Paul Finebaum claims Texas will be legitimately back with win in Red River Showdown vs. Oklahoma

The No. 3 Texas Longhorns have a big one coming up next weekend: the Red River Showdown with No. 12 Oklahoma. If Texas finds itself on the winning end, the school will legitimately be “back,” according to Paul Finebaum.

The ESPN commentator said this is the biggest opportunity for Texas to prove itself. So far so good after a blowout win over previously ranked Kansas and a win in Tuscaloosa over Nick Saban this year.

But this is the turning point, good or bad, for Texas coming up.

“As you frame the game, obviously a lot of history to consider this is the last time not in the SEC,” Finebaum said on the Matt Barrie Show. “Last year was just one of the worst days in Oklahoma history. And you know how that plays into this, no idea. Truly have no idea whether that’s a factor or not. I’m not a big believer in those things, Matt. 

“But if Texas continues here, they’re in a phenomenal position. They’re no longer ‘Hey, this is a joke about Texas being back.’ I mean, they look legitimately back. And I just wish this game was already in the SEC because it just seems like a waste for these two schools who have been scorned and treated shabbily by the Big 12 in the schedule-making to give that league a showcase.”

Head coach Steve Sarkisian knows what a good football team Oklahoma is this year. The Sooners seemed to have hit a new gear in Year 2 under Brent Venables.

“As far as OU, it’s a good football team,” Sarkisian said postgame. “Obviously off to a great start. I’m not sure how they did today or when they play. They’re a really good team. They’ve got quality players. They’ve got good coaches. We know it’s going to be a heck of an environment for college football. It should be. 

“It should be a spotlight on that game and all of college football next Saturday at the Cotton Bowl. We’re looking forward to it. We know it’s going to take a real week of preparation mentally, physically, and emotionally to put ourselves in position to perform next Saturday.”

After losing four straight games, including backbreaking losses in 2020 and ‘21 in shootouts, Texas finally got back to its winning ways in the rivalry last year.

The Longhorns shutout the Sooners 49-0 as Finebaum alluded to. But these are two different teams as they come together for the 119th time.