John Mateer Leads As Oklahoma Sooners Dominate Temple Owls, 42-3

The Oklahoma Sooners put on a clinic Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, dismantling the Temple Owls 42-3. The big plays kept coming, and it was led by Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, who passed for over 280 yards. The defense, meanwhile, played with a ferocity that left Temple gasping for air throughout four quarters of relentless pressure.

This laugher was sandwiched between two big games for the Sooners. Last week, they beat Michigan. Next week, they start SEC Conference play against Auburn. 

First Quarter: Oklahoma Sets the Tone Early

Oklahoma wasted no time establishing dominance. The Sooners struck first when Jovantae Barnes punched in a three-yard touchdown run, capping off a drive that showcased the team’s resilience. Facing a seemingly impossible third-and-19 situation, Mateer found tight end Jaren Kanak wide open for a 23-yard gain that ignited the Oklahoma sideline.

The Oklahoma Sooners executed a perfect fake field goal for a two-point conversion, with Kanak finding punter Jacob Ulrich in the end zone. The crowd erupted, and you could feel the momentum shift completely toward Oklahoma.

Later in the quarter, Kicker Tate Sandell connected on a booming 52-yard field goal, giving Oklahoma an 11-0 advantage that felt much larger given Temple’s offensive struggles.

Second Quarter: The Rout Takes Shape

The second quarter belonged to freshman Tory Blaylock, who found the end zone twice, first on a six-yard scamper that showcased his vision and power, then on an 18-yard touchdown run that had Oklahoma fans dreaming of the future.

Blaylock had six carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Oklahoma’s defense continued its suffocating performance, forcing Temple to punt on every single possession. Safety Reggie Powers III delivered a crushing sack on Evan Simon, and the frustration on Temple’s sideline was visible as their offense managed just 63 total yards in the opening half.

Third Quarter: Oklahoma Pulls Away

Any hopes of a Temple comeback were extinguished early in the third quarter. Xavier Robinson hauled in a six-yard touchdown pass from Mateer, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 35-3 and sending many Temple fans toward the exits.

The biggest play came when Mateer broke loose for a spectacular 51-yard touchdown run, racing untouched into the end zone as the Oklahoma bench exploded in celebration. The quarterback’s 63 rushing yards on just seven carries demonstrated the dual-threat ability that makes him so dangerous.

However, the quarter wasn’t without controversy. Defensive end R Mason Thomas was ejected for targeting, a call that will force him to miss the first half of next week’s crucial Auburn game. The emotion was raw as Thomas left the field, knowing his absence could impact Oklahoma’s SEC opener.

Fourth Quarter: Reserves Shine

With the game well in hand, Oklahoma began substituting freely. Backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. entered the game with valuable experience, completing one of three passes for five yards. The Sooners showed their depth as numerous players received meaningful snaps.

Temple’s struggles continued as they managed just 18 more yards in the final quarter, bringing their pathetic total to 104 yards for the game. The Owls punted an astounding 12 times, averaging just 1.9 yards per play in a performance that left their coaching staff searching for answers.

Statistical Domination Tells the Story

The numbers paint a picture of complete Oklahoma superiority:

Offensive Statistics:

• Oklahoma total yards: 515 vs Temple’s 104
• Oklahoma rushing yards: 228 vs Temple’s 26
• Oklahoma passing yards: 287 vs Temple’s 78
• First downs: Oklahoma 25 vs Temple 7

Defensive Dominance:

• Oklahoma recorded four sacks and 11 tackles for loss
• Temple was held to 1-of-11 on third down conversions
• The Owls managed just 1.0 yards per rushing attempt
• Temple’s longest play from scrimmage was only 20 yards

Individual Performances:

• Tory Blaylock: 14 carries, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns
• John Mateer: 20-of-34 passing, 282 yards, 1 TD; 7 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD
• Isaiah Sategna III: 7 receptions, 97 yards
• Reggie Powers III: 4 tackles, 1 sack