Texas football game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season
Game 6: vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 12)
Location: Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)
In Sarkisian's previous three seasons as Texas's head coach since 2021, Red River has been a couple of tough draws for the Longhorns against the Sooners. Despite having fourth-quarter leads against Oklahoma in 2021 and 2023, the Longhorns still suffered close defeats in Red River.
Sarkisian's only win against the Sooners in Red River came in a 49-0 thrashing of Oklahoma by the Longhorns during the 2022 season.
A win over Oklahoma would the best way Texas could really bolster the early part of the inaugural SEC slate for the Longhorns. Texas is an early betting odds favorite by a little over one touchdown (per DraftKings Sportsbook) for Red River this fall.
It will be tough sledding for the Sooners in their first season playing in the SEC, having to face multiple ranked teams this preseason in conference play. During the two weeks leading up to Red River against the Longhorns, Oklahoma has matchups against the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers in Norman and a trip to face the Auburn Tigers in Alabama.
Oklahoma also has to face a Longhorns team with a third-year starting quarterback, an experienced offensive line with a first-year starter at QB, and an entirely new O-Line after losing all their starting linemen from last year this offseason. Texas needs a win in Red River this year to avenge last year's close loss and keep momentum building in SEC play in mid-to-late October.