College football Week 7: Top 25 schedule and predictions

PULLMAN, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) tries to fight off the tackle of Washington State Cougars linebacker Jahad Woods (13) during the game between the USC Trojans and the Washington State Cougars on September 29, 2017, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NORMAN, OK – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Baker Mayfield /

No. 12 Oklahoma at Texas

Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 15, 3:30 PM, ESPN

Wow, what a turn of events in the Big 12. It looked like they might have a representative in the College Football Playoff this year but Oklahoma was at the wrong end of a huge upset in Week 6 against Iowa State.

They fell far in the Top-25 rankings this week, and now have the infamous Red River battle against Texas. The Longhorns are coming off of two straight victories and are looking to win their most important game of the year.

Three Things to Watch

1. Can Baker Mayfield and the Sooners rebound?

That was a brutal loss at home against Iowa State — that effectively ended Oklahoma’s chances of making it into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State also planted their flag at midfield — which had to have hurt Mayfield a little bit.

So can the Sooners rebound on a short week against Texas? They’re the better team, with the better quarterback through six weeks of the season. Oklahoma should be able to, but it’s always tough in these emotional games.

2. Can the Sooners keep rushing the ball effectively?

Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield has all the attention for his play but the running game for the Sooners deserves a lot of credit too.

RB Trey Sermon has been fantastic, rushing for 373 yards on the season, including three touchdowns. The Sooners as a team have 202 yards per game on the ground. But Texas has a sound running defense. Can Oklahoma keep effectively running the ball? We shall find out.

3. Can Lincoln Riley out-coach Tom Herman?

Two young, offensive-minded coaches is always a battle that is fun to watch. It’s also two, first-year head coaches that are taking over in their role for a longer, older coach. Bob Stoops in Riley’s case and Charlie Strong in Herman’s case.

Tom Herman is arguably one of the best coaches in the country and is starting to establish a culture with the Longhorns. Riley has a strong connection with Mayfield and the Sooners’ offense. Can Riley out-coach Herman for the win this week?

I think the Sooners play with a vengeance and destroy Texas in the Red River showdown.

Oklahoma over Texas, 45-27.

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