Colt Crosses the River Again

For those of you who don't know, this Saturday's match-up between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners is known as the Red River Shootout (or more recently referred to as the Red River Rivalry). The Red River Rivalry goes as far back as 1900. Historically, it is one of the top 3 college football rivalries of all time (subjective i suppose), behind the Ohio St vs. Michigan and Army vs. Navy games, and i would argue that today it the top rivalry in college football. In the past nine years, Oklahoma or Texas has reached the National Championship 5 times, and given that they are both in the Big XII South, the loser has almost no chance of reaching the Big XII Championship game. This year's game will be almost as intense as last year... but then again, last year (3 of the Big XII South teams (Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech) go 11-1, each loss coming to each other) will probably never happen again. But, with Texas Tech out of the picture, this game will decide the fate both Texas and Oklahoma.

#3 TEXAS

Thus far the Texas Longhorns are 5-0 and ranked #3 in the nation behind Florida and Alabama. This past week they dropped from the #2 spot because the BSC really likes SEC teams. But us rational human beings can forgive a simple mistake since the season is still young and the difference between being ranked #2 and #3 is fairly arbitrary. Colt McCoy, the Longhorns clear leader, has played well, but he has not necessarily put up Heisman numbers. Being the Heisman runner-up last year (behind Oklahoma's QB Sam Bradford) he came into this season with Heisman expectations. However, he has a TD-INT ratio of 10-6, he has a lower passing rating than Christian Ponder for FSU, and this is from the easy half of his schedule. Now if you think i'm saying that Texas doesn't have a star, think again. Colt McCoy is not playing badly, he just doesn't have Heisman numbers. But McCoy's #1 receiver and roommate, Jordan Shipley, is a stand-out play-maker. He has 583 receiving yards, an average of over 12 yards a catch, and 3 TD's; not to mention he one of the most dynamic punt returners in the league. Giving Texas good field position with a possible break away return for a TD might be just what Texas needs to earn a win over Oklahoma this year.

#20 OKLAHOMA

The Sooners have bigger problems than their returning Heisman winner Sam Bradford not putting up Heisman numbers (which is mainly because the Texas game will be his 3rd start of the year). However, Bradford returned just in time to give OU a chance to win the Big XII, regardless of their current 3-2 record (losing to currently ranked #17 BYU and #9 Miami). Since they are the only 2-loss team ranked, somebody still thinks they're legit. Here is where their problems lie: the offensive line. The problem that led to BYU getting alot of pressure on Bradford in the first half of game one, and unfortunately to a good hit that sent Bradford to the bench for a few weeks, has remained a problem throughout the season. Now the Sooners are going to have to sit the starting left tackle, who has lead what is considered Oklahoma's "strong" side of the line. Unfortunately for Bradford, he is friends with the captain of the offense and not the captain of the defense. Texas is going to parade through the weak offensive line all day, making Bradford prove the quality of quarterback he is made of.

All that said, emotions play a huge part in this game, making it the rivalry that it is. Texas beat Oklahoma last year, but still didn't make the Big XII Championship game, and consequently missed out on a shot at Florida for the BCS National Championship. This year Colt McCoy wants to earn himself a shot at the BCS National Championship and prove to the nation that he and his Longhorns are better than Tim Tebow and his Gators; but to prove that, he must go through the Red River of Oklahoma football. Also, Jordan Shipley wants to step up big for his team, and if he can carry his team to victory on a spectacular catch and/or TD return, he'll be throwing his name towards the top of this year's Heisman list. This is the Longhorn's first real test as a team this year, and the result will speak volumes to them, the Big XII, and the BCS. On the other side, Sam Bradford has his first full game under his belt this season, and remember...he was last year's Heisman winner. He is a winner, and he'll keep his team in the game. Texas has the edge on talent and consistency, but this game will be so much more than that. Saturday's battle will consist of the blood of both teams as one will go home a loser. If Oklahoma loses, their season is sure to end short of a success, going to 3-3 and virtually losing their shot at the Big XII Championship. If Texas loses, they might not make the Big XII Championship, and they will most likely miss out on their BCS National Championship dreams.

The Extra Point

What was Oklahoma's record? Oh yea, 3-2. My question is simple: why are they ranked? I understand that their two losses are to two ranked teams, but that's why those teams are ranked, and why Oklahoma shouldn't be; and one of those teams is current #18 BYU, who was later crushed by FSU. Who has Oklahoma beaten? Idaho State, Tulsa, and Baylor... lets just say i'm not impressed. Now, draw your attention to a similar situation - the University of Michigan (4-2). Michigan's losses were two very close losses @ #11 Iowa (#12 at the time) and @MSU in OT, which is nothing short of a very emotional rivalry. Who have they beaten? E. Mich, W. Mich, Indiana, and current #25 ND (ranked #18 at the time). Michigan is not ranked, so what's the big difference between them and Oklahoma. Again i ask, why is Oklahoma ranked?