11:00 ABC, #20 Oklahoma at #3 Texas

This is the Red River Shootout.  It’s caused divorces, dismemberment and children to be disowned, not sure what’s happened in everyone else’s family.  This year is no different.  The Golden Cowboy Hat is on the line as well as a chance for a National title and a Heisman for Texas.  When Texas has the ball, look for OU’s #3 ranked rushing defense to have an edge on the line of scrimmage especially with Fozzy the bear as their only healthy running back option.  Colt McCoy will have to run some play action to soften up the secondary and the Sooners 29th ranked pass efficiency defense.  OU’s tight hipped linbackers are going to have a hard time covering Jordan Shipley with no topside help so he’ll be open or someone else will down the hashmarks.  When the Sooners have the ball, the lack of versatile playmakers and bland play calling is a deadly combination…for OU.  Horns have averaged giving up 15 points per game with their 16th ranked Scoring D and #1 ranked rushing D.  The Sooners are a little different with Slingin’ Sammy in at QB but even so, the Sooners have will be stifled on the run and will also need to pass the ball.  If Ryan Broyles is back and they can get Murray out in the slot, the 3rd receiver option will have a huge day underneath.  The Sooners O’line needs to protect Bradford and do better than their 1.2 sacks per game.  If Sammy doesn’t have time to throw, mark it down.  Texas will dominate in special teams because OU’s kicking game sucks and they have not improved in kickoff coverage. 

Pick:  The Horns are favored by 4 at home (in Texas).  I think their powderpuff schedule has made them look better than they are.  I’m going with the homer pick and picking OU and the points.