This is a game that defies logic.
Over the last 11 Red River Rivalry games inside the Cotton Bowl, the lower-ranked team has won five times. It’s the proverbial coin-flip game.
There are a lot of assumptions being made about the Oklahoma Sooners offense heading into the Red River Showdown. It’s understandable. Michael Hawkins Jr. will be the first true freshman to start Red River for the Oklahoma Sooners.
But that shouldn’t dissuade hope. The last time OU had a true freshman in the game, Caleb Williams, Marvin Mims, and Kennedy Brooks orchestrated a historic comeback.
Hawkins and the Sooners have another chance at creating a memorable moment when they take on the No. 1 Texas Longhorns.
It may be redundant at this point, but the defense will be the driving force for the Sooners on Saturday. However, that shouldn’t detract from the development that Hawkins has undergone in his short tenure with the Sooners.
While many will focus on his elite speed and athleticism, Hawkins can throw the ball, too. He’s shown a willingness to let it fly, and he’s been efficient. Hawkins has completed better than 60% of his throws in each of the last two games, including a 66.7% mark against Auburn. If Hawkins can maintain a similar level of efficiency, the Sooners’ offense will put Oklahoma in a position to score enough points to win the game.
In 2023, the Sooners defense held Texas to just 23 points and forced three turnovers and an epic goalline stand. There’s a case to be made that the Sooners defense is better this year. The Longhorns offense is still really good, and this is easily the toughest team the Sooners have faced in 2024.
Texas will try to use the run and quick passing games to soften the Sooners’ defense and set up their deep passing attack. But the Sooners have been really good against the run, and they play really good team defense. Oklahoma will need to force a couple of turnovers and come up with timely stops on third and fourth down.
But we’re ready for another weird day with more Sooner Magic. Much like last year, Oklahoma needs a late score but earns another memorable win over the Longhorns.
Sooners 24, Longhorns 23
Contact/Follow John Williams
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.