texas

 Whoa doctor it's a big one this week. Our Sooners enter this year's edition of the Red River Rivalry ranked #12 in the Nation. Standing 5-0 and playing seemingly good football on both sides of the ball. texas comes in also 5-0 and ranked a lofty #3 in the country. Both teams are 2-0 in the conference, both teams put up similar numbers in terms of total yards on offense and defense, with a slight edge in offense to OU and defense to texas. The biggest difference is OU has played a murderers row of ass-dribble teams and texas has mixed in wins over Alabama and a solid KU team (a thrashing last week of the latter). We all remember last year, an historically lopsided win for the Longhorns that was an absolute embarrassment. OU will have revenge on their minds and texas simply looks to prove they are the better team and no fluke.

To me there are two main factors that will determine the outcome in this one. First and foremost is the OU offensive line vs the texas defensive front. Their front is absolutely monstrous with all four regulars clocking in at over 300 lbs. They have controlled opponents with pressure and a shutdown of the run game. If the Sooners can't open running lanes or give DG time, it will be a long afternoon indeed. The second is the OU secondary. texas has big wide receivers and our DBs have looked, um, questionable at times. Again, this is coming against some bad QBs and week WRs. texas has neither of those things. A lot will be predicated on pressuring Ewers and containing him from scrambling for 3rd down conversions. But if OU is again leaving WRs completely alone on the field it will be rough.

Offense

The offense has taken turns looking dominant and mediocre the last two weeks. DG continues to do the same thing, which is put up a solid line and look like shit doing it. Nevertheless, I am staying away from the run game. First, I have no idea who is going to be the RB-du-jour this week and that defensive front tells me it's going to be tough going on the ground. As such, I'm going to go with Nic Anderson. Dude is emerging as a total stud. He's big, can make contested catches (something I think is going to be critical) and can get open with his speed and athleticism. I like him for some clutch catches and a TD today.

Defense

Come on now, I can't mess around here. Stutsman. He's emerging as an All-America candidate and Butkus (RIP by the way)  award candidate. I think he announces his presence on the national stage in a big way.

Score

Whew the experts and Vegas agree, this game belongs to texas. Frankly, given our opponents, I think it is reasonable. I think there is a real possibility that DG melts down in this one. But, I also know this is the last Big 12 meeting for these rivals. I know OU is coming off a nationally broadcast dick-slap against these guys last year. All of the motivation is there, and for once, the pressure is firmly on texas as the higher ranked opponent. The atmosphere is going to be insane. Venables has them fired up to 11. Sooners sneak it out 37-35.

Boomer to the Motherfuckin' Sooner