Complete viewer’s guide to Championship Weekend
By Cephas Evans
Big 12: (5) Oklahoma vs. (14) Texas – Saturday 12:00 pm – ABC
For the first time, Texas and Oklahoma fans will be treated to a second edition of the Red River Rivalry in the same season. In their first meeting, Texas upset Oklahoma 48-45, but the Longhorns were unable to stay hot down the stretch.
Oklahoma is sitting at 11-1 and has its sights set on another trip to the College Football Playoffs. Although the Sooners will need some help from Alabama, they are in a prime position to make a statement for the Playoff Committee heading into Selection Sunday.
When it comes to this years Oklahoma team, it’s all about offense. The Sooners are led by Heisman candidate Kyler Murray, who has racked up 4,527 total yards and 48 touchdowns this year. If you can’t tell by the numbers, no one has been able to slow down Murray and the Longhorns won’t either. That said, no one should count Texas out of this game, especially considering the Oklahoma defense.
It feels like every year, the college football world declares “Texas is back,” but this year it may carry some weight. The Longhorns haven’t competed in the Big 12 since Mack Brown was leading the charge, but head coach Tom Herman looks to be turning things around. For Texas to take the next step, they would have to win a conference championship and they have that opportunity on Saturday.
If anyone tells you Oklahoma is simply too good offensively and don’t believe Texas can take two from the Sooners in one year, please remind them of how great the Oklahoma defense has played. Over the last four games, Oklahoma has given up an average of 47 points per game and gave up 48 to the Longhorns early in the season. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is one of the best in the Big 12 and can lead the Longhorns to a second victory if the Texas defense can simply get one or two stops.
Expect the Red River Shootout to live up to the name, in what will likely be the highest scoring game this weekend. Both teams have advantages, but Murray looks to be on a mission with the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the College Football Playoff within reach.