Saturday, October 17: 12:00 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl in Texas
Oklahoma Sooners (3-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) vs. Texas Longhorns (5-0, 1-4 ATS) at Dallas.
One of college football’s greatest rivalries will add a new chapter Saturday when the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns take the field in the Red River Shootout.
College Football Betting Odds: Texas -4 ½, Total Points 50 ½
betting trends as they relate to this matchup:
•Oklahoma: 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games
•Oklahoma: 6-1 SU in their last 7 road games
•Oklahoma: The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 road games
•Texas: 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games
•Texas: The total has gone under in 6 of their last 8 home games
•Texas: Texas is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games
Last year’s game lived up to the hype as Texas, which was ranked No. 5 in the country at the time, shocked the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners in the Cotton Bowl. This time it’s the Longhorns who come in higher ranked and with a target on their back.
For Oklahoma, the key in this one will be the return of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford was the Sooners announced starter just a day before last week’s matchup with Baylor, after missing several games with a right shoulder injury. While he was a bit rusty, Bradford still managed to throw for over 300 yards and a touchdown against Baylor. With a week of practice under his belt, it will be curious to see how the junior responds.
Defensively, the Sooners are one of college football’s elite. The defensive line in particular is as good as any, with future NFL superstars Auston English and Gerald McCoy leading the way. On the season, Oklahoma is giving up just eight points per game, good for third in college football in scoring defense. Their rushing defense is also ranked third, giving up 53 yards per game. Forcing Texas quarterback Colt McCoy out of the pocket will be a key in this one.


