Dave: Time for some Sooner Magic
Even though Georgia scored 41 points, the defense once again played well enough to win that game. They held the Bulldog offense to almost 200 yards below their season average, and Georgia only converted on 3 of 12 third downs.
But as has been the case almost all year, once the defense got off the field, the offense did nothing to capitalize.
It’s like a broken record at this point. There were some flashes.
Mateer found tight end Rocky Beers and wide receiver Isiah Satenga often leading to a combined stat line of 165 yards on 16 catches with a touchdown between them. But it was all for naught as the Sooner quarterback once again was careless with the rock turning it over 3 times including an 85-yard scoop and score when the ball inexplicably slipped out of his hand as he wound up to pass.
Mike: Odds against the Sooners make for an opportunity
The last time Oklahoma scored a touchdown in the Red River Rivalry was in 2023, when QB Dylan Gabriel’s pass found WR Nick Anderson alone in the back of the endzone in the last minute of the game. The Sooners won 34-30 on their way to a 10-win season.
Oklahoma hasn’t won this game since.
Breaking the drought doesn’t look likely, at least if you pay attention to how the Sooners have stubbed their toes this season with John Mateer’s critical turnovers and an offensive line that is riddled with injuries and inconsistent play.
Vegas makes Texas a 9 1/2 point favorite, although you wonder if the reason the oddsmakers put it that close is because we all know the usual norms of football don’t apply to this game.
There is too much emotion. And the team that best handles that, and manages to not turn the ball over, tends to win it, regardless of predictions or on-paper strengths.
But maybe this game really isn’t different from the norms of football. Bud Wilkinson always said that the key to victory in football rests with three factors: turnovers, field position and the kicking game.