No. 1 Texas Faces Red River Trap Against Struggling Oklahoma

DALLAS - Texas football has everything to lose Saturday. Oklahoma? The Sooners would love nothing more than to ruin the Longhorns' perfect season.

The No. 1 Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0 SEC) enter the 2026 Red River Rivalry as clear favorites over Oklahoma (2-2, 0-1 SEC). But Steve Sarkisian knows better than to overlook a desperate rival inside the Cotton Bowl.

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After all, Texas was in a similar position last season.

"We were a two-loss team. We were a desperate football team and found a way to win," Sarkisian said, recalling the Longhorns' 23-6 victory over previously unbeaten Oklahoma in 2025.

This time, the roles are reversed.

Texas has the superior record and No. 1 ranking, but the Longhorns' offense hasn't always matched their national championship expectations.

Quarterback Arch Manning leads an attack averaging 378.5 yards per game, including 146.5 rushing yards. While Texas has converted an impressive 50 percent of its third-down opportunities, inconsistent early-down production has occasionally stalled drives.

That's concerning against an Oklahoma defense allowing just 238 yards per game, fifth-best nationally.

The Sooners have surrendered only 122.5 passing yards per contest, making Manning's ability to manage pressure and protect the football especially important.

Running backs Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown and Derrek Cooper could provide the balance Texas needs to keep Oklahoma's defense guessing.

But the bigger opportunity might belong to the Longhorns' defense.

Oklahoma averages just 22 points and 99 rushing yards per game. Quarterback John Mateer has struggled with turnovers, including during last weekend's 41-13 loss to Georgia.

Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will undoubtedly look to exploit those problems.

However, Mateer's mobility remains a potential equalizer. Allowing him to escape the pocket and extend drives could give Oklahoma opportunities its conventional offense hasn't consistently created.

An early Texas lead would put even greater pressure on a Sooners offense already searching for answers.

Still, rivalries have a way of exposing overconfident favorites.

The Longhorns have won the last two meetings by a combined 57-9, but Saturday presents a different challenge.

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For Sarkisian, the objective is straightforward: protect the football, establish offensive rhythm and don't give Oklahoma a reason to believe an upset is possible.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday on ABC.