Red River Rivalry: Texas Football in Terms Of The Texas Penal Code

Now that the giggling has worn off from the use of the word "penal", I'll explain my topic. It occurred to me while studying for my Criminal Justice class that Texas' team this season is oddly similar to the Texas Penal Code (Texas State Law). First, in setting up the similarities of Texas Law we must understand what's at stake for the two sides.

The likely winner coming out of the Red River Shootout will still have hopes at a top level bowl game if not the BCS National Championship. If nothing else the likely winner of the Big 12 south will come out of Dallas the victor.

Having been to the Red River Shootout a couple of years ago, I know the amazing atmosphere the game has. The State Fair of Texas and the best rivalry in all of college football go hand in hand, and this year, if I were a betting man I'd pick the Longhorns from Austin to win.

Why? Because the law says so.

Within Texas Law is a statute nicknamed the "Castle Doctrine", long story short in Texas you have the right to protect your home and property at any cost, including the taking of a life if they threaten your life, home, or property.

The Castle Doctrine reminds me of the Texas defense.

Regarded as one of the best ever in the Mack Brown era the "invaders" from Oklahoma could be very lucky with only a few points this year in Dallas, even with stud play-caller Sam Bradford. Bradford ran up the score on an improved Baylor team in Norman last week, but he could find things more difficult on Texas' semi-home soil.

Texans are proud of their right to bare arms, and no bare arms are more popular in Texas than those of Colt McCoy, and man does McCoy have an arm. The Heisman candidate last year is yet again a top candidate.

He has no need to conceal and carry when he's at home and can be accurate at any distance. The second amendment is alive and well in the Texas offense, and will likely be strong against Oklahoma as long as the offensive line provides protection.

Finally, Texas is long known for taking pride in the fact we still have the death penalty, and even with drama surrounding ever execution the state is still proud to embrace the punishment for crime. What does the Death Penalty have to do with Texas Football?

If Texas gets an early lead on Oklahoma, don't look for it to be a close game. I expect the University of Texas to keep the offense going and all but blow out Oklahoma. In no way am I saying Oklahoma is a bad team, they're very good.

Instead, what I am saying is if Texas scores early they will likely score often and finish off the Sooners.

With a loss at the hands of Texas, Oklahoma's legitimacy going forward will be in doubt and their identity for the season will be literally put to death.

Tomorrow, when you see Texas State Police providing security at the game on television or live, think of the irony of this article and the image on the screen. I'm looking forward to the one day a year I, as a usual opposing fan to the University of Texas, may actually be seen in burnt orange.

Prediction: Texas 41, Oklahoma 24