Texas Longhorns Keys to Victory Against Oklahoma Sooners

 

There is nothing like the Red River Rivalry. This will be the 108th time that the Longhorns and Sooners have met, and with each game, the rivalry deepens in intensity and tradition. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] There is no doubt the the Texas and Oklahoma crowds (divided at the 50 yard line) will be rowdy and loud at kickoff. The energy will be high and the noise level deafening.

The Texas Longhorns will look to end their three-game losing streak to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday.  The Sooners have averaged 30-point victories over the last three years, but Texas looks to break the streak with backup quarterback Case McCoy calling the snaps.

In the past, when Texas entered the Cotton Bowl with a quarterback named McCoy, it usually meant success. Now, the Longhorns find themselves with a McCoy who is 0-3 against the Sooners. Some believe that a Texas win could save Texas’ season and, quite possibly, save Mack Brown’s job. For the record, I do not believe that Mack Brown is going anywhere anytime soon, but to beleive differently is fair.

What will Texas have to do to come out with a victory? According to Taylor Gaspar of the Bleacher Report, there are 3 keys.

1. Run the Ball

In the Longhorns game against Iowa State, Texas came out running the ball, which led to a quick touchdown by running back Johnathan Gray. But Major Applewhite called eight of nine passing plays in the following offensive drive. If David Ash were under center, the play-calling would make more sense.

But backup quarterback Case McCoy, who lacks the ability to pass the deep ball, started for Texas and finished with 45 passing attempts. Applewhite’s play-calling was not his finest moment, and he will need to make up for it Saturday, when his offense faces Oklahoma’s stout defense.

Oklahoma’s defense is probably the best defense Texas will face this season, ranking No. 9 nationally in total defense.

The Sooners have shown their ability to control the passing game, allowing only two receiving touchdowns through the first five games of the season. With McCoy starting at quarterback, the Longhorns will need to rely on running the football in order to have a chance in the game.

 

2. Put up Points Early

Texas will enter the Cotton Bowl as an underdog led by a backup quarterback. The crowd plays a role in the Red River Rivalry and can shift at any given moment. It is imperative for the Longhorns to score early to help gain momentum and keep the Oklahoma fans silent…at least for a minute.

 

3. Contain OU’s Complete Offense

The Longhorns defense has been a work-in-progress since 2012. Although the defense has shown signs of progress since the awful performance against BYU, September 7, it still has a ways to go. Now Texas has to find a way to stop Oklahoma’s offense, which is averaging 455 yards per game.

Last year, Oklahoma backup quarterback Blake Bell scored four touchdowns against the Longhorns. Now, Bell is in a starting role and will likely be the Sooners go-to guy on the goal line.

The Texas defense will, no doubt, give up points, but the Longhorns cannot allow this game to get out of hand, as it has the last two years. The defense holding OU to as few points as possible will be the only way for Texas to have a chance in the game.

 

What are your thoughts? Sound off below!

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