Anonymous coaches provide intriguing intel for Texas-Oklahoma
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
No. 3 Texas will take on No. 12 Oklahoma on Saturday in the latest edition of the Red River Showdown and final one before the teams join the SEC. This will be the 2nd time in the last dozen seasons that the matchup will pit both programs ranked in the top 12.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger discussed the contest with 12 anonymous coaches and they emerged with some interesting commentary off the record.
A dozen coaches anonymously spoke to @YahooSports to dissect the OU-Texas bout.
“I’m so tired of when Texas wins a big f****** game and people say they’re back. I’m not going to say that yet, but they are damn good.”
“They are an SEC defense.”https://t.co/sgxag1TL34
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 6, 2023
One coach admits that Texas looks legit but isn’t ready to put them on the lofty Longhorns pedestal of the past.
“I’m so tired of when Texas wins a big f****** football game and people say they’re back,” The coach said. “Texas hasn’t done anything since Mack Brown. Are they back? I’m not going to say that yet, but they are damn good.”
Meanwhile, a Power Five coordinator marvels at Texas’ defense, particularly up front. The most points Texas has allowed this season was 24 in the victory at Alabama.
“Their front four is about as good as I’ve seen in a long time. They are an SEC defense,” The coordinator said. “They are so good in the front that they don’t have to take a lot of chances. They play a soft Cover 4 and give you stuff underneath because they know know you’re not going to hit big plays.”
As for Oklahoma, an SEC staff member explains the key change in their defense improving in year 2 under Brent Venables. The Sooners have allowed 20 points or less in every game this season.
“This year, Brent is familiar with calling it and he’s doing it himself. It makes sense,” The staff member said. “The familiarity on both sides of it has allowed them to be more controlled chaos versus chaos.”
In the poll, most of the coaches are picking Texas to top Oklahoma.
“I think Texas is the better team, but can [the Longhorns] handle prosperity?” a Big 12 head coach said. “Texas may be the most talented team in the country. I do think Texas wins the game.”
