The historic Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners is set to take place for the 120th time at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. This year’s matchup holds even more significance as it marks the first time the two teams will face off as part of the Southeastern Conference.
Both teams are coming off bye weeks, giving them ample time to prepare for what promises to be an intense showdown at the State Fair of Texas. The coveted Golden Hat trophy is up for grabs, adding an extra layer of rivalry to the game.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed his excitement for the game, highlighting the team’s focused and physical preparation leading up to the matchup. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is set to return to the field after recovering from an abdominal strain, with redshirt freshman Arch Manning ready to step in as backup.
While Texas appears to be in good health, the Sooners are facing challenges with five of their receivers sidelined due to injuries. Notably, Jalil Farooq and Nic Anderson will be among those absent from the lineup, posing a significant loss for Oklahoma’s passing game.
With Dillon Gabriel now playing for the Oregon Ducks, the Sooners will turn to true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. to lead the team as quarterback. Hawkins Jr. will be the first true freshman to start in the historic rivalry, adding an element of unpredictability to Oklahoma’s offense.
Sarkisian emphasized the threat posed by dual-threat quarterbacks like Hawkins Jr., noting the importance of disrupting their rhythm and mixing up defensive strategies. Last year, Gabriel’s impressive performance showcased his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs, making him a formidable opponent to watch out for.
As the Longhorns aim to maintain their top-ranked status in the Associated Press Top 25, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown reminiscent of past legendary matchups. The rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is steeped in tradition and history, making each game a must-watch event for college football fans.