After suffering a loss to TCU in Fort Worth last week, the Sooners are looking for a rebound in the worst kind of way. They have the opportunity to do just that against Texas this week in the 118th edition of the Red River Shootout. Oklahoma has won four of the last five matchups against the Longhorns, and they are looking to extend their winning streak this week. A win could completely revitalize this season for OU, but a loss could ultimately be the kill shot to this teams confidence. Without further hesitation, let’s preview this year’s edition of OU-Texas.
Game Information
Current Records: Texas (3-2) vs Oklahoma (3-2)
Date/Time: October 8th @ 11:00a.m. CST
Where: Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas
TV: ABC
Spread: Texas (-7.0)
Over/Under: 65.0
How Will Texas Attack?
Texas has been up and down to start the season so far, however, they put on quite a showing against WVU last week. The Longhorns put up 38 points, and with the confirmed return of Quinn Ewers, their offense should be firing on all cylinders. Something that Oklahoma has struggled with mightily over the past few games has been the deep ball. TCU had four separate 60+ yard touchdowns last weekend. Expect Texas to try and exploit OU with the deep ball. On top of that, we should see a healthy dose of Bijan Robinson on the ground. If Oklahoma wants to win this game, they are going to have to stop the run and get pressure on the quarterback.
Defensively, I think that we’ll see some more complex blitz packages from the Longhorns that we haven’t seen yet. With Dillon Gabriel potentially being out of the game, Texas will likely try to put pressure on whoever steps in at QB, whether it’s Nick Evers, Davis Beville, or General Booty. If Oklahoma wants to win this game, they will have to get it going on the ground. It is unknown whether or not Eric Gray and Marcus Major will make a return. That being said, Javontae Barnes is a capable back. Expect Oklahoma to keep it on the ground if Gabriel isn’t able to play.
What Does Oklahoma Have to Do to Win?
If Oklahoma wants to win this game, they will have to limit big plays. In an atmosphere such as the Cotton Bowl, where you can physically feel the momentum swing over the course of the game, OU cannot allow long touchdowns like they did last week. On top of that, OU will have to play well on first down on both sides of the ball. Defensively, forcing a tackle for loss on first down makes the Texas offense very predictable. Offensively, you want to set yourself up well on second down so that you have an opportunity to take a shot downfield.
In addition, OU will have to run the ball well. If they can wear down Texas’s defense and set up big plays through the air, the Sooners have a great shot at winning this game. That being said, it is much easier said than done. Texas has been playing some great defense so far this season, only allowing just over 100 yards per game on the ground.
Prediction for the Red River Shootout
After the performance that we’ve seen from OU over the past few weeks, it’s difficult for me to predict a victory for the Sooners. However, both teams seem to play their best football in the Cotton Bowl. Regardless of that, I still don’t believe that Oklahoma has what it takes to win this game.
Prediction: Texas 38, OU 35