ESPN’s FPI predicts winner of Week 6’s Red River Showdown
By Ethan Stone
Published:
We’ve got a big one this week, folks.
Oklahoma and Texas may not be in the SEC until next season, but the implications of this season’s Red River Showdown can’t be overstated. Perhaps the 2 best teams in the Big 12 face off for bragging rights and, more importantly, another addition to their CFP resume as we near the halfway point of the 2023 regular season.
Both the Longhorns and the Sooners are undefeated on the season and ranked within the top 15 of the latest AP Top 25 poll. Of course, this rivalry matchup is held in Dallas each year, almost exactly between the 2 programs based in Austin and Norman, Oklahoma.
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives a slight edge to the Sooners in this one. Oklahoma has a 54.2% chance to win Saturday according to the metric.
This one is a battle of 2 of the better quarterbacks in the country. Dillon Gabriel currently sits at No. 8 in the country in passing yards per game and has thrown 15 touchdowns with just a pair of interceptions.
Ewers has been strong protecting the ball as well, sitting at 10 touchdowns with 1 interception. The Longhorns have a slightly more balanced offensive attack while Gabriel and the Sooners like to let it fly often.
Incredibly, the team that wins this game has above a 70% chance to reach the College Football Playoff, as both play relatively tame schedules moving forward. And this being a neutral site contest could give a look into the true talent of either of these squads.
It’s one of the most underrated matchups of the season and is set to kick off at Noon from Dallas on ABC.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
