Texas Takes Down Oklahoma: A Controversial Comment

Well, this is one method to approach a rival. Just before Texas secured a 23-6 victory over Oklahoma on Saturday, analyst Booger McFarland made a rather bold suggestion regarding the Sooners’ quarterback, John Matthia. He proposed that the Texas defense should, if the chance arose, step on Matthia’s throwing hand—this was particularly notable since he had recently undergone surgery for a broken bone.

“That’s the thumb and hand that I want to step into as a defensive lineman,” McFarland remarked during the broadcast. Although he seemed to intend this as a joke, it didn’t land well; the silence from his fellow commentators spoke volumes.

Oklahoma’s performance certainly suffered, with Matthia throwing three interceptions and being sacked five times, resulting in their first loss of the season. In the lead-up to the game, there was significant focus on Matthia’s swift return to the field after his procedure.

At just 21, Matthia had been injured during a game against Auburn on September 20 and quickly had surgery later that month. Remarkably, he missed just one game during his recovery.

“Thank God the surgery was a success,” Matthia expressed after the procedure, adding, “Dr. Shin is a goat. Hurry up, Boomer!!”

In just four games this season, Matthia has completed 95 of 141 passes for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns—a strong showing for the young quarterback.

Even with uncertainties about Matthia’s condition leading up to this game, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that they had been ready for him all along. “We had to do that. He’s a dynamic player and definitely the focal point of the attack. Everything runs through him,” he noted, reflecting on the potential challenges posed by Matthia.