Texas +8 4.4% Play
Texas brought in David Beaty (KANSAS HC) to help with Oklahoma tendencies, I can only view this as a positive, because if Texas can pick up on anything defensively to help them get off the field that will help their chances of covering this game. Now, a lot has been made of the match up being decided by 7 or less points the last six meetings and Tom Herman's success as a dog, but that's not why I'm betting on Texas. Sharps pointing to Oklahoma, are stating that Oklahoma dominated the box score int he first matchup, and while that is true it really is misleading, because Texas doesn't have an explosive offense, and that's totally fine they were still 50% successful on offensive plays, and it's actually better that they run a methodical offense, that dominates time of posession. They rank 20th in TOP, and had a +8 minute advantage in the first game. They were also up by 21 points in the 4th quarter before Oklahoma came back in a frenzy.
I think Texas has a lot to learn from their last match up and the oddsmakers are saying not much has changed and I agree. The one thing that did change was the defensive coordinator for Oklahoma was fired, and Rufin McNeil has taken over the last 6 games. they got an initial jump but against two bad offenses in TCU & Kansas State. Over the last 4 games the defense has been desperate to try to even switch up their defensive formation to a 4-3 against Kansas, and they gave up 40 points and over 340 yards rushing. I just don't think this team has the playmakers, and they don't match-up well against Texas tall receivers, and the physical play that Texas brings in the running game is another advantage for Texas here.
Texas is getting healthier, and Oklahoma might be without two starting CB's here who are questionable for the game. I do question Ehlinger's arm health and that would be my one and only concern about this game. I think Texas will hold onto the ball and limit the plays Oklahoma has, but at the end of the day they are built for this match-up. It has been the reason they have given Oklahoma issues over the years, and I don't see anything changing in this game as Texas will be in the game at the end with a chance to win.
