Auburn has already faced a talented quarterback this season in Baylor's Sawyer Robertson, who threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers' 38-24 victory against the Bears.
This Saturday, DJ Durkin's defense faces what could be the best quarterback in the nation in Oklahoma's John Mateer. The transfer from Washington State has put up huge numbers in his first three games with the Sooners, posting 944 passing yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 161 yards and four touchdowns.
Some outlets have the Little Elm, Texas, native as the current Heisman Trophy favorite. Auburn's defense will look to change that in Norman in a top-25 matchup, but Tigers' head coach Hugh Freeze sees what all the hype is about when it comes to Mateer.
“He is very talented," the coach said. "Runner, thrower, competitor, you can tell that team follows him, and he is their go-to guy in critical downs for whatever they need, and he has the ability to do it, and he’s got good skill around him. Those receivers and the tight end are very talented, with a really good O-line and solid running backs. Again, if you watch the tape, you think this team is one of the special ones and he’s the large reason.”
It's nothing new for Mateer, who in 12 games for Wazzu last season threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He was one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal, and Brent Venable and his staff scooped him up, ironically replacing current Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold.
If Auburn's secondary doesn't improve following a "sloppy" showing against South Alabama in a 31-15 victory, Mateer might have a massive game, putting his name even further up the list of Heisman candidates.
For Durkin, it will be about trying to slow a quarterback and offense that is putting up 33.7 points per game.