Red River Shootout

(20) Oklahoma vs. (3) Texas - Well here we go again. Another game that will probably decide who will win the Big 12. The experts have UT as the favorite but you've got to throw all of that out the window for this one. Should UT win? Probably. They boast the best rush D in the nation and have the highest scoring offense in the nation. But no one can ever tell. QB Colt McCoy needs to play better overall and eliminate the early pick he's been throwing in almost every game to this point. I'd be beating a dead horse if I mentioned Texas' porous running game too much. And to make things worse, RB's Vondrell McGee and Tre Newton are questionable with injuries. That means oft-injured RB Fozzy Whittaker will have to step in and give UT some solid carries. Texas has shown they can win with only about 100 yards or so on the ground. But OU isn't like the other defenses they've played. WR Jordan Shipley just needs to keep playing his game. If you haven't been paying attention the 'Horns have a big advantage with their return men. Shipley has taken 2 punts to the house this year and freshman RB D.J. Monroe has taken 2 kickoffs to the house. OU will have to play good, sound coverage.

As for Boomer Sooner they will have to do one thing better than they have all year and that is protect QB Sam Bradford. If he has time he can show his accuracy and downfield vision. But if you pressure him you've got a shot. A good way for OU to get Bradford time would be to get that running game going with Murray and Brown. If those 2 have a big day Texas' defense will struggle. The running game always takes pressure off of the QB and Offensive line. But say Bradford is getting time in the pocket. Who's he going to throw it to? With TE Gresham out for the year and leading WR Ryan Broyles questionable who will step up? Junior WR Brandon Caleb has shown he can make plays but no with Broyles consistency. Will senior WR Adron Tennell finally live up to expectations? We'll see. Because Texas' secondary is good and Bradford is going to need some targets. I might look for OU to use RB DeMarco Murray in many different roles to maximize his touches with their current lack of playmakers (screens, splitting him out wide, etc.)

All I know is this one has been exciting the past few seasons and with the way the BCS worked out last year it will add some intrigue. Two good defenses and two great QB's. Let's do it.