Okay, we know what week it is and what the Longhorns need to do in Dallas on Saturday. After Texas was able to capitalize on a “get right” game against West Virginia and improve to 3-2 and 1-1 in the conference on the year. I don’t know about others but after both baseball teams made it to Omaha and the softball teams played in the National Championship series this past June. I’ve been ready for this Red River Rivalry kickoff for 4 months. Texas has a chance to take over a spot in controlling their destiny to the Big 12 championship. As a lot, the key teams still have to play each other and Texas starts to play them in late October and November. Oklahoma on the other hand has uncharacteristically started conference play 0-2 and is 3-2 on the year as well.

Red River Offensive Comparison

Texas offensively is scoring 36.8 points per game and is getting healthier at the quarterback position. Hudson Card looked great on his ankle as he had big runs for the Texas offense. Steve Sarkisian is seemingly ready to break out Quinn Ewers if things spiral out of control with Hudson Card and Charles Wright as he’s suited up every week. Including to Texas Tech which is important because the Big 12 only allows 70 players to travel.

For Oklahoma, they come in at 37 points per game and saw a big hit to their quarterback room this past weekend. It couldn’t be worse timing for a quarterback to have a head injury. Usually, players are back the next week. But with Tua Tagovailoa possibly suffering two very bad concussions in 4 days. And a defense that can be sliced and diced, especially by Quinn Ewers, should he play. There will be extra eyes and scrunity if Dillion Gabriel comes out and gets another head injury. The Oklahoma quarterback decision is stuck between a rock and a hard place. As they’re desperately needing to avoid a 0-3 start in conference play.

Texas Offense Week 5

After the Texas offense sputtered in the Big 12 opener against Texas Tech. That was no problem this past weekend as they scored on five straight possessions. With the fifth possession coming after halftime. Ja’Tavion Sanders and Xavier Worthy had two touchdowns. With Xavier Worthy throwing one to Ja’Tavion Sanders for 33 yards. A big sign of development from Hudson Card is that the run game was not good for Texas. Hudson Card was still able to go 21/27 for 303 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions. His ball security has been huge as Texas tries to keep its goals within reach. Bijan Robinson was able to get 101 yards on 21 carries and Jordan Whittington had 3 receptions for 58 yards. The Texas offense has another secondary they can take advantage of if they continue taking care of the ball and building chemistry.

Oklahoma Offense Week 5

Oklahoma has a very important week ahead. And a few different decisions that can’t go wrong. Dillon Gabriel and Eric Gray were unable to finish the game and could miss the Red River Rivalry game. With a week to make adjustments Texas should guard against complacency. Davis Beville is a big player at 6 feet 6 inches and 223 pounds. He has gone 9/18 for 64 yards this year. Should Eric Gray be out, the second and third running backs for Oklahoma are running for at least 5 yards per carry. Marvin Mims is coming into the game with 22 receptions for 438 yards on the season.

Red River Defensive Comparison

For this Red River Rivalry, four of the top five leading Big 12 tacklers will be on the field. For Texas, Jaylan Ford is first in tackles and Demarvion Overshown is fifth. Oklahoma has the second and third leading tacklers, Davis Ugwoegbu and Danny Stutsman, respectively. At this point in the season, Texas has the 4th leading scoring defense at 21.4 points per game. Oklahoma is 8th at 25.2 points per game.

Texas Defense Week 5

The Texas defense looked very good the first 3 quarters. Only giving up 7 points on the way to a 35-7 lead. D’Shawn Jamison has only given up 79 yards through the first five games. Texas has an unprecedented amount of quarterback hurries, but only has 11 sacks. With a big Oklahoma quarterback possibly playing. Getting the quarterback down and not allowing Oklahoma receivers 5 or more seconds to get open. Though against West Virginia they came exactly when Texas needed them the most. The secondary looks like they will be comfortable and elite at home. Offensive balance, communication, and a nonstop effort from the pass rush will be key to bringing the show on the road.

Oklahoma Defense Week 5

What could have gone wrong for Oklahoma in Fort Worth, did go wrong last Saturday at TCU. The Oklahoma defense gave up a 73 yard touchdown pass and a 67 yard touchdown run on back to back possessions in the first quarter. A 62 yard touchdown pass to end the first half and a 64 yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. Oklahoma has 14 sacks on the year, but Steve Sarkisian must have his scheme ready with a young offensive line that struggles occasionally with pass blocking.

Red River Rivalry Conclusion

With rivalry games, it’s always hard to guess what may happen. But I think Texas can continue its momentum and take the necessary steps of showing improvement. Pete Kwiatkowski and Gary Patterson should be able to take advantage of an inexperienced quarterback. Steve Sarkisian and AJ Milwee have a chance to get Hudson Card some more confidence and rhythm with the receivers. The Longhorns takes this Red River matchup with a 38-17 win.

Texas, Oklahoma prepare for rare unranked meeting (espn.com)

Texas Offensive Line Outlook: Through Week Five – Texas Talk (texas-talk.com)