Texas Football: 3 problematic Sooners for the Longhorns in Red River

2) Problematic Sooners for Texas football: Spencer Rattler

By far the most notable name that the Sooners bring to the table in Red River this coming weekend is the former elite five-star dual-threat quarterback recruit and talented redshirt freshman signal caller Spencer Rattler. But Oklahoma has to be hoping for a bounce back performance in the turnover department for Rattler on Oct. 10.

Rattler keeps turning the ball over at the worst times. He tossed picks on the final drive of both losses against Kansas State and Iowa State. Two of the four interceptions Rattler tossed through three games came in potential game-winning drives. He’s got to get better in clutch time, but that should come with growth over the course of his college career.

Through three games Rattler registered a 73.4 completion percentage, 977 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, four picks, 10.6 adjusted yards per passing attempt, and a sparkling 187.3 passer efficiency rating. Three of his four interceptions thrown this season came in the loss to Kansas State, and the other was on that final drive against Iowa State.

Otherwise, Rattler was really solid for the Oklahoma offense so far. He needs more help and has to manage the football better when it matters most. He’s just a redshirt freshman and should get better with time. But there is an opportunity for the Texas defense to respond against a quarterback that is getting phased late in tight games, despite all of his raw talent.