Mateer throws 2 TD passes, Oklahoma hands Mississippi State third-straight loss 23-15

Starkville, Miss. (AP) — John Mateer threw two touchdown passes on successive possessions, both before and after halftime, leading Oklahoma to a 23-15 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday. Tate Sandell kicked a field goal for the Sooners on their opening drive. Billy Puckett, substituting for Kamario Taylor at quarterback, drove the Bulldogs to within 10 yards of the Sooners' goal late in the second quarter, but he fumbled the ball on the ensuing play.

Oklahoma recovered and extended their lead to 10-0 at halftime with a 96-yard drive, culminating in a 36-yard touchdown pass from Mateer to Isaiah Sategna. In the third quarter, the Sooners scored again, this time with a 32-yard pass from Mateer to Rocky Beers. Mississippi State answered with two consecutive trick plays, starting with an 18-yard touchdown pass from tight end Sam West to Camden Capehart, marking the Bulldogs' first touchdown in eight quarters.

Oklahoma answered with another field goal, then converted on two missed attempts to extend their lead to 23-7 with 4:26 remaining. Puckett connected with Sanfrisco Magee on a 42-yard touchdown, making the game a one-possession contest with 2:10 remaining. Oklahoma, averaging 92.5 yards rushing per game, amassed 184 rushing yards against Mississippi State, ultimately running out the clock for the win.