No. 12 Oklahoma (5-0) vs. Texas (3-2)
at Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas
Saturday, 12:00 p.m. EST, ABC
Line: Oklahoma -13.0
Oklahoma and Texas are coming out in new uniforms in the 108th meeting of the Red River Rivalry, but this is still an old-school game of two proud programs.
Of course, Texas is actually lucky to have a winning record entering this game. The Longhorns got some breaks from the officials against Iowa State and Texas thinks it can still win the Big 12.
The Sooners just win. Some games have been fun and others have been tough to watch, but don’t count out a Bob Stoops team.
For Oklahoma to win: The Sooners can’t read too many of the stories this week that keep talking about how OU will walk away with a fourth consecutive win in this series. Oklahoma needs to remember that Texas is 2-0 in conference play and trying to save Mack Brown’s job.
For Texas to win: Case McCoy has never been able to get out from under his brother’s shadow, but getting a win over the rival Sooners in his final season would be a nice touch. However, McCoy started the 55-17 blowout loss to the Sooners in 2011 and he needs to play this game with the confidence that he has flashed at times.
Key Player (Oklahoma): QB Blake Bell was rendered ineffective in a 20-17 win over TCU, but he can’t go missing again and expect the Sooners to pull out the victory again. Bell needs to deliver in this big game and make a name for himself in Sooner legend.
Key Player (Texas): RB Johnathan Gray has elite talent and the Longhorns could use a huge performance from the former 5-star player. If Texas can control the ball behind Gray and not turn it over, the Longhorns will have a chance.
Key Stat: Texas leads the all-time series 59-43-5, but Oklahoma has won the last three meetings by a combined score of 146-58.
