Preview of Texas vs Oklahoma: Prediction, Props, Odds, and Injury Report for the Red River Rivalry

• We’ve made our Texas vs Oklahoma prediction 2024 for Saturday (Oct. 13)
• The latest Red River Rivalry odds favor the Longhorns by over two scores
• Read below for Texas vs Oklahoma prediction, props, odds and injury report

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It’s another edition of the Red River Rivalry, as the #1 Texas Longhorns (5-0, 1-0 SEC) and the #18 Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 1-1 SEC) square off at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

This marks the 120th meeting between these bitter rivals and their first as SEC foes. With both teams eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff Bracket, this game carries significant weight. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. CT on ABC.

Let’s dive into our Texas vs Oklahoma prediction for Saturday’s CFB rivalry game.

Texas vs Oklahoma Prediction

Don’t let the high-octane offenses fool you – this year’s Red River Rivalry will be more of a defensive battle. Texas boasts the nation’s second-best scoring defense, allowing a mere 7.0 points per game. Oklahoma’s defense, meanwhile, ranks 8th against the run and 12th in EPA/rush.

The Sooners’ offense, on the other hand, has struggled mightily, ranking 130th in success rate and 129th in plays of 20+ yards. With a freshman quarterback in Michael Hawkins Jr. making just his second start against an elite Longhorns secondary, points will be hard to come by for Oklahoma.

MICHAEL HAWKINS JR. WENT ALL OUT FOR THIS 🔥

He was ruled short of the goal line after review. pic.twitter.com/mlxrB7ClbG

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024

Texas, led by the returning Quinn Ewers at quarterback, should fare better offensively. However, the Sooners’ pass rush, spearheaded by R Mason Thomas and his 6.5 tackles for loss, won’t make it easy for the Longhorns.

The under is the play here, as the public is swayed by memories of past shootouts in this rivalry. They are hammering the over in the CFB public betting trends, yet the O/U number keeps dropping. While the last five meetings between Texas and Oklahoma have averaged 67.8 points per game, this year’s matchup should buck that trend.

For my Oklahoma vs Texas prediction 2024, I’m backing the “Under” and predicting a final score around 27- 13 in favor of Texas.

TEX-OU Prediction

• Under 49.5 Points (-110 at DK)

Texas vs Oklahoma Player Props

Here are two player props I’ve locked in for Saturday’s game:

Jaydon Blue Over 19.5 Receiving Yards

With Ewers looks easing back into game action, expect him to rely on short, quick passes to his running backs, particularly Jaydon Blue. The junior back was targeted 12 times in Texas’ first two games with Ewers under center, catching nine passes for 74 yards.

Blue should have ample opportunities to eclipse the 20.5-yard receiving mark vs an OU defense that ranks 90th in success rate on passing downs.

Another one for Blue 🤘@texasfootball makes it 31-6 in the 3rd quarter 😤 pic.twitter.com/SNjj4KJok2

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024

Matthew Golden Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+120)

Redshirt freshman wide receiver Matthew Golden has been a red zone favorite for Ewers. He’s hauled in three touchdowns in the quarterback’s two full games played.

With Ewers back in the lineup, Golden’s chances of finding the end zone increase significantly. At plus odds, betting on Golden to score anytime is solid value.

Texas vs Oklahoma Odds

The oddsmakers have spoken, and they’ve made Texas substantial favorites in this year’s Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns are laying 15 points, with moneyline odds of -700. Oklahoma, on the other hand, finds itself in the unfamiliar role of underdog, with moneyline odds of +500.

The over/under opened at 51.5 points but has since dipped to 48.5, suggesting bettors are anticipating a lower-scoring contest than in recent years. This line movement aligns perfectly with our prediction of a defensive battle.

So why the lopsided odds? Simply put, Texas has been utterly dominant on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents by a staggering 38 points per game. The Longhorns’ elite defense, coupled with an offense that should benefit from Ewers’ return, makes them an imposing favorite.

Oklahoma, conversely, faces an uphill battle with a freshman quarterback and a receiving corps decimated by injuries. The Sooners’ best hope is for their defense to keep them in the game, but even that might not be enough against a Texas team firing on all cylinders.

 Texas vs Oklahoma Injury Report

The most significant injury storyline heading into this year’s Red River Rivalry is the anticipated return of Texas QB Quinn Ewers. The junior standout has missed the Longhorns’ last two games with an abdominal injury, but is expected to be back under center against Oklahoma.

Ewers’ presence should provide a nice boost to the Texas offense, although Arch Manning filled in commendably in his absence. Ewers has thrown for 691 yards, eight touchdowns, and just two interceptions in less than three full games this season.

On the Oklahoma side, the receiving corps is dealing with a rash of injuries that could hamper an already struggling passing attack.

Leading receiver Deion Burks is questionable for the game. The Sooners’ top three wideouts from the season opener are all battling various ailments. If these key targets are unable to suit up or are limited in their effectiveness, it could spell trouble for freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. as he navigates a daunting Texas defense.

The Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners is one of the most anticipated college football matchups of the season. This year, the two teams will face off at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on October 9th, and fans are already buzzing with excitement.

Both teams are coming into this game with high expectations. Texas is currently ranked 21st in the nation with a 4-1 record, while Oklahoma is ranked 6th with a perfect 5-0 record. The Longhorns are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to TCU last week, while the Sooners are riding high after a dominant win over Kansas State.

In terms of injuries, both teams are relatively healthy heading into this game. Texas quarterback Casey Thompson is nursing a minor shoulder injury, but he is expected to play. Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks is also dealing with a minor ankle injury, but he is expected to suit up as well.

As for the odds, Oklahoma is currently favored to win by 3.5 points. The over/under for the game is set at 63 points, indicating that oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair.

When it comes to predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have explosive offenses led by talented quarterbacks in Thompson and Spencer Rattler. The key to victory will likely come down to which defense can make the most stops and force turnovers.

In terms of props, there are plenty of options to consider for this game. Will Thompson throw for over 300 yards? Will Rattler rush for a touchdown? Will there be a defensive touchdown scored? These are just a few of the prop bets that fans can wager on leading up to kickoff.

Overall, the Texas vs Oklahoma matchup is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse programs. With so much on the line, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win in this historic rivalry game. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with plenty of excitement and drama along the way.