Who could leave the Cotton Bowl as a legend?
This year’s Red River Shootout is set to deliver yet another chapter of unforgettable moments, with players from both teams on the cusp of etching their names into the legacy of one of college football’s most storied rivalries. Here’s a look at some potential game-changers for the Longhorns who could rise to the occasion.
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WR Ryan Wingo: Wingo’s elite speed and knack for big plays make him a prime candidate to shift the game’s momentum with a single catch. Imagine him racing down the sideline for a 60-yard touchdown that ignites the Texas crowd and leaves the Oklahoma defense scrambling. Just like Xavier Worthy’s breakout, a spectacular play from Wingo could turn him into an instant Texas icon, with fans talking about his game-changing moment for years.
RB Quintrevion Wisner and RB Jaydon Blue: This duo has the potential to grind down the Oklahoma defense, just as Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray did in 2013. With powerful runs and a steady ground game, Wisner and Blue could give Texas the stability they need, controlling the clock and wearing down the Sooners. If they can deliver key runs in crucial moments, both backs might find themselves celebrated as Red River heroes.
TE Gunnar Helm: Helm, with his versatility as both a blocker and receiver, is primed to be the unsung hero Texas might need. Picture Helm hauling in a crucial third-down catch or making a touchdown grab that keeps Texas in the lead. His performance could quietly shift the game’s outcome, much like Jermichael Finley’s memorable moments in 2007.
K Bert Auburn: Games like these often come down to special teams, and Auburn’s steady leg could secure victory. If the game comes down to the final seconds, Auburn has the chance to echo Cameron Dicker’s clutch field goal from 2018, nailing a game-winner that Texas fans will remember for years.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
A Defensive Lineman Making a Statement: Imagine a Texas lineman intercepting a pass and taking it to the end zone, a la Chris Whaley’s famous pick-six in 2013. This kind of play would instantly energize the Texas defense, turning the tide and delivering a moment that fans replay over and over.
QB Quinn Ewers: Despite a 1-1 record, Ewers has played fantastic football in the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma. His stat line reads 52-for-68 for 635 yards and five touchdowns to three interceptions. If he can post another win over the Sooners, he’ll join select company as Longhorn signal-callers with a winning record over the Sooners with at least three appearances.
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My top pick is Ryan Wingo as the player most likely to leave a lasting impact this year. His speed, athleticism, and ability to break open a play perfectly align with the explosive nature of this rivalry. But with the unpredictable drama of the Red River Shootout, any of these players could seize the moment and become the game’s defining hero, crafting a memory that fans from both sides will talk about for decades.
