Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners Preview: Keys to Red River Rivalry

New year, new era, same Red River Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners.

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson (4) celebrates a touchdown beside Texas Longhorns defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) late in the fourth quarter during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Oklahoma won 34-30. / BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY

In the 120th meeting between these two teams, and the first in the Southeastern Conference, the rivals will be going for blood.

Both teams come into the new conference with solid teams and ready for the challenge. But despite the pressure of playing against SEC teams, the biggest game of the season might still this old matchup between the Red River opponents.

Texas is looking to stay undefeated and get the win in its first time heading to the Cotton Bowl as the No. 1 team in 40 years, while Oklahoma could benefit from a winning record in the conference, currently tied 1-1. And of course, beating your biggest rival is a big plus.

A lot can happen in these 40 minutes in Dallas. Here are the keys for each team to get home with the Golden Hat.

Texas wins if...

...it applies the right pressure into Oklahoma's defense.

Oklahoma's defense might be nearing the EA Sports top 10, but Texas' offense sits high at number four. The group of Quinn Ewers, Jaydon Blue and Johntay Cook II will have a challenge ahead with a number of Sooner veterans doing everything in their power to stop the Longhorns.

Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. was not only the Oklahoma leader in interceptions in 2023 but also ranked second in the country with his six and led the nation in interception returns for a touchdown with three.

Bowman Jr. and his teammates Ethan Downs and Danny Stutsman are all playing their fourth year with the Sooners, and have some experience playing the Longhorns in Dallas, and will be even stronger with the addition of defensive lineman Damonic Williams from TCU.

Blue and freshman running back Jerrick Gibson will be key figures for Texas trying to get through this defense. The two running backs have different playing styles that complement each other and have thrived this season despite the absence of CJ Baxter. The wide receiver combinations of Cook, Isaiah Bond, Ryan Wingo and company, considered the best in the country by many, will also have to show how good they are to bring the Golden Hat home.

Oklahoma wins if...

...it applies pressure on Quinn Ewers and takes advantage of Texas mistakes.

In 2022, Texas swept Oklahoma in a shocking 49-0 win. Ewers completed 21 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

In 2023, the story was different as a nail-biter game ended with a last-minute play to give the Sooners a 34-30 win. Texas had lapses on defense, mistakes, and lost great opportunities, and Oklahoma was smart enough to take advantage of those. Texas made some mistakes in the conference opener against Mississippi State and has to avoid repeating those in Dallas at all costs.

If they want another win, they must do it again. Keep their eyes peeled for any breaks in Texas' attack and use the strength of their highly-ranked defense to stop plays.