We’re now less than a week away from the Red River Rivalry.
This particular matchup is often circled on the schedule each year due to the pure hatred and rivalry in itself, typically featuring two ranked teams.
That won’t be the case this year.
The stakes are now as high as they’ve ever been, considering it’s a must-win game for both Texas and Oklahoma. Either the Sooners lose three straight conference games or the Longhorns drop two in a row.
Either way, it’s a bad rap for the Big 12. Oklahoma and Texas are the two powerhouse programs within the conference and neither are playing quality football. The Longhorns must defeat the Sooners if there’s any hope for the Big 12 title race and/or a College Football Playoff berth.
Texas hopes to have two of their primary offensive weapons available when they travel to the Cotton Bowl on Oct. 10. During the Longhorns’ 33-31 loss to Texas Christian, running back Roschon Johnson and wide receiver Joshua Moore each suffered injuries that limited their production.
Both Johnson and Moore received postgame evaluations. Johnson suffered a shoulder injury while Moore was being evaluated for a knee injury. Texas head coach Tom Herman wasn’t able to provide detailed information on the severity of the injuries when speaking to reporters after the game, but we’ll likely hear more this week.
Johnson had five carries for 63 yards against TCU, averaging an impressive 12.6 yards per carry. He also tacked a 7-yard touchdown reception. Johnson continues to showcase a solid argument to become Texas’ top backfield weapon with his explosiveness and overall ability.
Although nothing appeared to be going their way against the Horned Frogs, Moore is far and away Texas’ top receiver this season. He finished the contest with zero receptions on three targets. Throughout the first two games of the season, Moore compiled 11 receptions for 200 yards and four touchdowns.
Neither players were utilized enough in Week 4, that must change if Texas hopes to escape the Red River Rivalry with a win.