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Joel Klatt believes Texas should feel ‘really confident' entering Red River Showdown

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•10/04/23•

BarkleyTruax

UT-Mikala-Compton_Austin-American-Statesman-_-USA-TODAY-NETWORK
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the Texas Longhorns' game against the Wyoming Cowboys, Saturday, Sept. 16 at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.)

Saturday’s matchup between No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma is the most important edition of the Red River Rivalry in the last few years. Especially for the Longhorns, the excitement surrounding Steve Sarkisian’s team is at a fever pitch entering the weekend.

So, how should Texas feel heading into 2023’s Red River Rivalry? “Really confident,” according to Fox Sports analyst and college football commentator Joel Klatt.

“We always buy in and they always fall short,” Klatt said. “I’m not going to buy in until [Texas] does something. Well, they did something [in defeating Alabama]. Actually, two things. What I haven’t seen from them in the past that have been my main two criticisms in the past. They didn’t win any games. Two, they would constantly play to the level of their completion. Now, they’ve done both of those things.”

The win over Alabama shifted the trajectory of Texas under Sarkisian, and has solidified the Longhorns as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender during the early season. They’ve got QB1 Quinn Ewers to thank for that — and is the reason behind Klatt’s exteme confidence.

Ewers finished Alabama game with a 63% (24-38) completion percentage and 349 passing yards for the three touchdowns previously noted. His top targets — AD Mitchell, Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington — all four combined for 11 receptions, 197 yards and three touchdowns during the victory as well. 

He has totaled 15 of Texas’ 21 offensive touchdowns on the season, including five on the ground and has accounted for 1,432 total yards of offense through five games this season.

Alongside tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, the four have headlined a star-studded receiving corps. Add an explosive running back in Jonathon Brooks and a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 14 points against an opponent other than the Crimson Tide.

“I think this is their best team since 2005. … I don’t know if they’re as dominant, but I think that they’re a very good team,” Klatt continued. “I think the 2008 team was really good — I thought even better than the 2009 team. … They look focused after two-straight blowouts with Red River on the horizon.

“Really confident is how the Texas fanbase should feel.”

Kickoff between the Longhorns and Sooners is scheduled for Saturday at Noon ET inside the Cotton Bowl in Dallas live on ESPN. Texas has opened game week as a 6.5-point betting favorite, according to Vegas Insider. The over/under total is set at 60 points.