Trace Ford on facing Texas: 'They haven't played a defense like us yet'

One of the biggest rivalry games in college football kicks off this weekend when Texas and Oklahoma square off in the Cotton Bowl for the Annual Red River Rivalry game. The 120th meeting between the two programs who have traded wins in each of the last two seasons.

This Saturday will be the third time that Texas enters the matchup as the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. With the Longhorns boasting the No. 2 scoring defense in the country and an offense that’s averaging 45 points per game.

But Oklahoma EDGE Trace Ford made it clear that he and the Sooners are more than up for the challenge presented by the Texas offense. Even proposing that his respective unit is one unlike anything the Longhorns’ have faced this season.

“I think they haven’t played a defense like us yet,” Ford said after practice on Monday. “I’m just excited to play against them and see what we do against a high-powered offense like they are.”

Texas is one of 12 undefeated teams remaining in the FBS, beating Michigan in an impressive 31-12 win on the road and making easy work of the rest of their other four opponents. Ranking second in the nation only behind Ohio State in point differential beating opponents by an average of 38 points per game.

Oklahoma will undoubtedly be the best defense that the Longhorns have faced this season, holding opponents to just 16 points per game all while not getting a ton of help from the Sooners’ offense. Who currently rank last in the SEC in total yards and passing yards per game.

But on the flip side, the Texas offense could potentially be the best that the Sooners have faced as well. A unit that has not skipped a beat since losing starting quarterback Quinn Ewers to an abdominal injury in Week 3. Who is on track to start this weekend against Oklahoma following Arch Manning taking over the offense in a relief role.

The Sooners have held each of their opponents this season under their average point total for the year, and doing the same against the Longhorns would surely help them in their high-stakes game this weekend.