For both Texas and Oklahoma, Red River week is the most important of the year. Leaving the State Fair of Texas will fried food and the Golden Hat after a battle in the Cotton Bowl is expected from both schools.
This year’s matchup has even more spice to it, with both schools in dire need of a win to get their seasons turned around. The Longhorns is coming off a loss to TCU at home, while the Sooners are 0-2 in the Big 12 for the first time in the Lincoln Riley era.
For this week’s behind the enemy lines, we asked our friends at SoonersWire to answer five questions before Saturday’s matchup. Thank you to site editor Kegan Reneau for answering questions and for giving us an Oklahoma perspective.
Gallery: Images from the last Texas victory over Oklahoma
Can we expect any improvements in the run game this week?
That’s the question of all questions. The reality is probably not. Which puts a lot of pressure on Spencer Rattler. The interior of the offensive line has just not lived up to expectations.
How big of a difference will the quarterback age make?
In a normal OU-Texas year? A lot. In a COVID-19 OU-Texas year? Very little. I thought Spencer Rattler displayed his mental toughness and ability to handle adversity in Ames, Iowa, last week. He checked off that box heading into this game.
Is this more of a must-win for Texas or Oklahoma?
Texas. Not even a question. If Tom Herman can’t beat Oklahoma this year and win the Big 12, when will he? The Sooners are in a great position for the future. Texas’ future is hanging in the balance.
Which defense do you trust more when called upon?
NEITHER. GOD NO.
Three reasons Oklahoma wins?
Tom Herman screws this up. there is a clear path to Texas winning this football game and it’s scrapping Herman-ball and embracing the Air Raid. Oklahoma can’t sustain against it defensively.
Spencer Rattler plays like the best quarterback in the conference. It can happen. The kid is special.
Oklahoma gets after Sam Ehlinger again. It is wild to think that this defense had nine sacks a year ago in this game. The Sooners’ pass rush has actually been really good the last two games despite the low sack count.