Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer hasn’t been the same since having surgery on his right hand.The Washington State transfer got off to a hot start this season, creating buzz and being mentioned as a Heisman contender.

John Mateer and the No. 13 Oklahoma Sooners are 6-1 through seven games this season. Their only loss came to the Texas Longhorns in Week 7. They will now face the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels in Week 9.

The Sooners and Rebels are getting set for action in a pivotal Week 9 matchup. It's arguably the best game of the week, pitting the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners against the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels in a contest that will have College Football Playoff implications.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables shrugged off any concerns that his quarterback's surgically-repaired thumb is affecting his play.

The Sooners invested heavily in Mateer over the offseason when he transferred from Washington State, making him one of the most highly-paid players in the country, according to 247Sports. Early on, the Little Elm, Texas, native has lived up to the hype. Heading into Week 7, Mateer ranked No. 2 nationally in total offense per game.