Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns Keys To Week 6
The Oklahoma Sooners were able to keep OU starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel healthy to Week 6 which means that the Sooners are pretty evenly matched with Texas' powerhouse offense led by incumbent quarterback Quinn Ewers. However, Oklahoma's defense laid the foundation of its struggles last season which could prove costly for the Sooners once more in Week 6 this season.
If the Sooners are able to maximize their one-year of experience with the defensive strategies and if the standout defensive leaders (LB Danny Stutsman, DL Ethan Downs and DB Billy Bowman) can match or exceed their stats from last season, the 2023 Red River Showdown may be too close to call.
Both the Longhorns and the Sooners have an undefeated record of 5-0 so far, so this game will mark the downfall of a dominant team in the Big 12.
Here's what both the Longhorns and the Sooners will need to accomplish if they want to end Week 6 with a win on their record.
Texas wins if...
...Ewers can capitalize off of wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
247Sports’ Josh Pate believes that Worthy may have a chance at taking home the Heisman trophy this season. Worthy earned himself the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year title two seasons ago, but due to a hand injury in 2022, Worthy was limited on the field.
Regardless, the Ewers and Worthy duo in the 2022 Red River Showdown played a huge role in their shutout.
This season, Worthy had a total of 124 receiving yards off of 26 receptions. On top of that, Worthy has recorded three touchdowns.
OU will have some hurdles to jump with the potential Heisman winner.
Oklahoma wins if...
it can apply consistent pressure to Ewers.
In 2022 when the Longhorns defeated the Sooners 49-0, Ewers completed 21 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.
On the Longhorns' defensive side, Texas was able to record 10 tackles for loss and three sacks while also pursuing consistent pressure on Oklahoma backup quarterback Davis Beville.
Conversely, Oklahoma was only credited with two quarterback pressures on Ewers all game, enabling him more time in the pocket.
However, if Oklahoma can break through Texas' offensive line consistently and apply pressure to Ewers, he will have to make some quick decisions with the football which could lead to more mistakes.