Preparation for the Texas-OU rivalry is like nothing else

The Red River Shootout is among the most electrifying and intense rivalry experiences in college sports. For fans, players, and coaches, it’s more than just a game. It’s a tradition charged with history, pride, and raw emotion.

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The entire week leading up to kickoff is filled with energy and anticipation as people around the program relive decades of battles, dramatic finishes, shocking upsets, and unforgettable moments. This rivalry holds the weight of countless memories, transcending individual players and coaches and spanning generations.

From my own experience at UNLV during rivalry weeks, facing off against teams like Reno (Nevada) and Hawaii was something entirely unique. Reno was a game steeped in tradition and tension, one where I still can’t bring myself to call them “Nevada” even now. In the leadup, we’d watch film highlighting past games, see the brawls that broke out on the field and in the stands, and learn about the history and animosity that made the rivalry what it was. Hawaii, on the other hand, brought its own fierce energy. In Las Vegas, there’s a whole community of people from Hawaii who settled in the desert and embraced Vegas while still holding loyalty to their home island team. That rivalry was layered, blending cultural pride and football tradition into a potent mix.

As game day approaches in a rivalry as deep as Texas vs. OU, the seasoned players – those who have been through the crucible of “hate week” – make it a point to teach the younger teammates what it means to represent Texas in this clash. They pass down stories of past victories, of legendary plays that have become the stuff of Texas lore, and of the deafening roar from the stands. It’s not just about personal glory. It’s about fighting for respect, honoring the pride of the program, and carrying forward the legacy of every Texas player who came before. Every snap, every tackle, every touchdown carries a deeper weight because players know they’re not just competing for themselves – they’re playing for a storied history.

Coaches who have past experience with this rivalry bring their own perspective, infusing preparation with personal stories and the emotional intensity of games they’ve fought in. Their memories blend the challenges and triumphs that only a rivalry can provoke, painting a picture of what it’s like to stand on the sidelines, feeling the stadium’s energy as it pulses with rivalry fervor. They remind the team that this isn’t just any game – it’s a legacy they’re stepping into.

Texas legends on the coaching staff, like Michael Huff, bring an even greater sense of gravity. Huff is more than just a coach. He’s a symbol of Texas football’s pride, grit, and resilience. His presence on the sideline speaks to the program’s history and the honor of representing Texas on the biggest stage. When Huff speaks, the players feel the weight of what’s at stake, hearing from someone who’s been in the arena and knows firsthand what it means to wear burnt orange against OU. For Huff and other alumni, this game is about carrying the torch of Texas football – about marking their place in a rivalry that’s as old as the sport itself.

Throughout the week, coaches keep the preparation focused and grounded, striving for a sense of normalcy amid the hype. Players are encouraged to avoid social media to maintain focus even as fans, families, and alumni buzz about the upcoming game. Coaches might create extra motivation, sometimes fabricating bulletin board material or finding any small edge to fire up the players, giving that last push of energy and drive.

On game day, the intensity is palpable. As the team arrives at the stadium, the pressure and tension are thick in the air of the State Fair. Walking through the tunnel, each step feels heavier, and for first-timers, the reality of the rivalry hits with full force. The adrenaline kicks in as each player’s competitive edge takes over, ready to dominate the opponent and prove that all the preparation and pride are justified.

Seeing the other team warming up, watching the fans fill the stadium, and hearing the band strike up, it’s clear – it’s game time. It’s time to make a statement, to show the other team through sheer presence and energy that it’s going to be a grueling day. Back in the locker room, the intensity is almost impossible to contain, but there’s little need for a coach’s pep talk – everyone understands what this game means.

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Running out onto the field, the energy is indescribable. The ground feels like it’s shaking, the stadium hums with life, and every cheer and boo amplifies the moment. Rivalry week crescendos in this electrifying atmosphere, where history, pride, and passion collide in a Cotton Bowl split down the middle. And as the whistle blows, it’s no longer just a game – it’s a battle, one that will live forever in the legacy of Texas vs. OU, and for every player who steps onto that field.