The Oklahoma Sooners face a major challenge on Saturday in the Cotton Bowl as they face the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in the 122nd meeting of the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns lead the rivalry all time, 65-51-5. That includes three wins in the last four.
The two enter the game with very different feelings. Oklahoma limps into the game at 2-2 and its season hanging in the balance after making the College Football Playoff last season. Texas enters as the top-ranked team in college football with legitimate national championship aspirations.
Texas brings one of the best defenses in college football. The Longhorns are No. 22 in total defense. Star EDGE Colin Simmons leads the defense with 7.5 sacks this season. That includes 5.5 against the Tennessee
Volunteers. Quarterback Arch Manning leads the offense. He's thrown for 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Oklahoma EDGE Taylor Wein said he's looking forward to facing the Longhorns.
"They're really well coached," Wein said via OU Insider. "They're physical. They do some really good things. They have a great quarterback. I'm excited. We know they're going to bring their best. So, I can't wait.
Wein's excitement reflects the mindset Oklahoma will need against the No. 1 team in the country. The Sooners know Texas will bring its best, but that also gives Oklahoma an opportunity to measure itself against a team with national championship aspirations.
For a 2-2 Oklahoma team looking to change its season's direction, there may be no better stage. If the Sooners can match Texas' physicality and execute for four quarters, they can pull off a statement win and give themselves new life heading into the rest of the season.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's Taylor Wein on playing Texas: 'I can't wait'
