SIX PLAYERS UNDER THE GUN
Kyler Murray
The son of a Texas A&M quarterback legend, Murray might get only one chance in this rivalry game, and Saturday will be it. Murray has been superb so far, throwing for 1,460 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He’s also run for four more scores. Texas figures to focus on keeping Murray in the pocket, but if he can make plays with his feet when needed, Oklahoma’s offense should be able to consistently move the ball.
Kenneth Murray
After an up-and-down freshman season, Murray has been much better this year. But Texas figures to test him like few other teams will. In last year’s game, he tied for the team lead with seven tackles. Since being held without a tackle in the season opener, Murray has averaged 16 tackles per game. Murray and fellow inside linebacker Curtis Bolton figure to be big keys in slowing down Texas’ run game.
Trey Sermon
Sermon has been solid since Rodney Anderson’s season-ending injury elevated the sophomore to No. 1 on Oklahoma’s running back depth chart. But the Sooners might need more than solid Saturday, especially with Marcelias Sutton having not played since suffering an ankle injury against Iowa State. The only other running backs are redshirt freshman Kennedy Brooks and freshman T.J. Pledger.
Sam Ehlinger
As a freshman last season, Ehlinger hurt the Sooners both through the air and with his feet (106 yards and another score on the ground). While Ehlinger’s passing numbers aren’t prolific, he’s got weapons that can hurt the Sooners. Like Texas’ defense with Kyler Murray, one of the primary focuses for OU’s defense will be keeping Ehlinger in the pocket. Give him time to scramble and either make plays happen with his feet or find receivers downfield and things get much more difficult for the Sooners.
Davante Davis
Texas’ senior cornerback had two pass breakups in each of the Longhorns’ wins over USC and TCU. Davis will need to be productive if Texas is to have success against Oklahoma, as he figures to be asked to spend time defending Marquise Brown and CeeDee Lamb. The Sooners’ big-play receivers are a big reason OU’s offense has been as effective as it’s been to this point, and limiting the big plays has to be a point of emphasis for the Longhorns.
Keaontay Ingram
The freshman running back isn’t Texas’ leading rusher but has been the Longhorns’ most explosive option in the ground game. Ingram is averaging 6.1 yards per carry so far, though he’s been a bit limited by a minor knee injury. But with Ingram back close to 100 percent, it could be time for Ingram to see an expanded role. Against Kansas State, it was Ingram who got the ball late, carrying the ball seven times on the Longhorns’ last two drives. Ball control figures to be a key for Texas, and Ingram’s success could go a long way if the Longhorns are to keep Oklahoma’s explosive offense off the field.