Horn Sports wraps up counting down the most important games of the 2014 football season with the Sooners. For this series, “most important games” is defined as those games having the biggest impact on the program’s outlook and the 2014 season. The main question to ask is “How would a win help bolster Texas’s national perception?”
The Countdown – #1 Oklahoma Sooners
Analysis:
The Red River Rivalry. The game and atmosphere are two things that Longhorns and Sooners look forward to every year. However, for Texas, this year’s game will mean more than most…
Last year, the Longhorns were big underdogs. Texas didn’t have a chance according to the so-called “experts.” The Longhorns shocked the Sooners and the college football world with a 36-21 victory in the Cotton Bowl. The game wasn’t as close as the score indicates.
After last season’s beating, Oklahoma isn’t going to look past the Longhorns in 2014. After the Red River Rivalry, OU got on a extended hot streak which ended with a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. Personally, I don’t agree with preseason expectations that Oklahoma will be a national title contender but I do believe they will be a top 15 team.
This game always has national relevance. When Mack Brown beat Oklahoma last year, the national media talked about how it could potentially save his job.
Charlie Strong is focused on building a complete program. Most people understand that to build a program in college football, you need a signature win. Texas A&M got their signature win in 2012 when they won at Alabama, and has been reaping benefits ever since that victory. It’s wasn’t merely an SEC win, A&M’s impression was made because it was an unexpected win against college football’s hottest team. Charlie Strong could earn that kind of momentum with a great start to the season and a win in the Cotton Bowl.
About University of Oklahoma:
OU was founded in 1890 when the Oklahoma Territory decided to establish three universities. They established Oklahoma State, Central Oklahoma, and Oklahoma University. OU has a great academic reputation being ranked 101st by US News and World Report. Notable alumni include Darryl Royal, Ed Harris, Olivia Munn, and Dari Nowkhah.
Oklahoma Football has been one of the most successful programs in FBS history, winning 7 national titles and 44 conference titles. Oklahoma has 5 Heisman winners, the 3rd most of any school.
