Skip to content
Table of Contents

Texas vs. Oklahoma College Football Week 7 Picks: How to Bet the Red River Showdown

Oklahoma v Auburn
Table of Contents

College Football Pick: Oklahoma +14.5 (-108) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)

Oklahoma +14.5 (-108)
Heritage Sports logo
Visit Site

Texas clashes with Oklahoma in an intriguing SEC battle on Saturday. Let’s analyze the current college football odds available at the top sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.

Don’t forget to join BMR Forum’s Free $20K NFL 2024 Pick’em Pool contest for a shot at huge prizes throughout the regular season.

Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Saturday, October 12, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Cotton Bowl

Texas Dominated Mississippi State 

Arch Manning threw for two touchdowns and added a rushing score, leading Texas to a 35-13 win over Mississippi State on September 28, marking the Longhorns’ first-ever SEC victory. Manning, starting for the second straight week in place of the injured Quinn Ewers (strained abdomen), completed 26 of 31 passes for 324 yards.

After joining the SEC from the Big 12, Texas showcased a gritty, if imperfect, debut. Manning’s 49-yard strike to Deondre Moore in the second quarter, followed by a one-yard rushing touchdown in the third, broke open a tighter-than-expected contest against a struggling Bulldogs squad that has now dropped four straight games.

The highlight of Manning’s day came on a 26-yard scramble that set up his own score to make it 21-6 at the end of the third quarter. He capped the performance with another touchdown pass to Moore early in the fourth, sealing the victory for the Longhorns.

The Texas defense was stout again, not allowing a touchdown until Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren ran it in from 12 yards out with less than seven minutes to play. That late score ended the Longhorns’ streak of nine consecutive quarters without conceding a touchdown.

While Texas dominated on the scoreboard, their ground game faltered against one of the nation’s weakest rush defenses, and the team was penalized nine times for 75 yards. Jaydon Blue’s two fumbles stalled promising drives and highlighted areas for improvement before the Longhorns head to face Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Survived at Auburn

Meanwhile, Kip Lewis returned an interception 61 yards for the game-winning touchdown, helping Oklahoma rally from an 11-point deficit to beat Auburn 27-21 on September 28. The win not only marked the Sooners’ first SEC victory but also their first conference road win since joining from the Big 12.

True freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. stepped in as the starting quarterback after Jackson Arnold’s injury against Tennessee and tallied 230 yards of total offense in his debut. Oklahoma’s offense sputtered early, but the defense made key stops—including a fourth-down stand at the 1-yard line and forcing Auburn to miss two short field goals in the second quarter.

Despite Auburn’s Payton Thorne throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns, his sixth interception of the season proved costly. The Sooners, beset by injuries at wide receiver and uneven offensive line play, struggled for much of the game, but Hawkins showed flashes of promise with his dual-threat ability.

With a resilient defense led by Brent Venables, Oklahoma may have found a catalyst for the rest of the season.

The stage is set for a high-stakes Red River Showdown, and both Texas and Oklahoma are riding the momentum of securing their first-ever SEC victories. Arch Manning has found his groove for the Longhorns, but the team’s offense remains a bit of a mixed bag, especially on the ground.

On the other hand, Oklahoma’s defense is proving to be a real strength under Venables, and true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has injected a spark into their offense. This matchup will hinge on which team can address its vulnerabilities the quickest.

Key Matchups

Manning has been efficient and accurate, completing over 80 percent of his passes in his game. His chemistry with Moore is a growing threat. However, if Oklahoma’s defensive front, led by Kip Lewis and a solid secondary, can apply pressure and force Manning into quick decisions, it could disrupt the rhythm that Texas is trying to establish.

Manning’s ability to escape pressure and make plays on the run will be crucial against a Sooners’ defense that has already shown a knack for creating turnovers.

The Longhorns struggled to run against Mississippi State, and with starting tailback Blue battling fumble issues, this area remains a big question mark.

Oklahoma’s defense has proven vulnerable against power running attacks, but their ability to clamp down in key situations, like their goal-line stand against Auburn, could make Texas one-dimensional if the ground game continues to flounder.

Texas’ defense has been a revelation this season, holding opponents out of the end zone for long stretches. But Hawkins’ dual-threat nature could challenge them in ways they haven’t faced. If he can extend plays and create with his legs, the Longhorns will have to be disciplined in coverage.

However, the inexperience of Hawkins also leaves him susceptible to mistakes against a fast, aggressive defense.

With two freshmen quarterbacks starting, turnovers and special teams could decide this one. Oklahoma’s defense has already capitalized on key errors, and if they can turn another pick into a score or set up short fields, Texas could be in trouble. Conversely, Texas’ defensive line will aim to rattle Hawkins and force errant throws.

The Pick

This game is likely to start slow as both teams feel each other out. Texas’ struggles with penalties and a lack of a consistent run game could come back to haunt them, especially if Oklahoma’s defense can pin its ears back and attack the pocket. On the flip side, Oklahoma’s inconsistent offensive line and limited receiving depth could hinder Hawkins’ ability to put together long drives.

Ultimately, Texas’ experience on defense and the growing chemistry between Manning and his receivers should give the Longhorns the edge. Look for Manning to lean on short, quick passes and take the occasional deep shot, while the defense pressures Hawkins into a few key mistakes. Texas wins but Oklahoma covers.

College Football Pick: Oklahoma +14.5 (-108) at Heritage Sports

Oklahoma +14.5 (-108)
Heritage Sports logo
Visit Site

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.

Follow BMR