No. 14 Longhorns Host Sooners for Important Red River Rivalry Series

The Longhorns are set to host the Sooners for a Red River Rivalry series with major implications for both teams.

Regardless of the sport, there will always be a pure hatred between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners whenever the Red River Rivalry is played. For these two teams, beating each other is one of the best feelings. 

Well, it is time once again for that hatred to be reignited as the Longhorns are set to host the Sooners for a three-game conference series. Not only is this series important for bragging rights, but it could also have heavy postseason implications as well. 

A series win or sweep for the Longhorns helps them maintain sole possession of first place in the Big 12 and bolsters their case to host a regional. For the Sooners, though, a series win will get them back in contention to just make the Big 12 tournament. 

So far in conference play the Longhorns have won three out of their four conference series, including a sweep of Texas Tech. Most recently they took a road series against Baylor, with all three games filled with ninth inning drama. 

Now, though, they turn their attention to the Sooners and a chance to strengthen their hold of first place in the Big 12. Despite their inconsistent season, the Longhorns cannot afford to take Oklahoma lightly because anything can happen when two rivals play. 

How to watch/listen: 

Game 1: Friday at 7 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)

Game 2: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)

Game 3: Sunday at 2:30 p.m. CT (Longhorn Network/TexasSports.com/Audio)

A look at Oklahoma's season so far

The Sooners have had a very up and down season to date, entering the series against Texas at .500 with a 19-19 record. Conference play, however, has not been kind to the Sooners as they've dropped three straight series after starting off with a series win against TCU. 

Oklahoma by the numbers

Record: 19-19 (4-8)

Runs scored: 257

Runs allowed: 252

Team Avg.: .283

Team ERA: 5.95

Oklahoma wins this series if...

The Sooners offense can get the Longhorns starters out of the game early and get to work on a bullpen that has been inconsistent. Texas' bullpen was shaky at best against Baylor, and if the Longhorns are forced once again to heavily use the bullpen it could be a long weekend for Texas. If not, though, the Sooners could find their season in serious trouble. 

Texas wins this series if...

The Longhorns pitching staff bounces back from a shaky series against Baylor and returns to form. Outside of Lucas Gordon, Texas pitching struggled mightily against Baylor in a series that likely should have been a sweep. If Charlie Hurley and Travis Sthele, especially, look like their usual selves on the mound then the Longhorns have to like their chances to at least get a series sweep. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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