The highly anticipated Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is set to take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. This matchup is not only significant for the teams involved but also for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has been confirmed to start after missing two games due to an abdominal injury. Ewers' return is a crucial factor in this game, given his impressive performance in previous encounters with Oklahoma and his current status as a Heisman Trophy contender.
Ewers' injury occurred during the Longhorns' 56-7 victory over UTSA on September 14. He appeared to pull a muscle while making a downfield throw and was in visible discomfort after handing the ball off. This led to him missing games against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State, where backup quarterback Arch Manning took over and excelled, throwing for 806 yards and compiling 10 total touchdowns in 10 quarters of play.
Despite Manning's strong performance, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has insisted that Ewers is the unquestioned starter for the Longhorns. Ewers has led the team to a Big 12 championship in 2023 and has shown impressive skills, including throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a marquee 31-12 victory against then-No. 10 Michigan on the road.
This will be the second time Ewers has returned from an injury in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma. In 2022, he threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns as the Longhorns beat the Sooners 49-0, the biggest victory in program history against Oklahoma. The Longhorns are currently ranked No. 1 in the country and are 14.5-point favorites heading into this showdown, their first time being a double-digit favorite since 2005.
The Red River Rivalry is one of the most iconic and intense matchups in college football, with a rich history dating back to 1929. The game is not just about the teams competing but also about the cultural and social aspects of the event. The State Fair of Texas, which takes place around the same time, adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a unique experience for both teams and fans.
Oklahoma, ranked No. 18, will face a challenging task against the top-ranked Longhorns. The Sooners have had success against Texas in recent years, winning 11 of the last 15 matchups. However, this season's lineup is different, with Oklahoma starting true freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins, who will become the first true freshman quarterback to start against the Longhorns in the 120th game of the rivalry.
The Sooners' defense is known for its physicality and disruptive play, which could pose a significant challenge for Ewers. Oklahoma's defense has been opportunistic, often forcing turnovers and creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. This could be particularly concerning for Ewers, who needs to be at his best to lead Texas to victory.
Despite these challenges, Texas remains confident in Ewers' abilities. The team's focus is on starting strong and maintaining momentum throughout the game. A key strategy will be to avoid giving Oklahoma short fields, as the Sooners struggle with long drives, ranking 105th in the country in scoring drives over 75 yards.
The game is expected to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with many predicting a high-scoring affair. Live updates and highlights will be available on USA Today, providing real-time coverage of the game.
In conclusion, Quinn Ewers' return is a pivotal factor in the Red River Rivalry. His past performances against Oklahoma and his current status as a Heisman contender make him a key player in this matchup. The game promises to be an exciting and intense battle between two of college football's most storied programs.
