Texas vs. Oklahoma: who wins and why verdict is in! Texas, close.

While some of the luster has come off the game as injuries and losses have piled up, this is still a bloodlust feud that defines this season and future seasons through recruiting and reputation. Texas won 45-35 in a game that was closer than that score. No. 19 Oklahoma needs a win here to stay in the Top 25. No. 3 Texas needs this to keep them in the National Title picture. 

As fans, we will be treated to two teams that will field two Heisman worthy quarterbacks, four legitimate NFL first rounders, one "big game" coach, one "Coach February" coach, a neutral site separated by 190 miles from both schools, split down the middle at the stadium and two teams that love to hate each other. Last week, Bradford made it back in time to shine against Baylor, and Texas rolled Colorado. This week, Texas-OU will be the marquee matchup in the heavy weight division. 

Scouting the Teams 

Quarterback

McCoy and Bradford are outstanding quarterbacks who have played well in the series. Both came into the year as Heisman candidates and seen that light dim a bit. Both are missing their tight ends. Both are highly accurate. McCoy is more mobile. Bradford, normally, has the better arm. is completing 70 percent plus of his passes. Bradford is completing around 60 percent. McCoy has a smoking hot girlfriend; Bradford a sore wing. McCoy Advantage: Texas

Running Back

DeMarco Murray can be a game changer and Chris Brown is an up and comer. Both should be productive, and will show some different looks with both Murray and Brown in the backfield or splitting Murray out wide. Texas fields three to four guys in the backfield because, as they say with quarterbacks, “they don’t have one.” Injuries have further depleted the Longhorns rushing attack. With some help from Cody Johnson, DJ Monroe, Trey Newton, and whoever else, the real run game for Texas will come from McCoy. Murray will continue to fly like Superman . Advantage: OU.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Injuries to Gresham, Broyles and Irby , as well as every other TE for the Horns, have played heck with this position. Oklahoma has to find some answers and improve on the dropsies they showed against Baylor. Texas has the luxury of having a clutch receiver in Jordan Shipley, but Oklahoma knows that very well and will do their best to take him away. Buckner, Williams, and Kirkendoll will have to make plays for Texas to consistently move the ball. Advantage: Texas

Offensive Line

Much was made in the preseason about the Sooners graduating linemen and the need to shape up the young line to protect Bradford. We all know the history there. Now the question is, what will they do to hold up against a solid rush from Texas? Memo to Jarvis Jones: get your feet set quick. Texas meanwhile has the solid offensive line anchored by 6'6”, 310lb Ulatowski. Advantage: Texas.

Defensive Line

Gerald McCoy might be able to claim being the “Real McCoy” in this matchup as he will be a majorly disruptive force in the middle and can generate a pass rush from the DT spot. English and Beal will also being coming hard from the edge. Texas has gotten solid play from their line with Houston and Acho, and should have an advantage vs. the porous OU O-line. But the OU defensive line will be nasty. Advantage: OU

Line backers

Kindle is the standout that OU will be game planing for, but Texas has talent throughout their linebacking corps with Roderick Muckleroy, Keenan Robinson, and Jared Norton. Athletic and anonymous, the Red River Rivalry will make a fine coming out party for the OU LBs, and they will look good vs. the weak Texas rushing attack. Still, the difference maker at the position is Kindle. Kindle will find Bradford dramatically and add to his sack totals. Advantage: Texas.

Defensive Backs

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