Longhorn Advantage
Quarterbacks
No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas enter Saturday with top-notch quarterbacks. Both Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy have big numbers, qualifying them as Heisman contenders.
Bradford has led the Sooners from the front with his passing game while relying extensively on wide receiver Manuel Johnson. McCoy, on the other hand, has taken things into his own hands by rushing for four touchdowns apart from throwing 16 touchdown passes.
Although McCoy’s passing numbers fall short of Bradford’s, he has completed 103 out of 130 passes as compared to Bradford’s 106 out of 146 passes, making him a more efficent QB.
Defensive Line
Defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger and defensive end Frank Alexander are likely to return for the Sooners after sustaining injuries earlier this season. This will boost Oklahoma’s defensive line and force turnovers just as it has throughout the season.
Texas’ defensive line has also been in great form, successfully forcing turnovers and fumbles regularly this season. Lamarr Houston is the key to the Longhorns’ defense. Given Texas’ success with turnovers and fumbles, its defensive line holds the edge this weekend.
Secondary
The situation with the secondary is similar to that of the defensive line. The Oklahoma secondary will have to contend with an unpredictable Texas offensive unit that adapts to rushing plays as well as it does to long passes.
Texas will have the advantage in this department, unless Jermaine Gresham and the offensive line manage to throw off freshman Blake Gideon and the Texas secondary.
Special Teams
Despite scouting two kickers this year, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops has been relying on senior Mike Knall. Oklahoma’s special team efforts have not gone poorly so far this season. Texas is also consistent with conversions and punting, with very few errors committed.
The telling factor will be the defense guarding it. The Longhorns hold the upper hand in this respect, given their overall stronger
defense.
Sooner Advantage
Running Backs
Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray has rushed for 431 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. His five touchdowns have complemented Bradford’s passing. Chris Brown has accompanied Murray well and has rushed for 313 yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Texas has seen McCoy develop into an effective rusher along with running back Chris Ogbonnaya. They also have freshman running back Cody Johnson, who has rushed for 193 yards this season and has six touchdowns to his name. But, based on pure numbers, Oklahoma has the upper hand.
Receivers
Oklahoma’s Manuel Johnson has 26 receptions and five touchdowns to his name so far this year. He has 468 yards of reception this year and is likely to be a key factor this weekend.
Texas receiver Quan Cosby has also been consistent this season. He has received for 416 yards and scored three touchdowns. Other receiving options for the Longhorns include senior Jordan Shipley, freshman Dan Buckner and sophomore James Kirkendoll.
However, Johnson’s impact is likely to be more than that of Texas.
Offensive Line
Oklahoma’s offensive line has worked well so far this year, successfully protecting Bradford. Tight end Jermaine Gresham, who has four touchdowns this year, will have to make way for the wide receivers to make the plays, as he will have the Texas defensive line to contend with.
Texas’ offensive line was dealt a blow when Blaine Irby was ruled out for the rest of the season, but the line has managed to protect the quarterback effectively in the past two games without him. This weekend, it will have a lot to contend with in the Sooners’ defensive line. Without Irby, the Longhorn offensive line will look weaker than the Sooners’.
Linebackers
Sooners defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Brent Venables has made some changes in his lineup. He has transformed former safety Keenan Clayton into a linebacker. This move looks like it has given ample support to the defensive line.
The Longhorns, on the other hand, are relying more on their defensive linemen. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s plans seem to be working so far, but the Sooners’ offense will be tougher to deal with than any other offense the Longhorns have met this season. The Sooners hold the upper hand when it comes to linebacker strength.
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