The upcoming Red River Rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2024 college football season. With Texas using Week 6 for extra preparation and questions swirling around who will start at quarterback, this game is critical for both teams in their quests for conference supremacy and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
For the Oklahoma Sooners, this game marks a pivotal moment in their 2024 season. As of Week 5, the Sooners remain undefeated under head coach Brent Venables, and they are riding the momentum of several strong performances. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been a key figure for Oklahoma, showcasing his leadership and offensive prowess week after week. Gabriel has consistently demonstrated the ability to make big plays with both his arm and his legs, making him a dual threat that opposing defenses must prepare for. His chemistry with wide receiver Andrel Anthony and running back Jovantae Barnes has been a major factor in Oklahoma’s early-season success.
Oklahoma’s defense, under Venables’ guidance, has also been a strong point in 2024, much improved from last season. Venables, known for his defensive acumen from his time at Clemson, has instilled discipline and aggressiveness in the Sooners’ defensive unit. Players like Danny Stutsman at linebacker and Billy Bowman in the secondary have been standouts, helping the team keep opponents in check and creating turnovers. Heading into the Red River Showdown, Oklahoma’s defense will need to be at its best to contend with a potentially resurgent Texas offense.
The Texas Longhorns, on the other hand, come into the rivalry with significant intrigue surrounding their quarterback situation. Quinn Ewers, who started the season as the team’s leader under center, has missed the last two games due to an abdominal/oblique injury. In his absence, Arch Manning, the highly touted freshman, stepped in and performed admirably. However, recent reports suggest that Ewers is likely to return for the game against Oklahoma, which could have major implications for how Texas approaches this matchup.
According to Yahoo’s Anwar Richardson, multiple sources confirmed that Ewers took first-team reps in practice earlier this week. One source even claimed that “Quinn is playing [against Oklahoma]. No way he misses this game or the rest of the season. He wants to win the SEC and a Natty.” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has remained optimistic about Ewers’ return, and the quarterback’s potential return will give the Longhorns a major boost. Before his injury, Ewers was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate and was leading a potent Texas offense with playmakers like wide receiver Xavier Worthy and running back Jonathon Brooks.
The return of Ewers sets up a thrilling showdown between two high-powered offenses, with Oklahoma’s Dillon Gabriel facing off against a Texas team led by a rejuvenated Ewers. Both teams have CFP aspirations, and this game could have far-reaching implications for the rest of their seasons. The Sooners will need to exploit any rust that Ewers might show after his injury layoff, while the Longhorns will hope that their extra week of preparation allows them to attack Oklahoma’s defense and control the game.
For Oklahoma, the key will be finding a balance between their dynamic offense and their defense’s ability to contain Texas’ playmakers. They’ll also rely heavily on Gabriel’s experience, especially in what is always an emotionally charged game. For Texas, it’s about whether their defense can slow down Oklahoma’s offense and if Ewers can pick up where he left off before his injury.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated Week 7 matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Red River Rivalry is always a spectacle, but this year, with playoff hopes on the line and star players on both sides, it promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season. Oklahoma will look to extend its undefeated run, while Texas aims to solidify itself as a contender for both the SEC title and the CFP. This game could be the defining moment for both teams in 2024.
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