Sooners’ 2015 Football Schedule: Breaking Down the Non-Conference Slate

Oct 13, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback David Ash (14) avoids the rush of Oklahoma Sooners defensive end Chuka Ndulue (98) during the red river rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

October 10: The Tussle In The Cotton Bowl

Why OU Might Win

It is never easy to predict the winner of the Red River Rivalry; no matter what the records are for either team, fans can rest assured this bitter rivalry game will be played with heart and intensity. And, sometimes the unexpected can happen.

That said, Oklahoma will field a significantly improved offensive team during this year’s matchup. Coach Riley will unleash the full offensive scheme on the Longhorns, who will have a tough time containing all the Sooner talent. But, it is Mike Stoops’ oft-maligned defense that will rise to the occasion and shut down the Longhorn offense. Eric Striker will spend most of the game in the Longhorn backfield, and will terrorize quarterback Tyrone Swoopes into throwing costly interceptions.

Why OU Might Lose

Well, it’s October in the Cotton Bowl, and the unexpected just has a way of showing up. Texas is making slow but steady strides under Charlie Strong, and the Red River rivalry is just the game for the Longhorns to take the next step under Strong’s leadership.

Offensively, last year’s Cotton Bowl matchup left a lot to be desired. Even though the Sooners won the game, the offense only managed 232 total yards. Trevor Knight was particularly bad in this one: he only managed 129 passing yards and one touchdown. If Oklahoma puts up a similarly bad offensive performance this October, a tough Texas defense may just have enough to put the clamps on OU’s offense and come away with a victory. Never say never, especially at the Cotton Bowl in October.

Interesting Fact

One particular game that stands out to Sooner Nation (for all the wrong reasons) is 1984’s infamous 15-15 tie. This tie will forever live in infamy thanks to the officials, who inexplicably ruled Keith Stanberry’s end zone interception of Todd Dodge’s pass as an incompletion. Texas went on to kick the field goal as time expired for the tie and an outcome that satisfied no one.

Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator in that 1984 game was none other than future Texas coach Mack Brown.

Next: October 17: Sooners Travel To The Little Apple