5. Texas vs Oklahoma (in Dallas) Oct 10
The Sooners have dominated the Big 12 with five straight conference titles, but if there’s any team that has the talent to break that streak, it’s the Longhorns. The problem is that we’ve been waiting for them to be “back” since they lost to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game following the 2009 season. If Texas can win, things in flyover country will get really interesting. If it can’t, coach Tom Herman’s seat will heat up like a West Texas field in the heart of July.
Playoffs on the line or not, when Texas and Oklahoma get together it is a big game. Provided the Longhorns can get their revenge against the Tigers, the matchup with Oklahoma could be a preview of things to come. Oklahoma has represented the Big 12 four times in the six-year history of the College Football playoff. Texas is looking to not only ruin the chances of the Sooners but to increase their chances of getting the call. It all starts in the Red River Rivalry game inside the Cotton Bowl.