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Bob Stoops makes Oklahoma, Texas prediction for Red River Rivalry

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby: Jonathan Wagner10/09/21j_wags74

The latest edition of the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners has arrived. Former longtime Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops made his prediction for the game on Saturday morning while on FOX Big Noon Kickoff.

“Obviously whoever wins this game today will be ranked number three or higher,” Stoops said. “I think that Oklahoma will have a strong showing today against Texas and they’ll jump Cincinnati this coming weekend.”

Oklahoma is currently 5-0 on the year and 2-0 in the Big 12 despite struggling at times throughout the season. Texas, meanwhile, is surging since switching to Casey Thompson at quarterback. The Longhorns are 4-1 and 2-0 in the Big 12.

Steve Sarkisian excited to face Oklahoma in his first Red River Rivalry game

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is fired up to face Oklahoma in the first Red River Rivalry game of his career. Saturday will mark the 117th edition of the game.

“I’m fired up for the game,” Sarkisian said. “I love the pomp and pageantry of college football. I love the history and the nostalgia. To think this is the 117th game…that’s a crazy number. I’m looking forward to…we put in so much work during the week so we can enjoy the experience on gameday. I’m looking forward to it…it’s a great atmosphere, a great game.”

Sarkisian also knows that Saturday’s game against Oklahoma will be a big measuring stick for Texas in the Big 12.

“At the end of the day, the peripheral puts measuring sticks on us on where we are,” he said. “For us, our process is our process. We have to make sure we’re putting our best foot forward. Are we making incremental gains to get better? For me, the positive, I really believe we’re making incremental progress in a lot of ways. There’s a lot that goes into it. When you’re playing the team over recent history that has won the conference, here’s an opportunity to basically see where are we at this point. We’re going to find out. We’re going to see.”

Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma not taking the game for granted

Last season, the COVID-19 pandemic took away packed stadiums from college football. Oklahoma defeated Texas in last year’s rivalry game, but the stadium was not full. As Oklahoma gears up for a full crowd on Saturday for the game, head coach Lincoln Riley won’t take it for granted anymore.

“When Bob [Stoops] hired me seven years ago now, it was one of the first things when he called me and told me he was offering me the job. I remember it being one of the very first things that crossed my mind, I get to coach in this game. I don’t take it for granted ever,” said Riley. “We’ve had a lot of fun. A lot of great games over the years. But certainly one I don’t ever take for granted because you realize how special it is every year. I’m sure this one will be no different.

“So, I’m excited to get down there and compete against a good Texas football team.”

Saturday’s showdown will kick off at 12 noon ET in Dallas.