The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners head into this year’s iteration of the Red River Rivalry each with perfect 5-0 records on the season and even more on the line. After clearing an early season hurdle by defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, the Longhorns will face their next big challenge in slowing down a lethal Sooner offense that ranks 6th nationally in total offense. Oklahoma averages a whopping 47.4 points per game which is 3rd best in the country behind USC and Oregon, and they can hurt you through the air and on the ground.
The winner of this game undoubtedly holds the edge in advancing to the Big 12 Championship game on December 2nd. While a loss certainly doesn’t preclude either from an appearance, it does affect College Football Playoff aspirations as well as recruting battles.
The Longhorns shutout the Sooners 49-0 last year, but Brent Venebales has his team playing at a very high level this season. Will Sarkisian and the Longhorns keep the season rolling with a win at the Fairgrounds on Saturday? Our staff tells you what they think and how this game ends.
Devon Messinger (4-1)
Saturday’s rendition of the Red RIver Rivalry will certainly be a test for both teams. For Oklahoma, the Longhorns will clearly be the best team that they will have played so far this season. Meanwhile, for Texas, Oklahoma redshirt quarterback Dillon Gabriel will be the best gunslinger that they have faced up to this point. Forcing the question of how well will the Longhorns secondary do on Saturday?
However, with a running game that has sputtered so far this year, Oklahoma does not have a definite starting running back. Consequently, if Texas forces the Sooners to run the ball, it will be on Oklahoma to somehow regain their running attack against one of the best defensive lines in the country.
All of that being said, the underrated determiner of this year’s Red River Rivalry may very well end up being the battle of field position on special teams. If Xavier Worthy and Keilan Robinson can make smart plays on punt and kick return respectively, the Longhorns will have a much better chance of getting things moving offensively. Additionally, the turnover battle will be critical, and Quinn Ewers will need to be efficient in the passing game if they want to take care of business handily.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Oklahoma 27
Aaron Carrara (5-0)
The storyline of this game in my opinion, other than turnovers and special teams, is the ability of Texas to stop the Oklahoma passing attack. If the Longhorns can apply pressure on Dillon Gabriel and avoid giving up too many big plays, they win this game. Offensively Texas will get their yards and score points, and I think they will win the time of possession battle by a large margin. The Longhorns need to play their game, have a balanced offensive attack and they will avoid an upset by a Sooners team that is coming into this game with a vengeance.
Score Prediction: Texas 45, Oklahoma 38
Jameson McCausland (4-1)
This game is usually hard to predict, but one thing I am certain of is Oklahoma is going to come out with a different level of intensity/focus after last year’s embarrassment. There is little chance Brent Venables sits back on his heels after what Texas did to him and his team last year. Texas will need to match that intensity level early to avoid a slow start.
Dillon Gabriel is the best passing QB Texas has faced this year and the Longhorns have been vulnerable at times in the secondary. Up front, it feels like Texas has the advantage along the offensive and defensive lines.
It has been a long time since this game meant this much, and it’s awesome for college football. Steve Sarkisian has a track record of solid gameplans offensively in these types of games, and I’ll bet on that continuing and leading Texas to a 6-0 start.
Score Prediction: Texas 35, Oklahoma 28
TFloss32 (4-1)
It’s here. The most anticipated of games – the Red River Rivalry – has finally arrived and it’s chock-full of hate, fried food and debauchery (just ask JaMarkus McFarland). A second consecutive victory in Dallas on Saturday will set the table for Sark and staff to accomplish their lofty recruiting goals and fulfill their championship aspirations.
While its clichéd to say things like “throw all predictions out the window” for this match-up, it’s also appropriate if you’ve spent your entire life watching these two teams face off every October. Despite all the intangibles, storylines and individual motivations that can’t be measured on the stat sheet, Texas has the better team, a more talented roster, a way stronger résumé of those they’ve defeated and is seemingly at least a year ahead of Oklahoma on the program growth curve.
So, what can Oklahoma do to be successful? Simply put, Dillon Gabriel will need to have a career day against Texas’ stout defense and one of the best DL in all of college football. I expect OU to do their best to mitigate any disadvantages they have by relying heavily on tempo and quick, short-to-intermediate throws in an attempt to keep Dillon Gabriel clean, confident and moving the chains. They will also pick their spots to take deep shots against Texas’ secondary knowing well they’ll need big plays to maintain any momentum and ultimately win the game, plus the Longhorns having shown struggles in that area. Any success for the good guys lives in the simplicity of what they’ve been doing (with hopefully more red zone efficiency).
The one thing that stood out against Kansas – and something that makes this team different – was their ability to absolutely dominate even if the score didn’t reflect that at the time, but eventually there’s a breakthrough due to the opponent being completely worn down. That may be the case again here with the Sooners running on adrenaline and desperate to avenge last year’s historical embarrassment. All things considered, I don’t think Oklahoma can prevail without big plays and Texas performing well below what they’ve shown all year to this point.
Since the 2005 season, Texas leaves the Cotton Bowl victorious when they’ve been favored. Come Sunday morning we’re seeing discussions about Texas being ranked #1 in the country headed into a very welcomed bye week.
Score Prediction: Texas 35, Oklahoma 24
Marc Henry (3-1)
The Texas Longhorns come into the game versus Oklahoma ranked number three in the country and with as much momentum as they have had in their favor since the National Championship in 2005. Here are the keys for the Texas Longhorns to come out on top in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma.
Texas needs its quarterback to be on point. Accurate passes, smart decision-making, and the ability to read Oklahoma’s defense will be crucial. Quinn Ewers played with a swagger versus Kansas in Austin. His ability to use his legs will be a key to move the chains and making the right reads will be key in the passing game.
A strong rushing attack can help control the clock, keep the defense fresh, and open up passing opportunities. Jonathan Brooks has established himself as the go to running back. Brooks eclipsed to 200 yard mark versus Kansas and he is the key component in the Longhorns offense that allows them to be dominant.
The offensive and defensive lines must dominate their counterparts to control the line of scrimmage, both in pass protection and run blocking. Kelvin Banks Jr. is leading the Texas offensive front and this group has established a physical presence this season.
Texas’ defense needs to be consistent in stopping Oklahoma’s offense, particularly their talented running backs and dynamic passing game. Dillon Gabriel is the focal point of the Sooner offense and the front seven, that includes Byron Murphy II and Jaylan Ford need to get pressure on him to break up their rhythm offensively.
Avoiding costly turnovers is essential. Giving Oklahoma extra possessions can be detrimental. The Longhorns have been very efficient and this trend needs to continue to bring home the win at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Special teams can make a big difference in field position and even scoring. Effective kick and punt returns, as well as field goal accuracy, will be vital.
Being prepared to adjust strategies based on how the game unfolds is important. Both offensive and defensive game plans may need to evolve throughout the match. Texas has to make the correct adjustments and limit penalties in order to control the outcome of the game in their favor.
Texas has the right mix of talent, momentum and this is their time to show up on the big stage prove to the country that they are one the top teams in the country.
Score Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma 31
Dylan DeRaud (4-1)
The game will come down to who makes more mistakes and if Oklahoma can get Texas to play to their level. In a bruising, run heavy and mucked up game. Texas will win. If Oklahoma can get Texas into an air raid match and trade huge plays, they have a chance. Especially if they can get Ewers to throw some picks. Watch for an early Oklahoma lead or some quick points to return the favor in the beginning of the game. It will be key for Texas to let their trenches slowly take over the game and wear down Oklahoma. Then control the clock and create chunk plays off play action. In a key game that has College Football Playoff implications, I have Texas winning a close one to make it two Red River Rivalry wins in a row.
Score Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma 30
Mitch Lovell (4-1)
Oklahoma comes into the Cotton Bowl seeking revenge from last year’s 49-0 loss. The Sooners are an improved team, but so are the Longhorns. I predict Quinn Ewers will have another great game, as he seems to constantly do, with the nation watching. With a potentially gimpy JT Sanders, Xavier Worthy is poised for a big game and the Sooners don’t have enough offense to keep up.
Score Prediction: Texas 42, Oklahoma 21
Ryan Swantkowski (5-0)
Keeping it simple, this game has been unpredictable year after year. That being said, Texas has played better competition and purely looks like an all-around better team. Give me the ‘Horns here to remain undefeated.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Oklahoma 21
