Orange Looks Better Than Crimson: Three Keys to a Longhors Victory

The annual Red River Rivalry is less than two days away, and the Longhorns are in perfect position to get a huge win here and propel themselves into the National Championship discussion.  A loss to OU all but dashes any hopes the Longhorns and their fans have of playing in Pasadena in January.  Here are the three keys for a Longhorn victory:

1) Get the running game going early

For the Longhorns to have any success against Oklahoma on Saturday, they have to establish a running game, whether that be with Vondrell McGee, Tre' Newton, or even Colt McCoy.  Most people don't remember that McCoy was the Longhorns' leading rusher last year.  The kid has wheels.  By establishing the run, it'll open up more opportunities for McCoy to hit his receivers on quick slants and other short passing routes.  More importantly, it'll make DT Gerald McCoy of Oklahoma tired.  Get him out of the game, and you win.  Simple as that.

2) Step up time

Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley have a great relationship that shows up in games.  Shipley is McCoy's best friend, and they trust each others abilities on the field just as much as they trust each other off the field.  Shipley is having his best year ever, even being considered as a Heisman Trophy candidate.  But other than that, none of the Longhorn receivers have stepped up in a big way this year.  Dan Buckner has emerged as a legitimate number 2 receiver, and he needs to have a big game if the Longhorns want to win.  Look out for sleeper WR Malcolm Williams.  Everyone remembers his big game in the loss to Texas Tech last year (4 catches, 182 yards, 2 TD's).  If he can catch on fire this game, the Longhorns should be okay.

3) Pressure Sam Bradford

Even though Sam Bradford is coming off an injury to his throwing shoulder, he's still one of the top five quarterbacks in the nation.  This is the guy who won the Heisman Trophy last year.  We know he can play.  Last year, Brian Orakpo tormented the Oklahoma offensive line and sacked Bradford twice.  With Orakpo gone to the NFL, Sergio Kindle and Sam Acho are going to need to have the games of their lives.  Pressuring Sam Bradford into making poor throws should allow the Longhorns to force some turnovers as well.

The Sooners can't be taken lightly.  Sure, Sam Bradford has missed most of the year with an injury.  Their best offensive player, TE Jermaine Grisham, is done for the year.  Their leading wide receiver, Ryan Broyles, will play the game injured.  And of course, Bob Stoops is one of the best regular-season coaches in college football.  The Longhorns need to make sure their offense finds their consistency in this game.  If they're trailing at halftime as they were against Colorado, Mack Brown can kiss his second championship goodbye.