Texas-Oklahoma predictions, keys to the game, and favorite State Fair Food
The Texas Longhorns are 14-point (!!!) favorites against the Oklahoma Sooners for the 120th Red River Showdown Rivalry. Do you believe Texas is two touchdowns better than OU?
Daniel Seahorn (@DanielSeahorn) – I throw stats and records out in this matchup every year. Texas looks like the better team on paper, but anything can happen in the Cotton Bowl.
Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – Blind ranking, I would feel like yes, Texas is two touchdowns better than OU. As someone who watched Case McCoy and Charlie Strong put on the Golden Hat, I know none of that matters in this game. There have only been two years when I felt confident going into this game: 2009 and 2022 and both years OU effectively didn’t field a quarterback.
Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – Yes. Texas has a better quarterback (and backup QB), better players at the skill positions, and a better offensive line. I’d argue the Texas defense rivals the Oklahoma defense, better in some categories depending on which EPA metric you look at. If this were a blindfold test, you would pick Texas by 14. But it’s not. So none of this matters because it’s the Red River Rivalry.
Jacob Neidig (@jneidig_2) – I think Texas is probably two touchdowns better than OU even with the theatrics and craziness of this game influencing the outcome. While Oklahoma also has a bye week to get healthy and strategize, Texas has a high-octane offense regardless of the quarterback and a defense that should be able to limit Seth Littrell’s offense. Texas is 14 points better.
Who will be the biggest X-factor on both sides for Saturday’s game?
Daniel – The quarterbacks are going to be the X-factors for both sides and will dictate how this matchup goes. Hawkins brings a dangerous element with his feet and athleticism for Oklahoma and you can guarantee there will be some new wrinkles added to take advantage of that. Quinn Ewers is back in the saddle Saturday and he has a chance to go out a winner against the Sooners if he can play a clean game against a tough defensive unit.
Gerald –
Cameron – Quinn Ewers and Michael Hawkins Jr. I can only see Oklahoma winning if Hawkins plays out of his mind.
Jacob – Jaydon Blue. I’m going out on a limb here given last week’s play but I think Blue not only bounces back but has a memorable Cotton Bowl performance. Beyond just toting the rock, he’s going to be essential in pass protection and catching the ball. Look for him to have a huge impact on the game. For Oklahoma, it’s honestly hard to say given how many of their offensive guys have missed time so far. I’ll go with DE R Mason Thomas. Thomas has shown a knack for bringing the quarterback in clutch moments with 4th quarter sacks against Tulane and Auburn.
What will decide this year’s Red River Rivalry?
Daniel – Limiting mistakes and turnovers. Texas didn’t play a clean game last year and that put them behind the eight ball early on. If they get out to a fast start and make Hawkins have to throw the ball a lot, then I like their chances to bring the hat back to Austin.
Gerald – Turnovers and ball control. The fumbles against Mississippi State give me chills, especially knowing that OU leads the country in turnovers via fumble. That’s the way to give a team you should be better than an opportunity to win.
Cameron – Turnovers and RedZone scoring. Texas turned the ball over three times against Oklahoma in 2023 while the Sooners did not turn it over once. One of those turnovers came in the redzone, with Texas reaching the red zone three times and only scoring three points. They also failed to score from the 1-yard line and turned it over on downs. That decided the game. And if Texas struggles with turnovers and punching it in, it’ll be a recipe for success for the Sooners.
Jacob – The line of scrimmage. If Texas can control the line of scrimmage on offense and run the ball effectively, it could be a long afternoon for those traveling from the north. Defensively, stopping the quarterback run and putting pressure on a shaky offense are the recipe for success, both of which require control of the line of scrimmage.
You have to pick one item from the Texas State Fair “Big Tex Choice Awards”. Obviously, you can chase it with a Fletcher’s corny dog and an ice-cold beer.
https://bigtex.com/big-tex-choice-awards/
Daniel – Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs sound LIT, so I am all over that.
Gerald – Because multiple of my peers said the Burnt End Bombs, I will pick something different. The Pop-Tart Bignets feel like they would be a decadent late-night treat.
Cameron – I’m with Daniel…give me the Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs. Gerald and Jacob, I have QUESTIONS for y’all.
Jacob – Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick. Sweet, savory, and creative. I’ll call my doctor beforehand to make sure they’re on call but count me in.
Score Prediction for the Red River Rivalry: Texas (-14) or Oklahoma?
Daniel – Texas 21, Oklahoma 20 because this game is never easy and rarely a blowout.
Gerald – Texas 31, Oklahoma 28. In the last 10 meetings, not counting the Big 12 Championship, there has been one win bigger than two scores and it was when Oklahoma came to Dallas with a receiver playing quarterback.
Cameron – Texas 31, Oklahoma 13. Sarkisian’s offense will be too much for Oklahoma to contain while Michael Hawkins and the Sooners offense will struggle against the best Texas defense in the PK-era.
Jacob – Texas 38, Oklahoma 20. Last week, against my better judgment, I predicted Texas to roll BIG. I still haven’t learned my lesson.