Arch Manning sheds light on John Mateer, hardest part of playing OU defense

Not too many settings have the starting quarterbacks of Texas and Oklahoma hanging out. But the Manning Passing Academy brought Arch Manning and John Mateer together. A first time the two have ever crossed paths.

While the two fan bases might want a rivalry to brew between the two, Manning spoke highly of Mateer on Tuesday at SEC Media Days. Not just as a player, getting an opportunity to throw alongside each other, but also as a person.

“I think he’s a really good player,” Manning said. “I haven’t seen much of him just because they’re in different conferences and whatnot. But being around them, he’s a really good player and a good guy. I really respect his game and personality. It was kind of fun catching up with him over those few days.”

Neither one of the two has ever played in a Red River Shootout. Manning has experienced as a player twice now, watching Texas win and lose from the sidelines. Mateer cannot say the same, beginning his college career at Washington State. However, come Oct. 11, the entire spotlight will be on the two quarterbacks.

Luckily for them, there will be no direct head-to-head matchup. Manning will instead have to deal with the Brent Venables defense while Mateer gets Pete Kwiatkowski on the burnt orange sideline.

Despite never seeing it with his own eyes, Manning knows facing the Oklahoma defense is going to come with its challenges. Plenty of big names are returning for the Sooners and thirsty to get the Golden Hat back to Norman. A fun game of cat and mouse, even three months away from meeting inside the Cotton Bowl.

“OU does a lot on defense,” Manning said. “I was talking to Mateer about it. They do a lot and it’s confusing. Venables does a really good job and they have a lot of really good players. So, it’s going to be tough but that game is always a fun one.”

Texas was in Atlanta on Tuesday, Oklahoma Wednesday. So much of the attention surrounding the two programs were on the two quarterbacks. Manning stole the show and 24 hours later, the talk around the College Football Hall of Fame switch the Mateer.

For now, a lot of talk is about what the two could become this spring. You have to imagine they are ready to go out there, strap the helmet up, and start playing.