Texas Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
The Red River Showdown in Dallas, Texas between two possibly top-ranked teams in the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns. The Sooners serve as the Big 12’s best team and the Longhorns should give them all they’ve got.
The Sooners put up 672 total yards of offense behind Heisman finalist quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield threw for 390 passing yards and three touchdowns in last year’s 45-40 victory.
Things were close all game long with the Longhorns almost staging a furious comeback. Texas scored with 1:45 remaining in the game to bring the game within a possession but still, the Sooners prevailed.
The Sooners overcame four turnovers (two fumbles, two interceptions) last year to claim the victory but Texas should use those to their advantage this season with a more offensive-minded Tom Herman.
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Shane Buechele still threw for 245 passing yards and three touchdowns, but the Sooners offense was too much to overcome.
Running back Samaje Perine had 35 caries for 214 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Dede Westbrook had 10 catches for 232 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
The good news for the Texas Longhorns is Perine and Westbrook are gone to the NFL. The Longhorns defensive experience should be on another level by Week Six of the regular season.
The Sooners still return nine starters on offense, giving Mayfield tons to work with. It should be another close battle but Oklahoma should prevail once again.
Final: Oklahoma 31, Texas 27 (4-2, 2-1 Big 12)