One of the best rivalry games in college football is set to kick off this weekend at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. That’s right, the sixth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners will take on 21st-ranked Texas. This game has a lot of playoff implications on the line. However, this will be one of the last times that this rivalry will take place in the Big 12, so it’s worth getting in on the college football betting action.
Oklahoma comes into the game undefeated, as Texas comes in with one loss. While Oklahoma is undefeated, their play on the field doesn’t suggest a title-contending team. For Texas, they lost to Arkansas on September 11th, but have bounced back nicely. The Longhorns come in winners of three straight, including a big win over TCU last weekend. Spencer Rattler is the signal-caller for the Sooners, who have won three straight in this rivalry. Last year’s quadruple-overtime matchup was one for the ages. Hopefully, this game is at least half as entertaining as last year’s showdown.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at this year’s edition of the Oklahoma vs Texas Red River Showdown, including college football betting odds and predictions.
Oklahoma vs Texas Location, Time, & Date
Date: Saturday, October 9th, 2021
Time: Noon ET
Location: The Cotton Bowl — Dallas, TX
Oklahoma vs Texas Betting Trends
- Oklahoma is 0-4 this year vs FBS opponents
- Oklahoma is 4-1 in the past five matchups, but are 2-3 ATS in those games
- Texas is 4-1 ATS this year
- This game will be Steve Sarkisian’s first game as an underdog since he became head coach
- The over is 2-1 in the last three matchups between the two
Oklahoma vs Texas Betting Odds & Pick
College football betting odds for Oklahoma vs Texas are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Spread: OKLA -3.5 (EVEN) | TEX +3.5 (-120)
Moneyline: OKLA (-160) | TEX (+135)
Total: 63.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
What to Watch for Oklahoma
For the first time in a while, the Sooners defensive unit has looked a lot better than their offense. Spencer Rattler, the Sooners quarterback, has been inconsistent this year, but he has still put up good numbers. He’s thrown 10 touchdowns this year to only four interceptions. Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray are the one-two punch in the backfield, having accounted for four rushing touchdowns. The receiving corps is very good and led by stand-out Marvin Mims. Also, be on the lookout for Jaden Haselwood. The one-time top recruit is explosive and is a great compliment player to Mims. Haselwood is the X-factor for Oklahoma on offense.
On defense, the Sooners actually seem to have gotten better. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s unit has only given up 19 points per game this season. That is a huge improvement from the last couple of years. The key to the defense is led by Nik Bonitto, who has been a monster all season. He will be tasked with slowing down Longhorn running back Bijan Robinson. If the Sooners can slow down Texas’ run game, and Rattler minimizes his mistakes, Oklahoma will be in good shape to pull out another rivalry win.
What to Watch for Texas
After firing Tom Herman in January, the Longhorns hope they found their man in Steve Sarkisian. He called the plays for one of the best offenses in college football history last season. On offense for Sarkisian’s squad, running back Bijan Robinson is the star. The sophomore has rushed for 652 yards this season and scored seven touchdowns. Oklahoma better beware, because Robinson is a real threat as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s scored two touchdowns that way this season. At quarterback will be Casey Thompson, who will be more than willing to give the ball to Robinson as often as possible. Thompson really just needs to not make mistakes, and the Longhorns offense should be in good shape come Saturday afternoon.
On defense, it’s a group effort for the Longhorns. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has put together a solid unit. He uses different blitzing players to confuse quarterbacks. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is the leader and already has 44 tackles this season. The Longhorns haven’t forced a lot of turnovers this season, but to beat Oklahoma they will need to force at least one. The Longhorns defense will look to get pressure early on Spencer Rattler, and force him into making the mistakes.
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Oklahoma vs Texas Prediction | College Football Betting
The Red River Showdown (Shootout) is always one of the most entertaining games of the year. However, this year could be a low-scoring affair. Well, not really a low-scoring affair, but a low-scoring game for these two teams. Spencer Rattler needs to step up and play a great game against a good Texas defense. However, the Sooners have looked shaky this season. On the other hand, Texas’ loss to Arkansas is not looking that bad right about now. I expect the Longhorns to win the game behind Sarkisian’s play-calling, and Bijan Robinson’s big play capability. Oklahoma has won three straight in this series, but it’s time to buck the trend. Go Horns!
Oklahoma vs Texas Prediction: Texas 31, Oklahoma 27 (Texas +3.5, Over 63.5)
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