Norman, Oklahoma, this fall may have something in common with South Beach last fall.

An accomplished quarterback from Washington State joins a program in need of a jolt, and delivers one early in September.

Last year, it was Cam Ward at Miami. This season, it’s looking like John Mateer at Oklahoma. Ironically, Mateer served as Ward’s backup in 2023.

Now, he’s following in his footsteps. He has Oklahoma, a surprise through two weeks, off to an impressive 2-0 start after a commanding 24-13 victory over Michigan in the game of the week.