Rivalry Game of the Week: Oklahoma vs. Texas

It's that time of year again.

We are nearing the midway point to the college football season and there's no other way to celebrate than with more football.

Just like any week in college football, there will be some huge games played over the weekend.

But when Oklahoma squares off against Texas in the Red River Rivalry on Saturday, believe me when I say sparks will fly.

This is an important game for both teams, because not only could it determine the winner of the Big 12, this game also has national implications with Oklahoma and Texas coming into the game undefeated.

What Happened Last Year

It was a one-man show for Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray, as he rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Sooners past Texas 28-20.

Landry Jones threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns and Jeremy Beal notched two sacks.

The Sooners jumped to a 28-10 lead early in the fourth quarter and Texas did not have an answer for Jones and Murray.

Top player for the Longhorns was D.J. Monroe, who rushed for 65 yards on four carries and one touchdown.

Sooners on Offense

Jones had a big 2010 season and he's on his way to having a bigger 2011 season. Through the first four games of the year, Jones has thrown for nearly 1,500 yards, 10 touchdowns and has completed 71 percent of his passes. However, he does have five picks, which is something Texas will take into account.

Leading the ground game is Dom Whaley, who rushed for 379 yards and seven touchdowns. Not the same player as Murray, but he's a running back that can get the job done.

Ryan Broyles is one of the best receivers in the game and already has 38 receptions for 476 yards and six touchdowns.

The offense can beat a team in different ways and that's what makes this unit extremely dangerous.

Sooners on Defense

The Oklahoma defense is led by linebacker Travis Lewis, who has led the Sooners in tackles the last three seasons. Lewis has been slowed this season due to an injured foot, but has come on strong the last two games.

Another player to watch for is defensive end Frank Alexander, who already has 2.5 sacks.  Alexander also has one interception, which he earned against Tulsa.

Defensive back Tony Jefferson is also having a great start to the season, tallying three interceptions. Jefferson was named as the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2010.

Longhorns on Offense

The offense of the Longhorns is interesting because of the quarterback situation. In last week's game against Iowa State, Case McCoy and David Ash played. In fact, both teams had similar numbers, but Ash thew two touchdowns in the win.

Ash looked good in the win against the Cyclones, but don't be surprised if McCoy wins the job outright. The reason could be is that he has the same qualities as his brother, Colt, who was one of the best in the history of Texas football.

Other players to watch for are running back Malcolm Brown and receiver Jaxon Shipley. The offense is not as explosive as Oklahoma's, but it's fun to watch the offense go to work because they always know where to go with the football.

Longhorns on Defense

Emmanuel Acho was named to the All-Big 12 second team last year, but this season he may be a first team All-American when the season is over. Acho leads the team in tackles with 45 and he also has two sacks.

Another player that is looking to have a big year is Jordan Hicks, who was one of the top freshman players in the conference in 2010. Hicks has 24 tackles, which puts him third on the team.

Other players to watch are Kenny Vaccaro and Blake Gideon. The Longhorn defense has allowed 14 points per game so far this season, and they know they are in for a challenge when they face a dangerous Oklahoma offense.

Final Analysis

Many think that Oklahoma will win this game because they are the more talented team and they have more to lose.

That is true, but Texas has shown they are a better team this year than what they were last year. The Longhorns are young at quarterback, but have played well when given the opportunity.

That being said, this is the biggest test for the Longhorns, and if they win, more people will start to take notice and they will crack the top 10 in the rankings.

If the Sooners win, they will prove they are the team to beat in the Big 12 and could possibly be on their way to a national title.

This has the makings to be another great game in this historic rivalry, and fans who either watch the game on TV, or attend the game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, will be in for treat.