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Texas vs Oklahoma preview, prediction, live stream for Red River Showdown

By Connor Muldowney

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma 38-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners during warm ups before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Norman, Oklahoma. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma 38-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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The annual Texas vs Oklahoma Red River Showdown game is upon us, and here’s everything you need to know.

Were Baker Mayfield’s Heisman hopes crushed in Week 6 with an Iowa State loss? The Oklahoma quarterback doesn’t think so, and Texas better beware his wrath in Week 7. The senior quarterback suffered arguably the worst loss of his career as his Sooners went down to the Cyclones at home, but it wasn’t squarely on him.

Oklahoma’s defense was suspect in the loss, and that could be a concern heading into the Red River Showdown against Texas. The Sooners dropped to No. 12 in the polls, but it’s far too early to count them out of the playoff race. With Mayfield playing at such a high level this season (1,635 yards, 15 touchdowns and zero picks), it’ll be tough to take this team out.

Texas knows how to play the Sooners tough in this game. In fact, the Longhorns lead the all-time series and there have been a few upsets in recent years. Could there be another one on Saturday afternoon as they take on arguably the nation’s top quarterback?

True freshman Sam Ehlinger may very well get the start against Oklahoma over sophomore Shane Buechele after the latter was injured last week. Tom Herman said the injury has healed and Buechele is good to go, but will that entail a start? Both quarterbacks have done a solid job this season, but the controversy will continue.

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s Texas vs Oklahoma game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 14
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Dallas, Texas
Venue: Cotton Bowl
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Mayfield needs to continue to protect the ball. He’s played on big stages before, so the Red River Showdown won’t rattle him as much as it might for Texas’ quarterbacks. As for the defense, the Sooners need to find a way to make whoever starts at quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket. Both quarterbacks have the ability to run, but don’t even let them get the edge. Collapse the pocket and force them to make some mistakes.

For Texas, it will need to find a starting quarterback and stick to him. No back-and-forth at the position is going to do this offense any good. Against Oklahoma, the Longhorns need to figure out who the hot hand is, and stick to him for the rest of the game. If it’s Ehlinger, give him a shot and if it’s Buechele, you already know what you’re getting. No two-quarterback systems ever seem to work and that would kill the Longhorns against the Sooners. Defensively, not allowing the big play will be important.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 6

Prediction

This is going to be another classic game in the series. The Sooners and Longhorns will go back and forth all afternoon long, leading to a final ‘Heisman moment’ type of drive for Mayfield. He will march down the field with his team down 27-24 and score the game-winning touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining. The Sooners will escape with a big win and the Longhorns will prove that they’re not too far away from contending in the Big 12.

Final Score: Texas 27, Oklahoma 31

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