Staff Roundtable: Red River Rivalry

The Texas Longhorns are the favorites by 14 points (!!!) against the Oklahoma Sooners in the 120th Red River Showdown Rivalry. Do you think Texas is two touchdowns better than OU?

Daniel Seahorn (@DanielSeahorn) – Every year I throw out stats and records in this matchup. On paper, Texas appears to be the better team, but anything can happen in the Cotton Bowl.

Gerald Goodridge (@ghgoodridge) – Blind rankings, I think yes, Texas is two touchdowns better than OU. As someone who watched Case McCoy and Charlie Strong don the Golden Hat, I know that none of that matters in this game. There have only been two years where I have been confident going into this game: 2009 and 2022, and in both years OU used virtually no quarterback.

Cameron Parker (@camerondparker) – Yes. Texas has a better quarterback (and backup QB), better players at the skill positions and a better offensive line. I would argue that Texas' defense can compete with Oklahoma's defense and is better in some categories depending on which EPA metric you look at. If this were a blindfolded test, you would pick Texas at 14. But that's not the case. So none of that matters because it's the Red River Rivalry.

Jacob Neidig (@jneidig_2) – I think Texas is probably two touchdowns better than OU, even if the theatrics and insanity of this game affect the outcome. While Oklahoma also has an off week to recover and strategize, Texas has a highly dynamic offense regardless of quarterback and a defense that should be able to contain Seth Littrell's offense. Texas is 14 points better.

Who will be the biggest X-factor on both sides in Saturday's game?

Daniel – The quarterbacks will be the deciding factor for both sides and will determine how this duel goes. Hawkins brings a dangerous element to Oklahoma with his feet and athleticism, and you can be sure there will be some new wrinkles that take advantage of that. Quinn Ewers is back in the saddle on Saturday and has a chance to emerge victorious against the Sooners if he can put together a flawless game against a strong defensive unit.

Gerald – My X-Factors are connected, with Michael Hawkins as OU's X-Factor and whoever is assigned to accompany him as Texas' X-Factor. If his legs get going and force the defense into contention, then the pendulum swings in Oklahoma's favor. So a lot will determine whether Anthony Hill or David Gbenda gets the job of quarterbacking. ​​

Cameron – Quinn Ewers and Michael Hawkins Jr. The only way I can imagine Oklahoma winning is if Hawkins goes crazy.

Jacob – Jaydon Blue. Given last week's performance, I'm going out of my way here, but I think Blue will not only bounce back, but also have a memorable Cotton Bowl performance. Not only will he throw away the rock, but he will also play an important role in pass protection and catching the ball. Make sure he has a big impact on the game. It's honestly hard to say for Oklahoma considering how many of their offensive players have missed time so far. I'll go with DE R Mason Thomas. Thomas has shown a knack for getting the quarterback into crucial moments with sacks in the fourth quarter against Tulane and Auburn.

What will decide this year's Red River Rivalry?

Daniel – Limit mistakes and ball losses. Texas didn't play a flawless game last year and was behind eight balls early on. If they get off to a fast start and force Hawkins to throw the ball often, then I like their chances of bringing the hat back to Austin.

Gerald – Turnovers and ball control. The fumbles against Mississippi State give me goosebumps, especially knowing that OU leads the country in fumble turnovers. This is a great way to give a team you should be better than a chance to win.

Cameron- Sales and RedZone scoring. Texas turned the ball over three times against Oklahoma in 2023, while the Sooners didn't turn it over once. One of those turnovers occurred in the red zone, with Texas reaching the red zone three times and scoring just three points. They also failed to score from the 1-yard line and turned the ball over on downs. That decided the game. And if Texas struggles with turnovers and turnovers, that will be a recipe for success for the Sooners.

Jacob – The line of scrimmage. If Texas can control the line of scrimmage on offense and run the ball effectively, it could be a long afternoon for those up north. Defensively, stopping the quarterback run and applying pressure on a shaky offense is the recipe for success, both of which require control of the offensive line.

You must select an item from the Texas State Fair's Big Tex Choice Awards. Of course, you can follow it with a Fletcher's Corny Dog and an ice cold beer.

https://bigtex.com/big-tex-choice-awards/

Daniel – Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs sound LIT, so I'm full of it.

Gerald – Since several of my colleagues have talked about the burnt-end bombs, I will choose something else. The Pop-Tart Bignets seem like a decadent late-night treat.

Cameron- I agree with Daniel…give me the Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs. Gerald and Jacob, I have QUESTIONS for you.

Jacob – Rousso's cotton candy bacon on a stick. Sweet, savory and creative. I'll call my doctor ahead of time to make sure he's on call, but I'm there.

Red River Rivalry Earnings Prediction: Texas (-14) or Oklahoma?

Daniel – Texas 21, Oklahoma 20 because this game is never easy and rarely a blast.

Gerald – Texas 31, Oklahoma 28. In the last 10 meetings, not including the Big 12 Championship, there has been one win by more than two points, and that was when Oklahoma came to Dallas with a receiver at quarterback.

Cameron – Texas 31, Oklahoma 13. Sarkisian's offense will be too much for Oklahoma to contain, while Michael Hawkins and the Sooners offense will struggle against the best Texas defense in the PK era.

Jacob – Texas 38, Oklahoma 20. Last week, against my better judgement, I predicted that Texas would be a big hit. I still haven't learned my lesson.