B.J. Foster says Red River Showdown is ‘way better’ than Iron Bowl

By Colby Gordon
Special Contributor

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts will play in the Red River Rivalry for the first time after transferring from Alabama last spring.

Following the Sooners’ win over Kansas last week, Hurts told the media he should be prepared for the game after playing in the Iron Bowl (the Crimson Tide’s annual showdown against in-state rival Auburn) during his time at Alabama, but [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]Longhorns defensive back B.J. Foster took issue with that comment.

“It’s very different,” Foster said. “This is Texas. Texas is different. Football is more physical here. The Red River Showdown is way better. It’s the best thing you can play in.”

Hurts no doubt has an impressive résumé from his time at Alabama, and also presents a major threat as a runner, something Longhorn defenders noted they have to be aware of.

“Any time you have dual-threat quarterback that can run like he can, it’s a huge factor,” Jones said. “He does a really good job. He’s going to try and run you over. He’s physical and aggressive and … he runs the ball like a running back. He wants to get those extra yards.”

Foster said that, as usual, the Texas defense will try to make the opposing offense one-dimensional.

“We have to stop the run and force them to throw,” he noted. “They can’t have both options to run and throw. We’re solid on the run game. Not many teams can run on us, so they’re going to have to pass the ball.”

Foster returned from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss two games to make an interception against West Virginia last week, and with Texas still having multiple cornerbacks out with injuries, Jones noted having Foster back in the secondary is crucial for the Oklahoma game.

“It’s big,” Jones said. “He does a really good job of having experience and being in situations. He understands football more because he’s older. He’s a thumper. He for sure will let players know he’s there.”
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