Brent Venables on Red River Rivalry: 'This game brings out all the emotions'

Brent Venables has been through enough Red River Rivalry games to know that things often get crazy when Oklahoma takes the field against Texas. He expects nothing less when the Sooners and Longhorns meet for the 120th time on Saturday.

Last season’s meeting went the way of OU, which got a big performance out of linebacker Danny Stutsman in a 34-30 victory. Stutsman finished with nine tackles, including on on a goal line stand in the fourth quarter, but he set the tone for his team before even stepping on the field.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

The linebacker delivered a passionate pregame speech that is a must-watch for any college football fan, getting his teammates fired up. As Venables looked back on the moment in his Tuesday press conference, he not only had praise for Stutsman as a leader, but also how the Red River Rivalry brings out that type of emotion in the whole team.

“That’s a natural thing for him from an expressive standpoint or a communication standpoint, Venables said of Stutsman. “He’s what you want in an alpha and he backs it up with how he plays. He plays with incredible effort and great toughness. But he’s that every single week. We circle that speech, but if you had a mic everywhere paying attention, that’s who Danny always is.”

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Still, players on both sides get a little more amped for the Red River game, and Stutsman was no exception.

“This is a game that brings out all the emotions, but you only get 12 a year,” Venables said. “So how you couldn’t have that emotion 12 times in a regular season is beyond me and our guys have been great that way. You don’t have to ‘get ’em up’ to be ready to play. They’re emotionally charged up each and every week. But this always brings out the best in guys.”

Oklahoma won last year’s game as Dillon Gabriel led them on a last-second touchdown drive to go ahead with just 15 seconds remaining. However, with Gabriel having transferred in the offseason and questions surrounding the offense, the Sooners enter as 14.5-point underdogs.

Crazier upsets have happened in history, and one has to believe Stutsman will have the defense emotionally ready for a big day. But tensions will be high on the opposing side as well, which is why the Red River Rivalry is always a must-watch in college football every year.

Kickoff between OU and Texas is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.