One of the most iconic atmospheres in college football is set as Texas and Oklahoma meet in Dallas for the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. The top-ranked Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) take on No. 16 Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1) amidst the backdrop of the State Fair of Texas, with the stadium famously divided—one half drenched in burnt orange, the other in crimson.
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Last season, Texas fell 34-30 after surrendering a last-minute touchdown to Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel. However, this year’s matchup will be different. Gabriel, now with Oregon, and Oklahoma’s top five receivers are out due to injuries. Instead, the Sooners will lean on true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., making his first start in the Red River Rivalry after stepping in during Oklahoma’s 27-21 win at Auburn.
Texas, meanwhile, welcomes back star quarterback Quinn Ewers, who missed the last three games due to injury. The Longhorns will seek revenge and hope to maintain their perfect record in this SEC showdown.
Live Updates and Highlights:
Texas Misses Field Goal Before Halftime: Bert Auburn missed a 44-yard attempt after Oklahoma called a timeout to ice the kicker. Auburn missed both tries.
Oklahoma Fumbles Again: After a Sooners' fumble, Texas capitalized with a 35-yard touchdown run by Tre Wisner, extending their lead to 21-3
Turnover Troubles: Oklahoma struggled as Hawkins fumbled, giving Texas another opportunity. Ewers connected with Ryan Wingo for a 44-yard play before Wisner ran in for another score.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the game.
Series History: Texas leads the all-time series 63-51-5, with Oklahoma’s last victory in 2023.
Predictions: Experts lean heavily towards Texas, with score predictions ranging from 24-20 to 38-13 in favor of the Longhorns. The Sooners are expected to struggle with their freshman quarterback under center.
Key Info:
Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET at Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
TV: ABC
Betting Odds: Texas favored by 16.5 points, with the over/under set at 49.
Upcoming Schedules:
Texas: After Oklahoma, they face No. 4 Georgia and No. 7 Alabama in a tough SEC stretch.
Oklahoma: The Sooners will face South Carolina and No. 8 Ole Miss in the coming weeks.
Game Preview:
One of college football’s most anticipated rivalries, the Red River Rivalry, once again brings together Texas and Oklahoma in a high-stakes clash at the Cotton Bowl. This year’s matchup, set against the vibrant backdrop of the State Fair of Texas, carries even more weight with both teams making their SEC debuts in this iconic rivalry. The atmosphere will be electric, with fans split evenly, painting the stadium in burnt orange and crimson.
Texas Aims for Revenge: Texas comes into the game as the No. 1 team in the country, boasting a perfect 5-0 record. The Longhorns are looking to avenge last year’s heartbreaking 34-30 loss, where Dillon Gabriel led Oklahoma to a last-minute victory with a touchdown pass to Nic Anderson. Texas' defense faltered late, but this time they return with Quinn Ewers back under center after missing three games due to injury. Ewers, a key player for Texas, will look to rekindle the offense and set the tone early.
Oklahoma Faces Major Challenges: Oklahoma enters this game after losing several key players, including last year’s hero Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon, along with their top five receivers, who are sidelined due to injury. The Sooners will rely on true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who is set to become the first true freshman to ever start in the Red River Rivalry for Oklahoma. Hawkins showed promise in his debut, leading the Sooners to a road win over Auburn, but the pressure will be immense as he steps into the biggest game of his young career.
Critical Moments and Highlights:
Texas Takes Charge: With Oklahoma struggling to hold onto the ball, Texas capitalized on multiple turnovers. Tre Wisner’s 35-yard touchdown run, followed by a strong defensive performance, helped the Longhorns jump to a commanding 21-3 lead just before halftime.
Oklahoma’s Offensive Woes: The Sooners struggled to find rhythm on offense, with two key fumbles in the first half leading to Texas touchdowns. Hawkins Jr. found it difficult to gain any momentum, as the Texas defense applied pressure, forcing crucial mistakes.
Missed Opportunities: Both teams had moments where they couldn’t take advantage of opportunities. Oklahoma missed a 44-yard field goal early, and Texas also failed to convert a field goal attempt just before halftime, leaving points on the table.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Quinn Ewers vs. Oklahoma's Defense: Ewers will be eager to shake off any rust after his return from injury. Oklahoma's defense will have to step up to contain him, as the Longhorns have a diverse offensive attack.
Michael Hawkins Jr. vs. Texas' Pass Rush: With Oklahoma down key receivers, the pressure will be on Hawkins to make plays. Texas' defense, led by standout linebacker Anthony Hill, will look to rattle the freshman and force turnovers.
Predictions: Most experts predict a strong showing from Texas, with the Longhorns’ depth and experience likely overwhelming the young Oklahoma squad. Quinn Ewers’ return is seen as a significant advantage, and Oklahoma’s depleted offense may struggle to keep up. The general consensus is that Texas will win comfortably, with many expecting a score in the range of 35-13 or 38-14.
Betting Overview:
Spread: Texas -16.5
Over/Under: 49 points
Moneyline: Texas -900 | Oklahoma +575
Injury Updates: Both teams have significant injuries to key players:
Texas: RB CJ Baxter and Christian Clark are out, but DB Derek Williams Jr. is probable to play.
Oklahoma: WRs Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, and Nic Anderson, along with DB Gentry Williams, are out, leaving Hawkins Jr. with limited options on offense.
What to Expect: The Red River Rivalry always brings intensity, and this year should be no different. Texas, with the momentum of a perfect season, looks to solidify its dominance in the SEC, while Oklahoma hopes to pull off a major upset despite being short-handed. If the Sooners can protect the ball and find ways to slow down Quinn Ewers, they might keep it close. However, the odds favor a Texas victory as the Longhorns aim to stay on track for a potential SEC title.
Kickoff Information:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
Broadcast: ABC, streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Get ready for a thrilling clash in Dallas as one of college football's greatest rivalries unfolds once again!
See video
Last season, Texas fell 34-30 after surrendering a last-minute touchdown to Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel. However, this year’s matchup will be different. Gabriel, now with Oregon, and Oklahoma’s top five receivers are out due to injuries. Instead, the Sooners will lean on true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., making his first start in the Red River Rivalry after stepping in during Oklahoma’s 27-21 win at Auburn.
Texas, meanwhile, welcomes back star quarterback Quinn Ewers, who missed the last three games due to injury. The Longhorns will seek revenge and hope to maintain their perfect record in this SEC showdown.
Live Updates and Highlights:
Texas Misses Field Goal Before Halftime: Bert Auburn missed a 44-yard attempt after Oklahoma called a timeout to ice the kicker. Auburn missed both tries.
Oklahoma Fumbles Again: After a Sooners' fumble, Texas capitalized with a 35-yard touchdown run by Tre Wisner, extending their lead to 21-3
Turnover Troubles: Oklahoma struggled as Hawkins fumbled, giving Texas another opportunity. Ewers connected with Ryan Wingo for a 44-yard play before Wisner ran in for another score.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the game.
Series History: Texas leads the all-time series 63-51-5, with Oklahoma’s last victory in 2023.
Predictions: Experts lean heavily towards Texas, with score predictions ranging from 24-20 to 38-13 in favor of the Longhorns. The Sooners are expected to struggle with their freshman quarterback under center.
Key Info:
Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET at Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
TV: ABC
Betting Odds: Texas favored by 16.5 points, with the over/under set at 49.
Upcoming Schedules:
Texas: After Oklahoma, they face No. 4 Georgia and No. 7 Alabama in a tough SEC stretch.
Oklahoma: The Sooners will face South Carolina and No. 8 Ole Miss in the coming weeks.
Game Preview:
One of college football’s most anticipated rivalries, the Red River Rivalry, once again brings together Texas and Oklahoma in a high-stakes clash at the Cotton Bowl. This year’s matchup, set against the vibrant backdrop of the State Fair of Texas, carries even more weight with both teams making their SEC debuts in this iconic rivalry. The atmosphere will be electric, with fans split evenly, painting the stadium in burnt orange and crimson.
Texas Aims for Revenge: Texas comes into the game as the No. 1 team in the country, boasting a perfect 5-0 record. The Longhorns are looking to avenge last year’s heartbreaking 34-30 loss, where Dillon Gabriel led Oklahoma to a last-minute victory with a touchdown pass to Nic Anderson. Texas' defense faltered late, but this time they return with Quinn Ewers back under center after missing three games due to injury. Ewers, a key player for Texas, will look to rekindle the offense and set the tone early.
Oklahoma Faces Major Challenges: Oklahoma enters this game after losing several key players, including last year’s hero Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon, along with their top five receivers, who are sidelined due to injury. The Sooners will rely on true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who is set to become the first true freshman to ever start in the Red River Rivalry for Oklahoma. Hawkins showed promise in his debut, leading the Sooners to a road win over Auburn, but the pressure will be immense as he steps into the biggest game of his young career.
Critical Moments and Highlights:
Texas Takes Charge: With Oklahoma struggling to hold onto the ball, Texas capitalized on multiple turnovers. Tre Wisner’s 35-yard touchdown run, followed by a strong defensive performance, helped the Longhorns jump to a commanding 21-3 lead just before halftime.
Oklahoma’s Offensive Woes: The Sooners struggled to find rhythm on offense, with two key fumbles in the first half leading to Texas touchdowns. Hawkins Jr. found it difficult to gain any momentum, as the Texas defense applied pressure, forcing crucial mistakes.
Missed Opportunities: Both teams had moments where they couldn’t take advantage of opportunities. Oklahoma missed a 44-yard field goal early, and Texas also failed to convert a field goal attempt just before halftime, leaving points on the table.
Key Matchups to Watch:
Quinn Ewers vs. Oklahoma's Defense: Ewers will be eager to shake off any rust after his return from injury. Oklahoma's defense will have to step up to contain him, as the Longhorns have a diverse offensive attack.
Michael Hawkins Jr. vs. Texas' Pass Rush: With Oklahoma down key receivers, the pressure will be on Hawkins to make plays. Texas' defense, led by standout linebacker Anthony Hill, will look to rattle the freshman and force turnovers.
Predictions: Most experts predict a strong showing from Texas, with the Longhorns’ depth and experience likely overwhelming the young Oklahoma squad. Quinn Ewers’ return is seen as a significant advantage, and Oklahoma’s depleted offense may struggle to keep up. The general consensus is that Texas will win comfortably, with many expecting a score in the range of 35-13 or 38-14.
Betting Overview:
Spread: Texas -16.5
Over/Under: 49 points
Moneyline: Texas -900 | Oklahoma +575
Injury Updates: Both teams have significant injuries to key players:
Texas: RB CJ Baxter and Christian Clark are out, but DB Derek Williams Jr. is probable to play.
Oklahoma: WRs Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, and Nic Anderson, along with DB Gentry Williams, are out, leaving Hawkins Jr. with limited options on offense.
What to Expect: The Red River Rivalry always brings intensity, and this year should be no different. Texas, with the momentum of a perfect season, looks to solidify its dominance in the SEC, while Oklahoma hopes to pull off a major upset despite being short-handed. If the Sooners can protect the ball and find ways to slow down Quinn Ewers, they might keep it close. However, the odds favor a Texas victory as the Longhorns aim to stay on track for a potential SEC title.
Kickoff Information:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas
Broadcast: ABC, streaming on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
Get ready for a thrilling clash in Dallas as one of college football's greatest rivalries unfolds once again!
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