#1 Texas vs #18 Oklahoma: NCAA Football Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

The Red River Rivalry did not go away despite both teams moving to the SEC, and this Saturday we see Texas and Oklahoma face off once again. The Sooners got the best of Texas last year, winning on a late TD pass from former QB Dillon Gabriel. But this season is a lot different.

Not only are the Longhorns undefeated and the top ranked team in country, Quinn Ewers will also be making his return to the field with revenge on his mind. After missing the past couple weeks with injury, the Longhorns’ starter is coming off nearly 3 weeks of rest and recovery, and the whole team is coming off a bye week.

Now, the Sooners are also coming off a bye week, so they are rested as well. Plus, you know both of these squads have had this game circled, especially considering the “new era” of the rivalry after joining the SEC. Both teams will be hungry for a victory over their conference rival. But who will get it done?

Can the Sooners rely on a freshman to take down the the Longhorns? Or will Texas roll over Oklahoma and send them back to Norman with a loss?

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Texas vs Oklahoma: Red River Rivalry in the SEC

Can Ewers and Texas take down Oklahoma on Saturday?

Matchup Information – Texas vs Oklahoma

• Venue & Location: Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)
• Date: Saturday, October 12th, 2024
• Kick Off: 3:30pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ABC

Betting Odds

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Spread

• Texas -14.5 (-105)
• Oklahoma +14.5 (-115)

Money Line

• Texas -600
• Oklahoma +400

Total

• Over 50.5 (-110)
• Under 50.5 (-110)

Can Sooners Take Down the Nation’s #1 Team?

Michael Hawkins Jr. has taken over as QB for the Sooners this season

The Longhorns may have their hands full with this kid. Texas has not faced a mobile QB of this caliber, and of course, they may be looking ahead to hosting Georgia next week. Hawkins will be playing in his hometown of Dallas, and since becoming the OU starter, he beat Auburn and put up a bit of a fight against Tennessee.

Hawkins Jr. threw for 161 yards on 10/15 passing against the Tigers, adding 69 yards on the ground on 14 carries including a TD. The Longhorns defense has not had to spy or contain a QB like they will need to this weekend, and I think this guy will be a challenge. He is running for over 3.5 yards per carry, but has also improved his completion percentage each week.

Quinn Ewers is back under center for the Longhorns, and even if he isn’t good to go, Archie Manning has proven to be a solid backup that can lead the team to victory. This will be a very tough defense that the Longhorns face, but they were able to to into the Big House and pick apart Michigan. Venables is certainly a great defensive minded coach, and I’m sure he has some tricks up his sleeves to upset the Texas offense. Ultimately, I think Texas wins this game, but I will admit I am scared of the hook. Two touchdowns plus an extra half point seems like I would get screwed by the backdoor if I laid the points with the Horns.

This total is a bit lower, meaning Vegas probably expects points to come at a premium anyways, making it even tougher for Texas to cover. For my coins in this game, I’ll bet putting them on a player prop.

Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners Best Bets

Gunnar Helm has 16 catches for 220 yards this season

Texas vs Oklahoma Prediction: Texas Wins, Oklahoma Covers, Under 50.5

Best Bets: Gunnar Helm (TEX) Over 28.5 Receiving Yards (-113) BetOnline

Gunnar Helm has been a reliable target for both Texas QBs this season. He’s averaging 13.8 yards per catch, has a TD under his belt, and has a 20+ yard grab in 3/5 games as well. Now, he’s only cleared this line 3/5 times this year, and hasn’t done so the past two games, but he is used much more in tough matchups.

Against Michigan, Helm had 7 catches for 98 yards and TD, including a 22 yard reception. Against Mississippi State, he had 5 catches for 23 yards. This will be a marquee matchup for Texas, so I expect Ewers to find his TE plenty this weekend. Auburn’s TE caught 3 passes for 71 yards and Tulane’s caught a TD pass, so I think Helm will be able to find some green grass and catch a few for us on Saturday. This is a number he could clear in 1-2 receptions, so I am more than comfortable taking him up to 40+ (+158) or 50+ (+260) as well.

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• NCAA Football 2024 Preview
• Current Heisman Odds
• ACC 2024 Preview
• SEC 2024 Preview
• Big Ten Preview
• Big 12 Preview

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