Tag: Texas-OU preview

What a Red River win would mean for Texas HC Steve Sarkisian

Steve Sarkisian is in search of his first Red River Shootout win on Saturday.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is in search of his first Red River Shootout win on Saturday. It is perhaps the greatest regular season spectacle in college sports, but certainly the biggest game of the regular season for both teams.

Earlier this week, Brent Venables downplayed the game indicating it was no more significant than any other game. The veteran defensive mind is probably smarter than that, but the quote was noteworthy.

Sarkisian will certainly take a different approach. Last year, the Longhorns set off first quarter fireworks with 28 points in the first period of the game. Unfortunately for Texas, Pete Kwiatkowski and company had no answer for Caleb Williams or the Oklahoma running game.

This season, Texas will have an opportunity to perform better on both sides of the football. Let’s examine what a win would mean for Steve Sarkisian.

Brent Venables might think twice about blitzing Texas QB Quinn Ewers

Preparing for Quinn Ewers isn’t as simple as Venables indicated.

Shutting down freshmen quarterbacks is usually simple and straightforward. Throw complex blitzes and coverages at him and rattle his cage. It might not be that simple for Oklahoma on Saturday.

Quinn Ewers’ arm talent is well documented. Albeit, his instincts and ability to keep composure rival his arm strength for his best trait.

Ewers has an innate ability to make plays on the fly. Some call him a gunslinger for that reason. In addition, Ewers is a cold-blooded assassin in the pocket, unfazed by adverse situations he is presented with on Saturdays.

Can you rattle a quarterback who fearlessly stared down the team of the last decade in his second start? I will have to see it first.

The Longhorns can also count on three players for which Oklahoma has no answer. Texas can get the ball to Xavier Worthy, Bijan Robinson and Ja’Tavion Sanders fairly quickly. If Oklahoma blitzes, they better get to the quarterback quickly.

Shutting down Quinn Ewers is not going to be a simple task for Oklahoma. Brent Venables will need to bring his best game plan of the season on Saturday.

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