The Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns are two of the most storied programs in college football, and their rivalry is always highly anticipated. This year's matchup is no exception, with both teams looking to make a statement in the Big 12 Conference. Here are five key matchups to watch in the OU vs. Texas game:
1. OU's Offense vs. Texas' Defense
The Sooners' high-powered offense, led by quarterback Spencer Rattler, will face off against the Longhorns' stout defense, which has been one of the best in the Big 12 this season. Texas has allowed just 14.5 points per game, while OU has averaged 41.5 points per contest. The key to this matchup will be the Sooners' ability to establish a running game and take pressure off Rattler.
OU's Rushing Attack
The Sooners have a trio of talented running backs in Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray, and T.J. Pledger, but they have struggled to find consistency on the ground this season. If they can get their running game going, it could be a long day for the Texas defense.
Texas' Pass Rush
The Longhorns have one of the best pass rushes in the country, led by defensive end Joseph Ossai, who has 4.5 sacks on the season. If they can get to Rattler and disrupt the Sooners' passing game, it could be a big advantage for Texas.
2. Texas' Offense vs. OU's Defense
The Longhorns' offense, led by quarterback Sam Ehlinger, has been a bit of a rollercoaster this season. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but have also struggled with consistency. The Sooners' defense, led by defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, has been solid this season, but has given up some big plays.
Texas' Passing Game
The Longhorns have a talented receiving corps, led by Brennan Eagles and Joshua Moore, but they have struggled to find a rhythm in the passing game. If they can get their passing game going, it could be a big advantage for Texas.
OU's Secondary
The Sooners' secondary has been a strength this season, led by cornerback Woodi Washington and safety Pat Fields. If they can shut down the Longhorns' passing game, it could be a long day for Texas.
3. OU's Special Teams vs. Texas' Special Teams
Special teams could play a big role in this game, as both teams have been solid in this area. The Sooners' kicker, Gabe Brkic, has been one of the best in the country, while the Longhorns' kicker, Cameron Dicker, has been solid as well.
OU's Return Game
The Sooners have a dynamic return man in Marvin Mims, who has taken a kickoff back for a touchdown this season. If they can get him loose, it could be a big advantage for OU.
Texas' Punt Coverage
The Longhorns have been solid in punt coverage this season, led by punter Ryan Bujcevski, who has averaged 45.5 yards per punt. If they can pin the Sooners deep, it could be a big advantage for Texas.
4. OU's Coaching Staff vs. Texas' Coaching Staff
The coaching staffs of both teams will play a big role in this game, as both teams have experienced and savvy coaches.
OU's Lincoln Riley
The Sooners' head coach, Lincoln Riley, has been one of the best in the country this season, leading his team to a 4-0 start. He has a reputation for making adjustments and out-coaching his opponents.
Texas' Tom Herman
The Longhorns' head coach, Tom Herman, has been under fire this season, but he has a reputation for being a solid game-day coach. He will need to be at his best to out-coach Riley and the Sooners.
5. The Intangibles
The intangibles, such as crowd noise and momentum, could play a big role in this game.
The Crowd
The crowd at the Cotton Bowl will be electric, as both teams will have a large contingent of fans in attendance. The team that can feed off the energy of the crowd and use it to their advantage could have a big advantage.
Momentum
The team that can establish momentum early in the game could have a big advantage. If one team can get off to a fast start, it could be difficult for the other team to catch up.
Now that we've broken down the five key matchups to watch in the OU vs. Texas game, it's time to make a prediction. The Sooners have the talent and the coaching to come out on top, but the Longhorns have the motivation and the determination to pull off an upset. In the end, we predict the Sooners will come out on top, 31-24.
But what do you think? Do you agree with our prediction, or do you think the Longhorns will pull off an upset? Let us know in the comments below.
Who is the favorite to win the OU vs. Texas game?
+The Oklahoma Sooners are currently favored to win the game by 7 points.
What is the all-time record between OU and Texas?
+The all-time record between OU and Texas is 62-49-5 in favor of OU.
What is the significance of the OU vs. Texas game?
+The OU vs. Texas game is one of the most storied rivalries in college football, with both teams competing for the Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.