One of the most thrilling rivalries in college football is set to unfold as Texas and Oklahoma face off in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The game features the top-ranked Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) against the No. 16 Sooners (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday, all amidst the lively backdrop of the State Fair of Texas, with the stadium divided into sections of burnt orange and crimson.
Texas is seeking to avenge their loss to the Sooners last year, when they fell 34-30 after a last-minute touchdown pass. This time, Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel, who was instrumental in that game, is unavailable due to his transfer to Oregon, and several of their top receivers are sidelined with injuries.
The Sooners will rely on freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who recently made his debut in a close victory over Auburn. Hawkins Jr. is set to become the first true freshman to start the Red River Rivalry for Oklahoma, taking over the position after Jackson Arnold’s early exit in a previous game.
Meanwhile, Texas welcomes back quarterback Quinn Ewers, who missed the previous three games due to injury, strengthening the Longhorns’ offense.
The game commenced with updates coming in from the Texas-Oklahoma matchup:
Texas turned the ball over on downs after a failed fourth-and-2 attempt near the Oklahoma end zone. This was followed by constant struggles from the Oklahoma offense, leading to multiple punts.
At halftime, Texas had an impressive 21-3 lead, with standout performances including a touchdown run by Tre Wisner and recovery of a fumble that helped the Longhorns extend their advantage.
In the early exchanges, Texas struggled initially but found rhythm, with Ewers connecting on a touchdown pass to Gunnar Helm. On the other hand, Oklahoma’s offense has struggled significantly, failing to capitalize on opportunities.
With the match projected to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 12, it promises to be a classic showdown in the storied rivalry, which has seen Texas lead the all-time series 63-51-5 since its beginning in 1900. Experts and analysts offered various predictions, many favoring Texas due to their heightened offensive capabilities and Oklahoma’s ongoing struggles.
The Longhorns are favored by a spread of 16.5 points, reflecting confidence in their roster strength despite some injury concerns.
As both teams gear up for this pivotal encounter, excitement runs high among fans, eager to witness what unfolds in this iconic college football rivalry.