Texas Faces Dangerous Oklahoma Defense In Red River Rivalry

That doesn’t mean Saturday will be comfortable.

The Sooners arrive at the Cotton Bowl at 2-2 after losses to Michigan and Georgia, and their offense has been the obvious problem.

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Quarterback John Mateer has thrown for 883 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions, but Oklahoma has struggled to consistently turn possessions into points against quality opponents.

The running game hasn’t provided much relief. Lloyd Avant leads the Sooners with 164 rushing yards, while Mateer’s ability to create with his legs hasn’t produced the kind of consistent threat Oklahoma needs.

Through the air, Isaiah Sategna III leads Oklahoma with 267 receiving yards, while tight end Rocky Beers remains another important option.

But against Georgia, Oklahoma managed only 13 points in a 41-13 loss despite Mateer throwing for 231 yards.

The other side of the football is an entirely different story.

Brent Venables still has a defense capable of wrecking a game plan.

Oklahoma has surrendered only 122.5 passing yards per game, the best mark in the SEC entering the week.

Opponents have completed barely half of their passes against the Sooners, who have allowed just one passing touchdown through four games.

That presents a legitimate challenge for Arch Manning and Texas.

Manning has thrown for 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions for a Longhorns team that enters Dallas 4-0 after wins over Texas State, Ohio State, UTSA and Tennessee.

Texas should also expect Oklahoma’s defensive front to make life uncomfortable. David Stone anchors a disruptive line, while linebackers such as Kip Lewis give Venables multiple ways to create pressure and disguise coverage.

On paper, Texas is the better and more complete team.

But Red River games rarely care about paper.

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If the Longhorns protect the football, remain patient against Oklahoma’s defense and avoid giving Mateer short fields, they should control the game.

If turnovers and chaos enter the equation, though, Oklahoma has exactly the kind of defense capable of turning an apparent mismatch into another Red River fight.