Oklahoma-Texas preview: Red River showdown

It is more than just a season checkpoint for the Texas Longhorns.

Saturday will open the doors to this year’s addition of the Red River Rivalry – the storied clash between Texas and Oklahoma.

In recent years, the two foes have squared off as AP top-25 powerhouses. This year, however, the script has flipped. After entering the season with massive expectations, the Longhorns have struggled to live up to their hype, boasting a 3-2 record and an unranked status.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, has emerged as a true contender in the SEC, exceeding expectations with quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners have rightfully earned their right to the No. 6 spot in the nation.

Now, with the Longhorns merely hanging on by a thread, a win Saturday could redefine the trajectory of Texas’s season.

Expose Oklahoma’s QB Situation

John Mateer was a front-runner to win the Heisman before his injury that kept him out of Oklahoma’s last game against Kent State. After undergoing surgery on his right (throwing) hand, reports suggest he is attempting to make a return.

In his absence, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. started and threw three touchdowns for 167 yards. Hawkins demonstrated his dual-threat ability in rushing nine times for 33 yards. Ultimately, he presents Oklahoma with a safe backup option if John Mateer is ruled out.

Either way, Texas must generate pressure and force either Mateer or Hawkins to throw. Despite the experience of both players, Texas is much better off forcing the pass than allowing the rush.

If Mateer plays, he will be playing on a half-injured hand. If Hawkins plays, Texas can disrupt him with pressure and force him to make quick decisions. Hawkins is prone to making risky throws, and Texas can benefit from turnovers.

Run the ball with urgency

There is no denying that Arch Manning has been lackluster. As the preseason Heisman favorite, Manning has failed even to touch that standard.

A large reason for Texas’s offensive inconsistency has been the lack of a ground game, which has been nonexistent.

Surprisingly, Manning leads Texas with just 160 rushing yards on 43 carries. The next best rusher is sophomore running back Jerrick Gibson, who has tallied 36 attempts and 155 yards. This production is simply below standard.

The Longhorns have been injured in this department with sophomore standout CJ Baxton having to miss his second-straight game due to a hamstring injury. In facing a top-ten opponent, the team is in desperate need of someone to step up. For the sake of the season and Arch Manning’s success, it is crucial.

Make OU’s Defense Uncomfortable

It’s a lot easier said than done.

Texas has a legitimate chance of winning if the team can tire out Oklahoma’s defense, sustain long drives, and keep them guessing.

The only issue is that not many teams have been able to do that. In their closest game, Oklahoma beat Auburn 24-17. Those numbers tell a very different story from the stats.

The Sooners’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage in every fashion, securing a school-record 10 sacks, allowing just 32 rushing yards, and forcing the Tigers to commit 13 penalties.

In short, that cannot happen.

Oklahoma ranks second nationally in stop rate at 85.1%. This means the Sooners have forced either a punt, a turnover, or a turnover on downs for most of the game. In their last game against Kent State, Oklahoma allowed just 0.5 yards per carry and 2.6 yards per play.

They have forced 44 punts and allowed just 36 points in four games. Dominant to say the least.

Somehow, someway, the Longhorns will need to get creative.

Sam Simonic is a first-year student majoring in print/digital journalism. To contact him, please email sps7381@psu.edu.