The annual Red River Rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns is one of college football’s most anticipated matchups, steeped in tradition, intensity, and unpredictability. This year’s showdown, held at the iconic Cotton Bowl in Dallas, is no exception, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Texas enters the game as a heavy favorite, but as history has shown, the outcome of this rivalry is often far from predictable.
There’s solid reasoning behind Texas being favored in the 2024 edition of the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns, ranked No. 1 in both the AP and Coaches Poll, are having an extraordinary season. They’re a well-rounded team excelling in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams. Their 5-0 start has been nothing short of dominant, with each victory coming by more than 17 points, a feat only matched by Ohio State this season. Texas boasts an explosive offense, a stout defense, and is led by an experienced coaching staff. They are clicking on all cylinders, making them a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Oklahoma, ranked 18th in the AP Poll and 16th in the Coaches Poll, has shown some vulnerabilities. Disregarding a lopsided 51-3 victory over Temple in their season opener, the Sooners’ average margin of victory is just under four points per game. This suggests that while Oklahoma has been winning, they’ve been in tight contests, relying on late-game heroics to secure victories.
Moreover, Oklahoma is dealing with significant challenges on offense. The Sooners will be starting a true freshman quarterback in the Red River Rivalry for the first time in their storied history. Behind him is an offensive line that has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Through five games, the offense has struggled to find its rhythm, adding to the uncertainty surrounding their chances against Texas’ top-ranked team.
Despite all the reasons to favor Texas, this is the Red River Rivalry—where the unexpected often becomes reality. This rivalry transcends rankings, odds, and records. The annual border war between the Sooners and Longhorns is known for producing dramatic upsets, close finishes, and unforgettable moments. Historically, the game has often defied predictions, and Oklahoma’s recent success in the rivalry suggests that Texas can’t afford to take anything for granted.
Since the introduction of the Associated Press college football poll in 1936, Oklahoma and Texas have entered the Red River Rivalry ranked in the Top 25 on 41 occasions, and this year marks another one of those classic matchups. Although Texas leads the overall series, which began in 1900, with a record of 63-51-5, Oklahoma has had the upper hand since the turn of the century. The Sooners are 17-8 against Texas since 2000, and they pulled off a thrilling 34-30 upset in last year’s game, despite entering as underdogs.
This history of upsets, particularly in recent years, fuels the belief that Oklahoma could once again defy the odds. The Sooners have a knack for rising to the occasion in this rivalry, even when the Longhorns are heavily favored. The Red River Rivalry has a way of leveling the playing field, making it one of the most unpredictable and exciting rivalries in college football.
For Oklahoma to pull off another upset, they will need their true freshman quarterback to play beyond his years. The offensive line, though battered, must step up and protect their young signal-caller, giving him time to make plays. Offensive cohesion is crucial, as the Sooners cannot afford to start slowly against a Texas team capable of jumping out to an early lead.
On defense, the Sooners must find a way to slow down Texas’ high-powered offense. Pressure on the Longhorns’ quarterback and stopping the run will be essential to keeping the game within reach. The Sooners’ defense has shown flashes of potential this season, and they’ll need their best performance yet to hang with Texas.
The 2024 Red River Rivalry is shaping up to be a classic, as always. While Texas comes in as the favorite, with a two-touchdown edge over Oklahoma, the Sooners have a history of overcoming the odds in this rivalry. Oklahoma’s challenges—starting a freshman quarterback and dealing with an inconsistent offense—are real, but this rivalry has proven time and again that anything is possible. As the Sooners and Longhorns take the field at the Cotton Bowl, one thing is certain: records and rankings won’t matter, and fans can expect another thrilling chapter in one of college football’s greatest rivalries.
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