Texas Longhorns Football: Five most important games in 2015
Dec 6, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
3. October 10: Texas vs. Oklahoma (8-5, 5-4 in 2014) in Dallas, TX
Last Season: Oklahoma defeated Texas, 31-26, in Dallas, TX
It feels weird to put the Red River Rivalry this low; alas, this is just another symbol of how far both teams involved have fallen down the Big 12 totem pole. Just as Texas did, the Sooners trudged through a disappointing season in which they finished with less than 10 wins for the first time since 2009. Bob Stoops, like Charlie Strong, will be feeling the heat this year, and will be just as much pressure to produce a win over their school’s bitter rival.
Related: Oklahoma Season Preview and Prediction
While the Sooners face some uncertainty at the quarterback position (Stoops has yet to name Baker Mayfield, Trevor Knight or Cody Thomas the starter), they do return NCAA record-holder Samaje Perine at running back. Perine is best known for his 427 yards and six touchdowns against Kansas last season, he also gashed Texas for the decisive touchdown in last season’s tilt. Additionally, whoever gets the nod at quarterback will have a legitimate weapon in wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who caught a touchdown against the ‘Horns last season.
On defense, the Sooners also return a plethora of talent, led by senior outside linebacker Eric Striker. Striker is a headache for any team to game plan around, and should keep offensive coordinator Joe Wickline up late at night during rivalry week. Cornerback Zack Sanchez is talented enough to nullify one side of the field, so a strong game from Texas’ receiving corps will be necessary.
Strong had a chance to start 1-0 versus Oklahoma in his coaching career, but ineptitude on the offensive side of the ball, as well as repeated mental errors, cost Texas a chance to win last year’s game. That won’t fly again in 2015, and it is crucial that Strong walk out of the Cotton Bowl victorious on Columbus Day weekend.
Next: Baylor