Time for Longhorns to make a statement against Sooners at the Cotton Bowl

Look, tomorrow’s the 121st Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl—it’s time for Texas to flip the script. We’re talking a gritty No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0, 1-0 SEC) squad that’s been bullying everyone, facing off against the resilient Longhorns (3-2, 0-1 SEC) who’ve hit some bumps but is packed the talent to explode. History’s on Texas’ side at 64-51-5, and with playoff dreams dangling, this one’s a must-win bounce-back after that frustrating 29-21 gut-check against Florida. This is an absolute must for Texas.

Oklahoma’s rolling in undefeated, fresh off a 44-0 smack down of Kent State. That has the same amount of weight as Texas crushing Sam Houston 55-0.

The Sooner’s defense is ferocious: No. 1 nationally in stopping runs and passes, 10 tackles for loss a game, and a whopping 21 sacks, and giving up just 8.3 points per game.

But Texas? They have everything they need. Sure, Texas was once ranked and are scraping the SEC’s scoring basement after blanking in the first half versus Ohio State and Florida, but that’s fuel. The Texas defense has serious run stopping, quarterback pressuring guys who will make you rethink you strategy, though having a T’Vondre Sweat or Byron Murphy from a couple years ago would be really great right now.

Enter the QBs: Arch Manning slinging for the Horns versus Oklahoma’s John Mateer who is now listed as ‘probable’.

Arch, brings that electric zip—37 rushing yards dodging gators last week—and he’s hitting his stride, hitting 60% with flashes that make DBs look silly. Yeah, a couple picks against Power Four heat, but that’s a young quarterback going through the growing pains needed to turn pro.

Manning has the poise and calm in the pocket to carve up zones and scramble when it counts.

Mateer is a dual-threat nightmare pre-thumb tweak (surgery 17 days back), piling 1,215 yards, six TD bombs, and five ground scores—forcing defenses to chase ghosts. If he’s gimpy, Hawkins Jr. trots in with that same scrappy rush vibe (four TDs vs. Kent State).

We don’t think Mateer will play. There’s no way a team would allow allow a player to jeopardize their career. If the Sooners do allow Mateer to play, that means he is 100% and Texas will have a big problem on their hands.

But here’s the edge: Arch’s got that Texas magic, reading pressure like a vet and delivering in the spotlight—Manning blood doesn’t lie, while Mateer’s grit meets our scheme that bottles scramblers.

For Texas to win they need to shield Arch like he’s family—give him clean pockets for those quick lasers and let the run game chew clock. Rushing for over 21.5 yards is not a problem for Manning.

The Texas secondary swarms for picks (OU’s light on takeaways), and the front flips the script with counters to their blitzes. If Malik Muhammad is back, there should be limited big explosive plays by OU.

Oklahoma? They’ll push with that sack squad and lean on Sategna for big explosive plays, but if they stuff the edges and force third-and-longs to stall Texas, the Longhorns could be reduced and have a very tough day.

Prediction: Texas 27, Oklahoma 20. The Longhorns’ stars align in a shootout-turned-grind, where Arch’s hero ball and the Texas D’s has timely stops (think two picks) overwhelm OU’s hype. It’s redemption in the Cotton Bowl—Texas needs to overwhelm Oklahoma and prove they deserve to be back in the Top 25.