Red River Shootout Preview

What are the attributes of a great rivalry?

Is it the schools?

Is it the legendary coaches?

Is it the Hall of Fame players?

Or is it the game itself?

You see, the great rivalries have a specific title to their matchup, i.e., Alabama vs. Auburn is called “the Iron Bowl.” Michigan vs. Ohio State is called ” The Game.” Georgia vs. Florida is called “the world’s largest cocktail party.” Many more rivalries in college football have unique titles, but the one with the most flair, the most history, and some of the greatest traditions is the “Red River Shootout.”

Oklahoma and Texas have been playing each other for 120 years. Their first meeting was on October 10, 1900. Currently, Texas leads the all-time series, 64-51-5. However, the series record has no meaning in this year’s game. Remember, they still play the game on the field!

So far in the 2025 season, these teams look to be on two different paths- Oklahoma is 5-0 and is hoping to keep its playoff dreams alive with a win this Saturday. Meanwhile, after losing to both Ohio State and Florida, the Longhorns are just looking for an identity. However, if I have learned anything from this rivalry, the team that comes into this game with its back against the wall usually plays up to its potential, and then some.

So why is Texas struggling so far this season?

One of my favorite authors on leadership, Napoleon Hill, says, ” A good football team consists in harmonious coordination of effort more than in individual skill.” I think it boils down to the players. Texas has a talented roster, but there is a serious lack of effort on this squad. They’re either missing assignments, not blocking upfront (just watch last week’s game in the swamp), or Arch is missing his targets.

In the Ohio State game, Arch looked confused and was out of rhythm for most of the game. In the Longhorns’ next three games (San Jose St, UTEP, and Sam Houston), Manning totaled 8 touchdowns and 718 yards in the air. That’s not bad, but it was against inferior competition. Last week in Gainesville, Manning threw for 263 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. Arch made some incredible throws, but he also threw some very questionable passes that got picked off. Which brings me to this conclusion- Arch is very talented, and his stats are not bad – 1,151 yards, 11 touchdowns, with a QBR of 60.1. Yet, he’s still a work in progress. The game needs to slow down for him, and once it does, look out.

The Sooners, meanwhile, do not have an identity crisis, as they have laid waste to the opposition in every game so far this season. Defensively, they’re only giving up an average of 10 points a game, which is a testament to coach Venables. Saturday will be a huge test as Arch Manning has a great arm and can run with great speed. I look for Venables to dial up the blitz over half the game. Junior Quarterback John Mateer, who has not played since the Auburn game due to an injury to his throwing hand, is still questionable. Backup, Miachael Hawkins Jr., filled in for Mateer for the remainder of the Auburn game and did a fantastic job. If Mateer can’t go, Hawkins will be ready to lead the Sooners.

This game comes down to two things:

1. Can coach Sark come up with a game plan to help Arch and his offense move the ball?
2. If Mateer can’t go, does Hawkins have the big game capability to lead the Sooners to victory?

For Oklahoma, this is a revenge game. The Sooners got beat down last year, 34-3. And while they have big aspirations this season, Saturday’s game is personal.

And for Texas, you must put last week’s loss in the rearview and come out to Dallas with a chip on your shoulder.

This game is for bragging rights, the Golden Hat, and a clear path to the college football playoff.

The Red River Shootout is this Saturday at 3:30 PM on ABC.