Nothing is more unpredictable than the Red River Rivalry, and with the status of Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer unknown, it’s like hitting a moving target blindfolded.
The No. 6 Sooners will play unranked Texas at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Cotton Bowl Stadium for the 121st Red River Rivalry. After having surgery on his throwing hand just 17 days before the rivalry game, Mateer was listed as probable on Thursday, and although Mateer’s presence will impact the specific score, it ultimately won’t affect the outcome.
Score prediction for Oklahoma vs. Texas
Now an SEC matchup, it’s fitting the Red River Rivalry should be decided in the trenches. A game relying on that could make OU fans nervous, but Texas is having even more issues than the Sooners along the offensive line.
Texas had to replace four starting offensive linemen from last year, and it hasn’t been a smooth transition. Florida had just three sacks total in four games, but last week while upsetting Texas, the Gators tallied six sacks. And the Sooners, leading the country with 4.2 sacks a game, have the best defensive front Texas has faced this season. That’s worst-case scenario for Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the biggest game of his career so far.
On the other side, OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle has essentially had three weeks to prepare for this one with the Sooners having a bye week before playing lowly Kent State. We’ve witnessed glimmers of what Arbuckle can dial up, but the Red River Rivalry should be his best work yet with several tricks still up his sleeve. Arbuckle might have also recently unlocked a new asset in running back Jaydn Ott. And Arbuckle should also have his most valuable weapon in Mateer.
The Sooners can beat Texas with or without Mateer, but he’ll be the difference in making it a more comfortable experience for OU fans watching as at least a one-touchdown difference.
Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Texas 17