After weeks of bad competition, we are finally here: Red River Week.

Sure, the new Speed D and annual super weapon that is the Oklahoma offense have looked mostly sharp so far this season. However, the Sooners have faced nothing so far like what they will face in the Cotton Bowl this Saturday and probably won’t face a challenge like this again until the postseason.

Meet the Longhorns

Texas started this season with all the major pillars of high expectations: Sugar Bowl win, Playoff hype, potential Heisman, big non-conference home game, cool soundbite that totally could never backfire.

While the Horns have already botched one of the above (LSU), this isn’t a lost season for them. A win at Fair Park would rocket them right back into the Playoff conversation and set the tone for the potential clean slate. Lose here and the ceiling is another NOLA trip.

Texas boasts a strong offense and about as many athletes as you can find in the Big 12. While the Longhorns have had issues staying healthy on defense with guys like Caden Sterns sidelined, this will be the first real challenge for an Oklahoma offensive line that has been shakier than in seasons past.

Who to Watch For:

Sam Ehlinger, QB #11

I mean, duh. While we’ve dogged on him for years, Ol’ Trill Sammy or whatever dumb nickname the Horns PR team is trying to force is a legitimately good player. His throwing accuracy has improved and Tom Herman has been running him much less, which makes him much fresher.

While I’m not sold on him being a legend tier Texas quarterback, make no mistake: dude is good.

Devin Duvernay, WR #6

Aside from the obvious choice of Ehlinger, I think the Horns slot receiver has the biggest chance of giving the OU defense headaches on Saturday.

Not only has Duvernay has been one of the most improved players for Texas this season, slot receivers have excelled against Speed D this season. Plus, with lead wideout Collin Johnson dealing with hamstring issues, expect plenty of targets for Duvernay.

Why You Should Be Excited

When the Big 12 got its dream Championship matchup with the Red River rematch, many wondered if the potential for a larger stage rematch would harm the traditional game in the Cotton Bowl.

I can fully say without a doubt that the hype is as real as ever.

While rational thought would lead one to believe that a conference championship win would render the earlier regular season useless, Texas fans this offseason have proven that rational thought is not utilized south of the Red River.

The amount of bragging about Dicker The Kicker, the Golden Hat and “kRyLeR mUrRaY” has been honestly kinda sad to watch. I’d expect this out of Oklahoma State or Texas A&M, but Texas? I’d expect more out of a supposed blue blood than to brag about a game that wasn’t the most recent matchup.

With that being said, I want that damn hat back, if anything to just take any ounce of supposed bragging rights away from the Longhorns. Of course, then the Horns will have to move on to “MOST RECENT NATTY” or whatever other broken record, watery point that they pull out, but still.

Bring the hat home.

Series History (Oklahoma Leads 12-2 in Big 12 Championships)

🗣️WINS BEFORE WORLD WAR II DON’T MATTER 🗣️