No. 24 Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday night, Sports Illustrated reported.
The win moves Oklahoma to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in Southeastern Conference play ahead of a home game next week against Ole Miss, while the Gators fall to 5-4 overall and 3-4 in SEC play.
Offensive Transformation Under Jason Witten
With new offensive coordinator Jason Witten calling the plays after replacing Ben Arbuckle on Monday, the Sooners’ offense committed no turnovers and displayed a balanced attack. Witten received an iced Gatorade shower from his players as time expired after showing patience and belief in his quarterback and ground game. Oklahoma put together long, methodical drives, with three of their first four scoring drives covering 10, 15, and 20 plays and spanning 61, 84, and 89 yards.
The Sooners held an edge of roughly 15 minutes in time of possession and converted 10-of-18 third downs at The Swamp, contrasting with their previous struggles that had them ranked 96th nationally in third-down conversions at 36 percent. At halftime, Witten drew up an offense split evenly with 17 running plays and 19 passing plays, totaling 201 yards.
John Mateer Leads Offense with Passing and Rushing Yards
Quarterback John Mateer led the Sooners by completing 21-of-33 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover, while also rushing for a team-high 56 yards. In the first half alone, Mateer completed 13-of-19 passes for 135 yards, aided by a 41-yard gain on a pass to Rocky Beers.
Contributors on offense included Jacob Jordan, Hayden Hansen, Lloyd Avant, Tory Blaylock, Parker Livingstone, and Manny Choice. The game was clinched in the final minutes during a historic, game-clinching 20-play drive that took nearly 13 minutes off the clock. On third-and-goal, Mateer slipped a sidearm throw to wide receiver Isaiah Sategna, who beat his defender, cut up inside, and stretched the football over the pylon.
Brent Venables' Defense Limits Gators to 203 Total Yards
Brent Venables’ defense delivered a fierce performance, holding the Gators and first-time starting quarterback Tramell Jones to 203 total yards and just nine first downs while converting 2-of-9 third downs. Courtland Guillory and Peyton Bowen each intercepted passes for the Sooners.
Overall, Oklahoma compiled 351 yards of total offense. The Sooners rushed for 144 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry before their final possession concluded with Tate Sandell’s third field goal of the evening.
