Red River Rivalry another big one for Texas coach Strong
NORMAN, OKLA. — A year ago, Texas coach Charlie Strong streng thened hi s shaky job status with an upset win over Oklahoma.
He could use another one in this year’s edition of the Red River Rivalry against the 20th-ranked Sooners today in Dallas.
Strong’s Longhorns (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) opened this season with a win over Notre Dame that energized their demanding fans. But allowi ng 5 0 a nd 49 poi nt s i n l os s e s t o Cal i f or ni a a nd Oklahoma State prompted a comment from athletic director Mike Perrin, and changes followed. Strong, a former defensive coordinator, took the defensive controls from Vance Bedford this week in hopes that a personal touch can sway the team’s fortunes.
“I don’t think it’s desperate measures,” Strong said. “Talking to defensive staff, they understand what we need to get done. I’ve done it before. I see where I can help. Sometimes you need new energy and eyes.”
Oklahoma’s season hasn’t been a picnic either. The Sooners (2-2, 1-0) entered the season ranked No. 3 and with hopes of competing for a national title after reaching the College Football Playoff last season, but that goal faded after losses to Houston and Ohio State.
All is not lost. The Sooners won their conference opener at No. 21 TCU last S a t u rd ay, a nd a v i c t o r y over the Longhorns would give the Sooners wins over two of the Big 12’s most talented teams in their bid for another league title.
With all the disappointment each team already has encountered, and the heat rising for Strong and Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, neither can afford to lose to their top rival.
“F r o m a n e m o t i o n a l standpoint, this is a street fight,” Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield said.
Here are some things to watch he adi ng i nt o t hi s year’s matchup.
Texas no step: Texas running back Chris Warren III is out indefinitely after injuring his right knee Saturday against Oklahoma St ate. Warren missed the second half against Oklahoma State after rushing for 106 yards on 10 carries in the first half.
Leading rusher D’Onta Foreman left the Oklahoma S t a t e g a me i n t h e t h i rd quarter with an abdominal injury after churning out 148 yards rushing and t wo touchdowns. Strong said he expects Foreman to play today.
Mixon it up: Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon can be found all over the field. The sophomore running back ranks fourth nationally in all-purpose yards with 191.5 per game. He has 340 yards r u s h i n g , 2 4 2 o n k i c ko f f returns, 162 receiving and 22 on punt returns. He returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against Ohio State.
Evans retires: Oklahoma linebacker Tay Evans has retired from football after dealing with concussions. It was difficult news for his teammates to hear.
“The guy had been starting, and really had an incredible future, but we want the best for him moving forward in his life first and foremost,” Stoops said.
It will be worth watching to see how Oklahoma’s already struggling defense handles losing a significant player. Emmanuel Beal, who had eight tackles against TCU last Saturday, is expected to fill the slot.
Swooping in: Reserve q u a r t e r b a c k T y r o n e Swoopes is handling business for Texas in short yardage and red zone situations. He has five multitouchdown rushing games in his past 13 outings, and had two scores last Saturday against Oklahoma State.