Following a challenging first half of play, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables revealed that the coaching staff held internal discussions regarding the status of starting quarterback John Mateer. The deliberation occurred during the halftime break after Mateer committed turnovers on three straight offensive drives.

While the team ultimately decided to keep Mateer in the game for the second half, the admission highlights the pressure the coaching staff felt regarding the quarterback's performance during the team's struggles. Venables did not elaborate on how close the decision came to fruition or what specific factors ultimately led to the choice to stick with the fifth-year starter. The situation underscores the volatility of the team's offensive production during the game, as the coaching staff weighed the potential benefits of a change against the risks of disrupting the team's rhythm mid-game.