Tale of the tape: Texas vs. Oklahoma
Who has the advantage at each position in the matchup between Texas and Oklahoma?
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We look at every spot in the tale of the tape.
Quarterback
With Quinn Ewers set to return, and Dillon Gabriel’s status as questionable as questionable can get, the Longhorns have a clear advantage at signal caller. Even if this edition of the Red River Shootout devolved into a battle of the backups, Hudson Card’s play over the past few weeks far outpaces that of Davis Beville or any other Sooner quarterback.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas
Running back
Eric Gray is a good back, averaging 7.0 yards per rush, and Jovantae Barnes has had his success, too. Marcus Major could play for the Sooners this week, giving them a strong backfield contingent. But unless Texas is going up against Georgia, this is going to remain an advantage for the Longhorns.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Wide receiver
Marvin Mims has been the main downfield threat for the OU offense, with Theo Wease, Jalil Farooq, and Drake Stoops struggling to find footing. Texas’ top two of Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington have been more than seviceable in recent weeks. Plus, this is the same place where Worthy approached a school single-game school record for receiving yards. In light of the quarterback situation, this one goes to Texas, but that’s not to discount the Sooner pass-catchers.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Tight end
Ja’Tavion Sanders and Brayden Willis both threaten defenses in unique ways from the TE/HB position. Each are talented players both defenses will need to account for.
Tale of the tape: Even
Offensive line
The strength of the Texas O-line is its exterior. The weakness is its interior. As far as the Sooners go, there is a lot of intrigue at this point about who is even going to suit up. It’s hard to discount a Bill Bedenbaugh offensive line, so this one remains as even.
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Tale of the tape: Even
Defensive line
The Sooner defense has struggled mightily in recent weeks, though not necessarily due to the play of the defensive line. Still, the Longhorn defensive trench players, led by Moro Ojomo, Keondre Coburn, and Byron Murphy, have made life difficult for opposing defenses. Look for the Sooner D-line to get after the Longhorn O-line. Pound for pound, though, this one goes to Texas.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Linebacker
Both units have had their share of successes and failures this year, but the Sooner defense in the past two weeks against stiffer competition has not been up to the task. DeMarvion Overshown and Jaylan Ford are playing some of the best football of their careers.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Secondary
The obvious weak point in the Sooner defense. They were missing in action versus TCU, and didn’t do much to stop K-State in Norman. Texas has played strong defense, but the Longhorns have ceded the middle of the field. This goes to Texas, but not so much because of excellence.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Specialists
This isn’t to disparage Bert Auburn or Daniel Trejo, but the Sooners have reliable specialists and an accomplished punter. One of the few upsides Oklahoma has in this game.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Oklahoma
