Texas Football vs Oklahoma: Three X-Factors for the Horns
By Shane Black
Despite this being the first unranked Red River matchup since 1998, the hype and anticipation for this game remain high as both Texas football and the Oklahoma Sooners have a lot at stake on Saturday.
Texas is looking to improve to 2-1 in Big 12 play, creating momentum for the second half of the season as a possible trip to Dallas in early December awaits.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, is looking to avoid an 0-3 start in Big 12 play for the first time since the aforementioned year 1998.
This game is huge for first-year head coach Brent Venables to prove that he still has the pulse of the Oklahoma locker room. Another result like their 55-24 blowout loss to TCU and questions start to get asked about Venables and his fit in Norman.
Before I get some blowback about that last statement, this is just the nature of the beast at a perennial powerhouse like Oklahoma. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione will give Venables time, but the fans and media will certainly be asking questions.
X-factors for Texas football to take down Oklahoma in Red River
I say all that to hammer home the point that a lot is still riding on this game.
Whether it’s bragging rights, the golden hat, or recruiting momentum, a lot can be made from the outcome of the annual Red River Showdown.
As we are just days away from the 11 a.m. local kick of the 118th meeting between these two programs, I thought it was important to take a look at a few x-factors for the Longhorns to come Saturday.
Texas is currently a seven-point favorite and has a few different paths to victory. Here are three things that must go the Longhorns’ way if they want to beat Oklahoma for the second time since 2016.