Game Preview: No. 1 Texas vs No. 18 Oklahoma

The Texas Longhorns (5-0, 1-0) take on the Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday for the 120th time in history. The Red River Shootout is one of the greatest games played in college football each season and one of the few games where the cliché “throw the records out the window” actually fits. The more talented team doesn’t always win the Red River Shootout, but the toughest team almost always does.

Revenge on the Longhorns Minds

The Longhorns will be looking to avenge the heartbreaking loss they suffered in 2023 at the hands of the Sooners. It was the only regular season loss for Texas last season and it was a painful one. Despite losing the turnover battle 3-0, and having a sluggish start, the Longhorns had a three point lead with just 1:17 left. Unfortunately that was too much time for the Sooners as quarback Dillon Gabriel marched down the field and completed a three yard pass for a touchdown with just 15 seconds left.

Without a doubt, the loss left a sour taste in the mouth of Steve Sarkisian and the players. It has been stewing for a year now and there is no question Sarkisian, who is 1-2 against Oklahoma, will have the Longhorns ready to go.

Turnovers Will Be Key

Last year Oklahoma won the turnover battle 3-0 and if that happens again Texas will struggle to leave Dallas with the Golden Hat. Oklahoma has already forced eight fumbles this year, recovering all eight to go along with five interceptions. The Longhorns on the other hand are just +2 in the turnover margin on the year. Texas running back Jaydon Blue is coming off two lost fumbles against Mississippi State and without better protection things will not go well against the Sooners. Ball security will be pivotal for Blue and the rest of the Longhorn running backs as Oklahoma loves to try and punch the ball out.

With the Sooners starting freshman QB Michael Hawkins who is making just his second career start, the turnover battle will be critical. Hawkins being able to protect the ball is the most important factor in determining if the Sooners can pull off the upset. Oklahoma will roll out possibly the worst offensive line they have had in many years, which benefits a strong Texas defensive line. Look for Texas freshman EDGE Colin Simmons to have his national coming-out party. Simmons leads the Longhorns in sacks with four and has been getting better each week.

Rushing Battle Goes a Long Way in Determining the Winner

In the Texas vs. OU game there are usually two things that determine the outcome. The first being whichever team wins the turnover battle and the other being who has more rushing yards. Last year proved no different as Oklahoma won the turnover battle 3-0 and outrushed the Longhorns 201-156. You can go back throughout the history of the rivalry and the better rushing team almost always wins the game. That is in large part due to the more physical team typically winning.

Football has changed so much in the last 20 years but the running game still matters, especially in this matchup. Texas enters the game 30th in the country with 191 yards rushing per game, although some of that is inflated with games against Colorado State, UTSA and Louisiana-Monroe. Oklahoma ranks 88th in the country with just 128 yards rushing per game. Both Texas and Oklahoma rank in the top 30 in rush defense. This means two struggling rushing offenses are going to have to not only be better than what they’ve shown lately, but do it against defenses that excel at stopping the run.