Oklahoma blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost 21-13 to No. 15 Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Norman.

Quarterback John Mateer threw three second-half interceptions, including a pick-six with 1:17 remaining. The Sooners (3-3, 1-2 SEC) outgained the Wildcats 346 to 230 in total yards, according to OU athletics.

Kentucky (6-1, 4-1 SEC) scored first. Quarterback Kenny Minchey found tight end Willie Rodriguez for a 2-yard touchdown to cap a 13-play, 67-yard opening drive, according to UK athletics.

OU answered with a 44-yard Tate Sandell field goal. Mateer then led a 90-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Rocky Beers, and the Sooners took a 10-7 lead into halftime.

Sandell added a 26-yard field goal in the third quarter for a 13-7 advantage. OU's defense held Kentucky without an explosive play all game, head coach Brent Venables told News 9 after the loss.

Mateer’s first interception came late in the third quarter.

Kentucky pass rusher MiQuise Humphrey-Grace hit Mateer's arm as he threw. The ball floated deep, and safety Ty Bryant intercepted it, returning it 43 yards to the OU 44, according to UK athletics.

Kentucky converted the takeaway into a go-ahead score. Minchey hit Rodriguez for a 12-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and the Wildcats led 14-13 with 12:53 left.

OU's offense stalled. Humphrey-Grace sacked Mateer on first and third down to force a three-and-out.

Kentucky drove to the OU 5-yard line but could not convert on fourth down. Defensive end Jake Kreul, who finished with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss, sacked Minchey on the play, according to Stormin' in Norman.

OU took over at its 13 with 6:04 remaining, went three-and-out and punted. Kentucky then punted, pinning OU at its 4 with 2:43 left.

Kentucky defensive back Jordan Castell picked it off and returned it 41 yards for the touchdown that made it 21-13. Bryant intercepted Mateer again with 21 seconds remaining to end it.

Mateer finished 24 of 40 for 270 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions, according to Stormin' in Norman. Minchey went 21 of 28 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, according to UK athletics.

Kentucky's defense recorded four interceptions and five sacks. Sophomore receiver Manny Choice led OU with 98 receiving yards on five catches, including a 34-yard gain, according to Stormin' in Norman.

Offensive line injuries compounded OU's problems. Left tackle Ryan Fodje, filling in for injured starter Michael Fasusi, was beaten consistently and eventually left the game, according to Stormin' in Norman.

Peyton Joseph, making his first career start, also limped off during the final possession.

Venables defended Mateer after the game, telling News 9 he saw improvement despite the turnovers. "I saw improvement, and thought he did a really good job most of the game, played well and gave us an opportunity to win," Venables said.

He called the pick-six critical and said the turnover margin was the difference. The loss came one week after OU defeated then-No. 1 Texas 27-24, according to News 9.

OU travels to Mississippi State on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.