Steve Sarkisian makes case for Red River Rivalry over Iron Bowl, other SEC rivalries

Chris Del Conte sends social media on fire when in Destin for SEC Spring Meetings. He called the Red River Shootout between Texas and Oklahoma the best rivalry in the SEC, overtaking the likes of the Iron Bowl or the Egg Bowl.

If there is an opinion to listen to regarding rivalry games, it should be someone who has been in both settings. Steve Sarkisian is one, coaching against Oklahoma for Texas on three occasions. At Alabama for two seasons, Sarkisian played Auburn twice, once as the OC, and once as the interim head coach in 2020 when Nick Saban was out with COVID-19.

Sarkisian does not discredit other rivalries but does believe Texas-Oklahoma is the most “unique” of them all. The tradition of being at the State Fair of Texas brings a different kind of energy, both for the fans and teams.

“Ive been fortunate — I’ve been a part of the Iron Bowl,” Sarkisian began. “I’ve been a part of the Apple Cup in Washington. I’ve been a part of USC–UCLA. I’ve been a part of some great games.

“This is the most unique game, for sure, that I’ve ever been a part of. When you pull into the State Fair and you start smelling those corn dogs and turkey legs and there’s fans from both teams. Then you get in those locker rooms, they’re literally 20 feet apart and you’re staring at each team. One goes first, the other goes next. It can get a little contentious in there but that’s okay.”

Part of the argument Texas and Oklahoma fans will point to is the atmosphere inside the Cotton Bowl. One side is burnt orange, while the other is crimson. A perfect split right at the 50-yard line, creating two different environments depending on which way the ball is heading — something Sarkisian learned the hard way in 2021.

“Half of the game is a home game,” Sarkisian said. “The other half is a road game. I had to learn that the hard way in Year 1. We got stuck in OU’s end and we were false starting — we couldn’t do anything right. So, you have to play to that style of that game.”

The Red River Shootout joins the SEC as the second neutral site rivalry game. Florida and Georgia face off in Jacksonville every year but is a much shorter trip for the Gators. Texas and Oklahoma are about the same distance to Dallas, both using I-35 to get there.

Sarkisian has new rivalries to worry about in 2024 but will always have his team ready to play the Sooners.

“The fact that we come upon the State Fair in Dallas is really special,” Sarkisian said. “It’s a game I’m really humbled and honored to get to be a part of, getting to go coach in my fourth one. Looking forward to the opportunity.”