11/29/25 06:34:00
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11/29 18:33 CST Mateer throws late TD pass, No. 8 Oklahoma beats LSU 17-13 to
likely secure playoff spot
Mateer throws late TD pass, No. 8 Oklahoma beats LSU 17-13 to likely secure
playoff spot
By CLIFF BRUNT
AP Sports Writer
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) --- John Mateer threw a 58-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah
Sategna with 4:16 left to overcome three interceptions, and No. 8 Oklahoma beat
LSU 17-13 on Saturday night to likely wrap up a College Football Playoff spot.
The Sooners (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference, No. 8 CFP) are in position to
host a first-round game after winning four straight. Mateer was 23 of 38 for
318 yards and two touchdowns, and Sategna caught nine passes for 121 yards.
Oklahoma held the Tigers (7-5, 3-5) to 198 total yards and came up with a late
stop to hold on. LSU converted on just two of 14 third downs.
LSU played through rumors about its coaching situation. Brian Kelly was fired
earlier and Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has been rumored to be his replacement.
Kiffin was expected to make an announcement about where he would coach next
season, but had not done so before LSU's game ended.
Michael Van Buren Jr. started at quarterback for LSU with Garrett Nussmeier
still recovering from an abdominal injury. Van Buren passed for 96 yards and
ran for 33.
Oklahoma was on the move early in the third quarter when Mateer threw an
interception to A.J. Haulcy, who returned it 42 yards to the Oklahoma 33. LSU
scored in four plays. Van Buren connected with Zavion Thomas for a 1-yard
touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 10-3.
Oklahoma tied it late in the third quarter when Deion Burks took a short pass
45 yards up the middle, LSU went up 13-10 before the long pass from Mateer to
Sategna.
The takeaway
LSU: The Tigers played solid defense, but struggled to move the ball for the
fourth straight game.
Oklahoma: Mateer made some mistakes, as usual, but came up with a few special
plays in critical moments, as usual.
___
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