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No. 6 Oklahoma meets No. 21 Texas within the Pink River Showdown in Dallas on Saturday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. on FOX. This recreation carries big implications within the Large 12 championship race for 2021.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian will get his first crack on the rivalry. The Longhorns (4-1) shook off their loss to Arkansas and rank sixth within the FBS with 43.8 factors per recreation. Bijan Robinson ranks second within the FBS with 652 dashing yards and 7 TDs.
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Oklahoma (5-0) stays undefeated, however there are questions whether or not the Sooners are for actual due to a slew of one-score victories. Lincoln Riley is 4-1 towards Texas, and quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his second begin within the rivalry matchup.
This rivalry will transfer to the SEC sooner or later, but it surely’s big for the Large 12 proper now. With that in thoughts, right here is every part bettors have to know in regards to the matchup between the Sooners and Longhorns:
Oklahoma vs. Texas odds
- Unfold: Oklahoma -3.5
- Over/beneath: 63.5
- Moneyline: Oklahoma -178, Texas +144
Three tendencies to know
— Oklahoma is 4-1 S/U towards Texas within the final 5 conferences, however the Sooners are 2-3 ATS in these video games.
— Texas is 4-1 ATS this season, however that is Sarkisian’s first recreation as an underdog. The Longhorns are 8-3 ATS in neutral-site video games since 2017.
— The Sooners are 0-4 ATS towards FBS opponents this season. That is the primary recreation in 2021 the place Oklahoma has been favored by single digits, nonetheless.
Three issues to look at
— Spencer Rattler’s effectivity. Rattler has accomplished 78.7 p.c of his passes the final two weeks, and he did hit eight totally different receivers in final week’s victory towards Kansas State. The Longhorns are permitting 7.7 yards per go, and Rattler had 260 complete yards and 4 TDs in final yr’s four-overtime victory. That have in a high-pressure rivalry makes a distinction, and he ought to have the ability to hold that offense transferring in the best course.
— Bijan Robinson’s workload. Robinson had 5 carries for 17 yards in a minor position in final yr’s recreation. That will not be the case this season. Robinson averages 21 carries and 130.6 dashing yards per recreation, and he creates a mismatch within the receiving recreation, too. That may offset Oklahoma linebacker Nik Bonitto, who leads the Sooners with 5.5 tackles for loss off the sting. These two SN Preseason All-Individuals are key chess items on this matchup when the Longhorns are on offense.
— Which big-play receiver steps up? In a wide-open recreation, which receiver steps up and makes the large catch? Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims averages 18.9 yards per catch, however he has but to attain a TD by means of 5 video games. Texas receivers Jordan Whittington and Xavier Worthy have mixed for seven TD passes.
Stat that issues
Texas quarterback Casey Thompson, an Oklahoma Metropolis native whose father Charles was a star QB for the Sooners, would be the key for the Longhorns. He is accomplished 71.4 p.c of his passes in three begins, and he poses a menace within the operating recreation. Sam Ehlinger scored 4 dashing TDs in final yr’s matchup. Thompson might want to match Rattler on the large performs whereas limiting turnovers. If he can try this, then the Longhorns could have an opportunity.
Oklahoma vs. Texas prediction
Excessive feelings go hand in hand with this recreation, particularly within the first half. The staff that has led at halftime has received 4 of the final 5 conferences, and Texas and Oklahoma had been tied at 17 at half final yr. Large performs will occur on either side, and it’s in regards to the staff that may deal with these swings. Rattler’s expertise within the recreation is a large plus, and the Sooners will lead by a landing at halftime. This can be a case the place enjoying in all these one-score video games will assist, and Oklahoma holds off Texas when it will get wild within the second half. A late interception seals the victory.
Ultimate rating: Oklahoma 38, Texas 31
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