3-2-1 KICKOFF
It's OU and Texas in the Red River Showdown at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Buckle up. The Sooners (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) are still unbeaten following a 37-31 win over Kansas State in Week 5, while the Longhorns (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) are fresh off a 32-27 win over TCU. Here's a look at some key players to watch when the two teams face off.
3 players to watch
Wide receiver Mario Williams: After kicking off the season with a touchdown in each of the first two games, Williams has been kept out of the end zone throughout OU's last three contests. The freshman wideout has established himself as a top target for quarterback Spencer Rattler, and Saturday's contest is the biggest stage of his young career.
Defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas: Texas' offensive line struggled to buy quarterback Casey Thompson much time last week, which resulted in his season-low QBR of 55.7. Thomas' 3.5 sacks this season is the most on the team for OU, so a big performance from the redshirt senior on Saturday will go a long way.
Kicker Gabe Brkic: Brkic is averaging 2.2 made field goals per contest this season. That ranks second in the country only to former Sooner Calum Sutherland, who is now at Louisiana Monroe. OU has been in five games decided by one possession this season, making Brkic someone to watch on Saturday.
2 big questions
Can OU's offensive line clean up its penalties? The Sooners' offensive line looked better against Kansas State last week, but its seven penalties jump off the stat sheet. If OU is going to keep up on the scoreboard with a high-octane Texas squad, it can't afford self-inflicted damage.
Can OU's defense contain Bijan Robinson? Texas' star running back ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries last week against TCU. Robinson is the Longhorns' biggest offensive weapon, so keeping him under wraps is the top priority for the Sooners.
1 wild prediction
Caleb Williams will find the end zone on Saturday. The freshman quarterback got a chance to punch it in from one yard out last week against Kansas State only to mishandle the snap for a loss of 12 yards, but don't forget about the Tulane game. Williams came into the Week 1 contest and ran for a 1-yard touchdown. Head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his confidence in Williams during Tuesday's media session despite last week's miscue, so he may get a chance at redemption on Saturday.