Can Oklahoma make the College Football Playoff? Why Sooners face tough road ahead after loss to Texas

No. 6 Oklahoma got quarterback John Mateer back only 17 days after he had surgery on his thumb, but the quarterback's return did not spark the Sooners' offense as they fell to Texas, 23-6.

Oklahoma, who entered the Red River Rivalry 5-0, suffered its first loss of the season and dropped to 1-1 in conference play. Mateer struggled throughout the day, throwing three interceptions as the Sooners did not get the ball in the end zone.

While Oklahoma has the chance to bounce back starting next week, it's not going to be easy. The Sooners face five more opponents currently ranked in the AP Top 25.

Here's the road ahead for the Sooners and what to expect after the loss to Texas.

MORE: Why did John Mateer transfer to Oklahoma from Washington State?

Will Oklahoma make the college football playoff?

The road ahead is a tough one for the Sooners, who face five ranked opponents in their final six games. The loss to Texas dropped Oklahoma to 5-1 on the season.

Oklahoma has two ranked wins over No. 15 Michigan and No. 22 Auburn, both coming in Norman. Texas' win will propel them into the AP Top 25 again, making it a better loss.

The Sooners have a road game against South Carolina next week, and after that finish the season with five straight opponents currently in the AP Poll.

John Mateer stats

Even with Mateer's return, Oklahoma struggled against a Texas defense that entered the day allowing 12 points per game.

Mateer finished 20-for-38 for 202 yards and three interceptions, including two in the first half to Texas corner Malik Muhammad. After the 9:09 mark in the second quarter, Oklahoma was held scoreless as Texas rattled off 23 straight points. It was an Arch Manning touchdown pass that gave Texas the lead for good to open the second half.

The teams had very different performances on third down, with Texas going 9-for-16 compared to Oklahoma's 6-for-17. The Texas defense looked too much for Mateer at times as he was sacked five times.

MORE: Meet 'GOAT' surgeon behind John Mateer's speedy recovery from hand injury

Oklahoma 2025 schedule

 MORE: Why is it called Red River Rivalry?