Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma 2016 Football Season Preview – Part Two

By Sixto Ortiz

Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates in the crowd with fans following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Cowboys 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates in the crowd with fans following the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners defeated the Cowboys 58-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the stadium before the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns during the Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the stadium before the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns during the Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

October 8: The Red River Rivalry Heats up Again

 Even though the Texas Longhorns have been pretty bad early in Charlie Strong’s tenure, somehow the Horns have found their mojo against their crimson and cream archrivals.

In 2014, Oklahoma managed to win the game, even though the Sooner offense was absolutely inept. Unfortunately, in 2015 the Horns gashed the Sooners on the ground, rushing for 313 yards while holding Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon to 60 total rushing yards. After that debacle, many fans and pundits rightfully thought the Sooners’ season was sunk.

The 2016 Longhorn squad should once again be a good rushing team. D’Onta Freeman and Chris Warren III, who combined for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015, return in 2016.

Quarterback Jerrod Heard, the expected starter, added 556 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. This trio should again be productive in 2016, provided new offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert’s offense takes advantage of the talent. If Oklahoma hopes to reverse its fortunes in this game, the defense must find a way to slow down the Longhorn running attack.

Texas was able to get away with an anemic 55 yards passing during the 2015 Red River Rivalry, and still managed to win the game. An improved Texas passing game could spell trouble for the Sooner defense, which is going to have its hands full containing the Longhorn ground game.

The Oklahoma secondary must find a way to shut down the Longhorn passing attack and make the Texas offense one dimensional. Provided, of course, that the Sooner defense is able to prevent Texas from running roughshod on the ground as was the case a year ago.

Defensively, Texas was absolutely woeful against the run in 2015: The Longhorns ranked 112th in the country in rushing defense, allowing almost 220 yards per game. this is what makes the performance against Oklahoma so vexing: In a season in which the Longhorn defense allowed 395 yards to Baylor and 228 yards to Rice, the effort against Oklahoma stands apart as the lone positive in a season littered with defensive ineptitude against the run.

For 2016, Oklahoma’s mission is clear: Establish the run and exploit a Texas run defense that, even though it has nowhere to go but up in 2016, is still relatively young. Even though the Longhorn defense was appreciably better against the pass in 2015 (ranked 74th, allowing 233 yards per game), Oklahoma’s strong passing attack should be able to move the ball against the Longhorn defense.

At times, it’s easier to predict what the stock market will do than prognosticate what will happen during the Red River Rivalry. Even though Texas will improve in 2016, it won’t be enough to stay with a Sooner squad that has a much higher ceiling. Oklahoma will get back to the win column in Dallas with a 28-14 win over the Longhorns.

Next: October 15: The Wildcats Go Hunting in Norman

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