Scouting Report: Texas
NORMAN — Oklahoma began the season ranked No. 18 in the AP Poll. Texas sat atop the rankings at No. 1.
The picture is much different heading into this weekend’s Red River Rivalry.
The Sooners are No. 6 with a perfect 5-0 record, while the Longhorns (3-2) are unranked and have lost both of their games against Power 4 opponents. Last week was particularly rough, as the Longhorns fell to Florida, 29-21, despite being a significant favorite to win in Gainesville.
However, the Longhorns are a 3.5-point betting favorite to beat the Sooners in Dallas. Obviously, part of that is due to quarterback John Mateer’s uncertain status. But regardless, when it comes to this rivalry, both teams have learned to throw records out once they take the field at the Cotton Bowl.
Here’s an overview of Texas and what the Sooners can expect this weekend:
Game Info
When: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Cotton Bowl Stadium, Dallas, Texas
TV: ABC
Texas Overview
Scoring offense: 29.6 points per game (65th nationally)
Scoring defense: 12 points per game (5th)
Total offense: 419.2 yards per game (52nd)
Total defense: 260.2 yards per game (13th)
Key Players
Arch Manning, QB
1,151 passing yards, 60% completion, 11 TD, 5 INT, 43 carries, 160 yards, 5 TD
Jerrick Gibson, RB
36 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD
Ryan Wingo, WR
17 carries, 263 yards, 4 TD
Michael Taaffe, DB
32 tackles, 1 INT
Liona Lefau, LB
30 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
DE Colin Simmons, DL
10 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Keys To The Game
1. Battle in the trenches
Both OU and Texas’ defensive lines should be ready to tee off in Dallas.
The Sooners rank 53rd in sacks allowed and 95th in tackles for loss allowed, and they just surrendered three sacks to a Kent State that had four sacks through the first four weeks. It’s been an uneven start to the year for OU’s offensive line, at best.
However, Texas’ offensive line has been just as uneven. The Longhorns surrendered six sacks in last week’s loss to Florida, a team that had just three sacks through the first four games. The Texas offensive line could be extremely vulnerable against an OU defense that ranks second in both sacks and tackles for loss.
Both offensive lines could have issues. But OU’s defensive line is likely more equipped to take advantage, and that could prove to be the difference.
2. Does Arch Manning get going?
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Manning has fallen way short of expectations.
Manning is not the biggest reason why the Longhorns have fallen to 3-2, but he certainly hasn’t helped. In his two games against Power 4 opponents, he’s thrown for 433 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 55% of his passes.
If there was any time for Brent Venables to cook up confusing defensive schemes, it’s this one. The Sooners shouldn’t have much of a problem generating pressure on Manning, and the third-year quarterback has proven to be mistaken-prone when he’s under duress.
Not a subscriber? Join OUInsider now and get your first week for just $1. No, this deal is NOT too good to be true! Take advantage today and get the market’s best Oklahoma football and recruiting intel!
Click HERE to subscribe today!