One of the many reasons why college football is so special is because of it’s rivalries. Yes, other sports have their own rivalries- Yankees vs. Red Sox in the MLB, Lakers vs. Celtics in the NBA, and Giants vs. Eagles in the NFL. These rivalries are great and are very popular. But what helps college football stand apart from all other sports is something I like to call “Tradition”. Tradition, defined by Webster’s Dictionary is, “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.” This is college football, and one of the greatest rivalries in this sport is The Red River Shootout- Texas vs. Oklahoma.
Legendary coaches and players like Darrell Royal and Barry Switzer , Brian Bosworth and Vince Young are echoed “loud and proud” through the halls and locker rooms in Norman and Austin-and in this years edition, there could be some new hero’s ready to make their mark and etch their names in the history books.
These two first met in 1900, where the Longhorns came out victorious, 28-2. Texas currently leads in the all time series- 62-49-5 and they play for the Golden Hat. Now, when you look at this hat, you’re probably thinking” what’s the big deal?” I agree, it’s just a gold cowboy hat mounted on a large block of wood. However, for these teams, it’s the spoils of war, a prize for the victor, and a banner for conquest. For Texas and Oklahoma, it’s everything.
This series is important for many reasons and I’ll just give you a few:
- National Championships are on the line.
- Potential heisman candidates show out in this game.
- Records are broken.
- Many games come down to the wire.
- Tradition
This years edition is shaping up to be a humdinger.
Oklahoma is coming into Dallas undefeated and the #6 team in the nation. Sophomore Quarterback Spencer Rattler has played well enough, throwing for 1260 yards and ten touchdowns. However, if Rattler and his offense want to roll on Saturday, the offensive line has got to do a better job protecting him. Though five games, Rattler has been sacked 8 times. That’s too much, and Texas loves to blitz. The Sooners need to control the line of scrimmage on Saturday, don’t give the Longhorns any chance to sneak in. If I’m the Sooners, I’m feeding the rock to Running Back Kenny Brooks a lot in this game. You need to try to keep the Longhorn offense on the sideline at all costs.
Texas on the other hand has had no issue running the football. The Longhorns have scored 17 touchdowns on the ground thanks to the backs like Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. The duo have combined for 880 yards rushing so far this season and have carved up defenses in the Big XII. The pass game has not been too shaby either. Casey Thompson, the Junior Quarterback from Oklahoma City has been the leader of this young group and has started to get a hand of coach Sarks playbook, throwing for 707 yards and nine touchdowns. The issue on Saturday is that the Sooners defense might be the best in the conference and play man coverage very well.
With all that said, this is what matters the most– Both schools can’s stand each other. You’re either burnt orange or crimson and cream. You’re either “Hook’em horns” or “Boomer Sooner”. So grab you a fried snickers and a corndog at the Texas State Fair, then hop over to the Cotton Bowl and watch two legendary programs battle it out for bragging rights and for college football glory.
The Red River Shootout is Saturday at Noon on FOX.
