What was the reason Venables chose Mateer over Hawkins?

Hawkins was pretty shaky in his time in Norman. The decision was not crazy at the time.

You are correct, though, that it was definitely the wrong move with hindsight.

OU made playoffs with injured Mateer. Thought was he’d play even better healthy.

Hawkins had some rough moments too. You don’t make him off season starter after making playoffs.

Hind site is always 20/20.

Hawkins play style doesn’t work well here, and he’s found the perfect home. Just because he’s doing well elsewhere doesn’t translate into doing well here. Happy for him he was a legacy player.

Mateer has been a disaster. Biggest beef fans have is not even trying other qbs. GA game was lost and why not give backup a few series before half just to see what you have vs a good defense. Still have not seen any bench qb in SEC play. Mateer is not going to magically improve he is aging out this year and has over 30+ games to see. We need to know what we have.

Problem is BV sees us at 2 conf losses and thinks if we win out we can be pretty high in standings, and go somewhere. Fans know thats not gonna happen but until we are really out he’s going to march Mateer out there. fricking texas likely changes qb before OU!

We are pretty much relegated to watching defense play and then do mini chores at home while on offense until D is back on field.

Edit to add: Some pundits say you can’t play backup with this injured makeshift oline. I counter with its sucked for 3 years and will suck again next year so thats the best experience is play them when it sucks so they get used to it. Will tell you much more than if have a perfect pocket

Hawkins didn't mesh with the offense at OU. He's perfect for the Rich Rod system though.