As we close in on the 122nd edition of the Red River Rivalry, it’s time to highlight the Longhorns
that need to step up. Despite Oklahoma’s struggles this season, it’s still a team with the ability to pull the upset. Texas will need to handle an elite defense, a dangerous special teams and, albeit struggling, an offense will playmaking ability. “Worse” teams have been “better” teams in this game's history.Here are the six Longhorns that need to step up for Texas to extend their series lead over Oklahoma:
Texas Longhorns RB Hollywood Smothers
In every Red River game in the Steve Sarkisian era, the team that has won the rushing battle has won the game. Last two seasons, it was Tre Wisner stealing the show and delivering Texas back-to-back wins in this game. This season, it seems Hollywood
Smothers is in the best position to take over the role. Under Sarkisian, the lowest rushing mark for Texas’ RB1 was 94 yards from Tre Wisner last season. If that trend continues, we could see Smothers top 100 yards on the ground this weekend.
Texas Longhorns TE Nick Townsend
From one name off the injury report to one that’ll likely find its way off before kickoff. Nick Townsend is currently listed as probable for the game this weekend and is likely to suit up for this one. The TE involvement in the receiving game is almost directly tied to Townsend’s presence on the field. He allows the Texas offense more versatility at the TE position, which can open up the outside passing game. Even if Townsend doesn’t stuff the stat sheet(which he could), he’ll have a positive impact on the Texas offense this weekend.
Texas Longhorns The Interior Offensive Line
This is the matchup that could lead to a Texas blowout. If Connor Robertson, Dylan Sikorski and Brandon Baker corral the Oklahoma DTs, Texas has a chance to run away with this game. Now, that’s easier said than done. David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Wyatt Gilmore and Bishop Thomas represent one of the best IDL units in the country. You don’t need domination from the Texas contingent but if they can at least limit that groups damage, Arch Manning and this offense could get into a rhythm.
Texas Longhorns DE Lance Jackson
There was not a more encouraging sign coming out of the Tennessee game than Lance Jackson. He racked up 9 pressures, multiple aiding Colin Simmons en route to his historic performance. Against Oklahoma, keeping Mateer’s legs from getting involved is very important and Jackson can help that. Outside of racking up pressures and sacks, setting a strong edge and keeping Mateer in the pocket will be equally impactful. The sophomore could be in-line for another breakout performance against the Sooners.
Texas Longhorns LB Justin Cryer
One of the unique things Oklahoma’s offense brings to the table Texas hasn’t seen before is a receiving threat at TE. Rocky Beers is capable of changing this game if the Texas defense allows him. That’ll depend on the coverage ability of the LBs at large but particularly Cryer. I expect Biles to be used as more of a spy on Mateer while Cryer is used dropping into coverage. That’ll put him 1-on-1 with Beers at times and he’ll need to hold his own. On top of that, the veterans' communication skills in a variable environment is very important.
Texas Longhorns S Jelani McDonald
One of the ways Oklahoma can beat Texas is Isaiah Sategna explosives. He’s capable of taking a screen 70 yards for a touchdown and changing this game. The way you avoid that is elite tackling from the secondary. Jelani McDonald leads the way for the Texas backend in tackles and does a great job rallying against screens. If McDonald and the rest of the secondary has a strong tackling day, Texas is likely keeping the Golden Hat.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Longhorns to watch in Red River: Smothers, Jackson, Cryer
