Dating all the way back to 1900, the famous Red River Rivalry returns for the 121st time as Texas takes on 6th-ranked Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. For Texas, a win this Saturday would return the Longhorns to the AP Poll, while a loss could end their playoff hopes. For the Sooners, a win would make them a top-five team, while a loss would give the Sooners their first loss, pushing them out of the top 25. With so much on the line, the Red River Rivalry brings it all, including the return of the Heisman favorite. Here’s the preview for Oklahoma vs. Texas.
Red River Rivalry Oklahoma vs. Texas Preview
Return of QB1
A few weeks ago, it was reported that John Mateer would miss extended time due to surgery on his right hand. This surgery was expected to sideline Mateer for multiple weeks, including this week’s Red River Rivalry. Now, Mateer is on pace to return Saturday after it was reported he is probable to play.
Last week, backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. took over for the Sooners, leading them to a 44-0 win over Kent State. Hawkins threw for three touchdowns. Still, with the lack of experience, Oklahoma opened as an underdog against Texas. Now with Mateer back, Oklahoma is favored to win by 1.5 points. Now a Mateer vs. Manning matchup is alive.
Can Arch Manning Stay Consistent and Protected
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Texas quarterback in his first year as the starter. Five games in, he has struggled with consistency and accuracy, pushing the Longhorns to a 3-2 record. The preseason number one team now looks towards its quarterback to salvage the season with a win over its rival. Currently, Manning has 1,151 passing yards on the season with a completion percentage of 60%. In the last two games, Manning has become a more confident passer, throwing for over 250 yards in each contest.
Last week against Florida, he threw for 263 yards, but at a 55% completion rate. This was influenced by him being sacked six times, including a safety. Now, against one of the top defenses in the nation, Manning needs time. Oklahoma is second in yards allowed per game, 193 yards, second in sacks, 21 sacks, and second in points allowed per game, with 7.2 points. Lastly, Oklahoma has kept running quarterbacks in check, holding Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Auburn’s Jackson Arnold below positive yards.
Keys to the Game
OU Limited at WR
Against Kent State last week, wide receiver Keontez Lewis went crashing into the wall just outside the endzone. Lewis is listed as questionable for Saturday, limiting the Sooners at wide-out. Besides Lewis, only three other Sooners are above a hundred yards receiving. This includes Isiah Sategna, Jaren Kanak, and Deion Burks. It’s likely that OU will focus on establishing the run with Tory Blaylock since they will ease Mateer back into action. Still, they will throw the ball, so expect receivers like Ivan Carreon and Zion Kearney to be put in the mix.
Texas’ Run Game is Rehabbing
Texas has struggled to present its run game to the nation with all the injuries in the running back room. They continue to wait patiently for CJ Baxter to return to the field, while Quintrevion Wisner returned to the field last week. In his first game back, Wisner ran for 11 yards on eight carries. Texas will have to create opportunities for Wisner while also establishing the run with backup running backs Jerrick Gibson and Christian Clark. If Manning can’t create on his own, then Texas will have to establish the run early.
Key Matchup: Malik Muhammad, CB Texas, and Deion Burks, WR Oklahoma
The key matchup in Saturday’s game is Malik Muhammad and Deion Burks. Muhammad returns from injury, helping a Texas secondary that gave up 298 yards through the air last week. As for Burks, these last few weeks, he has been limited. However, with Lewis out, this could be his chance to reach the 100-yard mark for the third time this year. Both guys are looking to return to their old forms, and on a stage like the Red River Rivalry, it’s possible.
The Cotton Bowl is ready to paint one side Orange and the other Crimson, as the Red River Rivalry is back. What didn’t seem possible a few weeks ago is now back as Mateer vs. Manning is on. If Texas is pressured as much as they were last week, it will be a long game for the Longhorns. After this week, Texas’ schedule cools off, so a win against Oklahoma would set the Horns up well for their game against Georgia on November 11th. As for Oklahoma, they follow this game up with five top 25 matchups and a visit to the Sand Storm next weekend. With all that being said, the Red River Rivalry kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for future Oklahoma football updates.
Main Photo: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
