Tag: Texas-OU weekend

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.

Advanced metrics favor Texas over Oklahoma on Saturday

Could we be overthinking the matchup between Texas and Oklahoma?

Texas and Oklahoma meet in a battle of unranked teams for the first time since 1998. Given the unpredictability of the rivalry, the Longhorns are the betting favorite by a sizable margin.

Vegas is spotting the Longhorns a touchdown in the Big 12’s premier regular season game. Even so, other factors favor Texas heading into the matchup this weekend.

We’ve noticed individual matchups that could favor each team. As a whole it appears Texas is the better team so far through five games, according to football analyst Parker Fleming.

His metrics project Texas to score just under 35 points compared to roughly 26 points for Oklahoma.

What may not surprise you is Texas’ offensive performance. The offense is No. 12 in the nation in success rate and No. 4 in passing success rate. In contrast, Oklahoma is No. 96 in defensive success rate and No. 88 in pass defensive success rate.

The numbers don’t account for the variables that the rivalry provides. Nevertheless, they hint that Texas is the better team through five games.

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Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners: Final BetMGM odds ahead of kickoff

The Longhorns come in as the road team and underdogs. Can they get over the snide against the Sooners? Kickoff at 11:00 am CDT.

Texas-OU is finally upon us. The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners are set for a 11:00 am CDT kickoff. Head coach Tom Herman is looking to avoid a second-straight loss on the season and a third-straight loss to Lincoln Riley. Both teams need this win as they are all looking up at three teams in the conference.

It has been some time since these two teams met following a loss by both schools. How does this one shake out? Here are the final betting lines from BetMGM ahead of the monster battle in Dallas.

Line: Oklahoma (-2.5)

Over/Umder: 74.5

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State of Texas and Oklahoma take shots at each other using highway signs

The Department of Transportation put up messages supporting their teams in Oklahoma and Texas. It seems everyone is getting involved.

The game on Saturday is an annual build up. Each and every year, following the game and leading up to the next is all about the trash talk. Current players and former players alike get into the act. Part of what makes the game so much better is how each fanbase and team have a pure unadulterated hatred for one another.

Despite the other games listed on the schedule, this is the one that means the most. Oklahoma State has their annual rivalry game with the Sooners called Bedlam. It is a huge game for them but pales in comparison to the border war between Texas and Oklahoma. It is very reminsicant to the former Lone Star Rivalry with Texas A&M. This game is THE rivalry for both schools.

This goes far beyond just the two schools. It is stretches to state pride. Even the Department of Transportation chime in with their signs on the road.

Whether you are on the side of Texas or Oklahoma, buckle up because this is about to be a bumpy ride. Let’s all hope it is the team wearing white that once again reigns supreme.

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Per report Ronnie Perkins will not be available for Texas-OU

Jason Kersey of the Athletic is reporting that Sooners defensive end Ronnie Perkins won’t be available for the Red River Rivalry.

One of the biggest stories heading into the Texas-OU weekend was undoubtedly the status of Sooners defensive end Ronnie Perkins. Jason Kersey of the Athletic reported that Perkins was being reinstated for the Texas game and was given approval to travel with the team to Ames, Iowa for their game against the Cyclones. National media including the broadcast team for ESPN refuted the report.

Earlier this week Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley stated that his (Perkins) status has not changed for the game against the Longhorns. That let the speculation run wild since Riley didn’t exactly say what his status was for the Red River Shootout. On Friday Kersey provided an update on the talented defensive end.

The Sooners have been awaiting the return of Perkins to help their defense that has struggled this year. He was the best returning pass rusher but remains suspended, or at least not active for this game against the Texas Longhorns. Without Perkins the Sooners defense has been one of the worst units in all of college football.

They rank 63rd in points per game, 65th in passing yards per game and 58th in sack percentage. They desperately needed the help to slow down the number one scoring offense in college football. The defense will need to find a way to slow down Sam Ehlinger and the offense if they want to stop their losing streak.

For the Longhorns this bodes well. They have allowed 32 pressures in three games according to Pro Football Focus. One less dangerous pass rusher for the offensive line to worry about. Texas is looking to snap a two-game losing streak and once again get into the win column.

The festivities get started at 11:00 am CDT at the Cotton Bowl Stadium on the Texas State Fairgrounds. The Longhorns are currently viewed as the underdogs for this game.

Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners: 3 reasons Texas could lose

The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners face a must-win game scenario on Saturday. We break down three reasons why the Longhorns could lose

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There isn’t a bigger game this season for the Texas Longhorns or Oklahoma Sooners at this point in the season. Texas is coming off a demoralizing loss to the Texas Christian Horned Frogs in which they had a shot late to win the game but ultimately couldn’t do enough to win the game. On the flip side Oklahoma is coming off back-to-back losses in which they were leading late but the defense couldn’t make a play to win the game.

When it comes to these two teams, their defenses have been liabilities for them. It is the unstoppable force meets the movable object. The movable object being either defense through three games of the season. So it might come down to just which offense makes more plays or who has the ball last.

Related: Three reasons that the Longhorns could win this game

We have the three reasons that the Longhorns could beat Oklahoma on Saturday but allow me to play devil’s advocate. We entertain three reasons that Texas does in fact not win this game and sends the fanbase into a frenzy.

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Locked on Longhorns Podcast: ‘Red River Shootout Football Friday’

The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners prepare for the 120th meeting in the series. How does the burnt orange come out on top?

On a Football Friday ahead of Texas-OU weekend, the topic of Billy Bowman’s decommitment was the topic of discussion. What events could have led to the talented athlete suddenly reopening his recruitment. Locked on Longhorns discuss the rumors circulating. Could it be that the Longhorns aren’t looking good on the field? Losing to unranked teams or could it be he wants to be closer to his girlfriend at Oklahoma?

Breaking down Cam’s three concerns for the Red River Rivalry. With so many issues on the defensive side of the ball, where are the main problems for this football team? Tackling has been one that has been focused on each week. Plus dealing Spencer Rattler while Texas has had their problems getting to the quarterback. The Longhorns need to find a way to limit yards after the catch.

Plus we make our picks for the x factors in this game. Who on offense and defense is going to need a big game for the Longhorns in order for them to beat Oklahoma? Game predictions as well. Who is drinking the kool aid and who isn’t buying in to this Texas Longhorns football team in 2020.

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Locked on Longhorns Podcast: ‘Sam Ehlinger’s last Red River Rivalry?’

The Locked on Longhorns Podcast breaks down Sam Ehlinger as he heads into what could be his final Texas-Oklahoma weekend matchup.

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The Locked on Longhorns Podcast kicks off the show with a discussion on Sam Ehlinger. Will this in fact be his last Texas-OU weekend matchup? Head coach Tom Herman jokingly stated “who said?” That was in response to a question about Ehlinger going into the final Red River Shootout game at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday. With the NCAA’s rule on college eligibility this year, seniors such as Ehlinger would have the opportunity to come back.

On Sunday’s practice the captain spoke about being disciplined and taking accountability to his team. Ehlinger obviously wants to win so what will it take for the Longhorns to get back on track on Saturday? Baker Mayfield decided to fire a shot regarding the rivalry, will there be any Longhorns who will chime in?

In the second segment the discusses switches to which Longhorns need to step up on Saturday. On offense it feels like it needs to be running backs and the wide receivers. Jake Smith returned to lead the team in receptions but if felt like it left some on the table. On the defensive side of the ball it falls on the pass rush and the linebackers. Texas is missing way too many tackles and it starts with the front seven defenders. Who are the dark horses who step up on Saturday?

With the Sooners on tap on Saturday, who will be the key matchups to watch? Oklahoma has a talented receiver in Charleston Rambo, which cornerback will need a big game to slow him down. Plus can Keondre Coburn win inside against Creed Humphrey? Plus Patrick and Cami lay out just how Texas wins this game against the rivals north of the river.

Texas wide out Jordan Whittington is expected to play against Oklahoma

The Longhorns are expecting to get some more help back on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington returns Saturday.

Last week the Texas Longhorns got a boost to the offense when they welcomed back slot receiver Jake Smith. He led the team in receptions and even scored a touchdown in the loss to Texas Christian. The offense has been the best unit on the team through three games but were shorthanded. Smith looks to have an even better game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry game on Saturday.

The other slot receiver and running back hybrid in Jordan Whittington is now expected to make his return against Oklahoma. Whittington injured himself in the opener against the UTEP Miners. With Smith and Whittington both down the team had to rely on walk on Kai Money and transfer Brendan Schooler. With Whittington back, the team gains another weapon for the offensive attack against the Sooners.

In his media session on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was asked about Whittington’s availability for the game. “We plan on him going and to what degree,” Yurcich continued “that will be determined.”

Given the injury concerns on with the running backs, Whittington could be used in that capacity as well. Bijan Robinson didn’t see the field except for one kickoff return against TCU and Roschon Johnson dinged up his shoulder. That left Keaontay Ingram as the lone healthy running back late in their last game. With Bijan back at practice and a healthier Roschon, the Longhorns can mix in Jordan a bit as well.

Against the Oklahoma Sooners the team needs all hands on deck for this one. It is hard to call a game in week four a “must win” but they really need this game. For confidence of the team and confidence in their head coach Tom Herman. The Longhorns can’t afford a second-straight conference loss when they are already behind three other teams in conference standings.

Locked on Longhorns Podcast: ‘Crossover talk with Locked on Sooners’

Ahead of the Red River Shootout with the Oklahoma, John Williams of Locked on Sooners joined Locked on Longhorns to preview the game.

With Texas-OU week on tap, Locked on Sooners host John Williams joined the Locked on Longhorns Podcast to preview the game. In the first segment Locked on Longhorns host Patrick Conn finds out what is going on with Oklahoma. Spencer Rattler has gotten off to a fast start in his first season, so how much of their woes are to blame on him? What is the biggest issue with Oklahoma as they head into the Red River Shootout?

In segment John asks the questions regarding the Texas Longhorns to find out what is wrong on the Forty Acres. These two teams are similar in that the offense has done enough to win football games so what is going on with the defense? Is it a lack of effort or are the little things biting Chris Ash’s group?

In the final segment Patrick and John discuss the mentality of both teams. Is there a wrong mentality or is it a confidence issue for the two premiere programs in the Big 12 Conference? Going into the game, which team needs this win more? Is it Oklahoma who is 0-2 in conference play? Or is it Texas who can’t afford another loss under Tom Herman who will likely be under fire if he doesn’t compete for the title this year?

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