Texas vs. Oklahoma ( Red River Rivalry) Preview

The Red River Rivalry has taken another meaning this season. Oklahoma and Texas dislike each other year round and it is no different on gameday. However, after Texas defeated Oklahoma last season it looked like it would be the Longhorns that would be taking home the Big 12 championship and a spot in the national title game. Even after a close loss at Texas Tech it looked like Texas was the more deserving team since logic said that they had already defeated Oklahoma on a neutral field. Then the BCS came into play and the Longhorns were robbed of a chance at a Big 12 title and a chance to beat Florida in the national championship game. This season the Longhorns want to take out their frustrations with a win against an Oklahoma team that comes in with only Big 12 title aspirations, after their national championship hopes were dashed with a loss a couple of weeks ago at Miami (Fla.).

Oklahoma lost Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford for a time earlier in the season. Now even though he came back last week in a win over Baylor, Bradford’s timing looked off with his receivers, while his receivers had trouble handling many of his passes. That could spell trouble against a Longhorn defense that has been opportunistic all season. On the other side of the ball the Sooner defense has been solid and will surely cause Colt McCoy and company fits.

Both defenses come into this game in the top ten in the country.

Colt McCoy and the Texas offense have put up big time numbers so far this season, but numbers can sometimes lie. Sure the Longhorns have been effective, but they have also struggled mightily at time as well. Colt McCoy has played well, but not close to the Heisman trophy level of a year ago and the Longhorns have been playing musical chairs at running back. The steadiest player on offense, and also special teams, has been Jordan Shipley. He has been the spark that has gotten the Longhorns over the hump in all their wins this season. He should be a finalist this year on everyone’s Heisman list.

This game seems to always have Big 12 and national title ramifications and this year is no different. While Oklahoma is out of the national title picture they can still win the Big 12 and a spot in the BCS. The Sooners would like nothing more than to get a win against their hated rival Texas, while knocking them out of both the Big 12 and national title picture again this season.

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By Robert Konis
Big 12 Fans Texas Longhorns Correspondent

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