Individual perspectives vary, but every Sooner knows what's at stake in the Red River Shootout

As Oklahoma readies to take on Texas at the Cotton Bowl this Saturday, John Mateer is dominating the headlines. And it's not even clear whether the Sooners' star quarterback will play. Although OUInsider.com reported to members early Tuesday that Mateer's expected to start, and betting lines have shifted in line with that belief, Brent Venables is still keeping his cards close to the vest. Mateer's expected to be listed as questionable on the Sooners' Wednesday availability report this evening, and that likely won't change throughout the week. However, Mateer is but one of the 22 individuals that will trot onto the field as starters for the sixth-ranked Sooners on Saturday. He won't decide this game on his own. And as the all-important matchup draws near, every member of the Oklahoma roster fully realizes what's at stake. The Sooners have the chance to advance to 6-0, likely jump back into the national top five, and assert themselves as a serious playoff contender. But obviously, the experience of the Red River Shootout runs so much deeper than the outcome. It's one of the iconic rivalries in college football, and perhaps the most unique annual matchup the sport has to offer.