Steve Sarkisian addresses the Red River Showdown at Big 12 media day

A game that can be considered one of the best rivalries in college football, and regardless of where either team ranks, is always filled with great football and amazing plays.

The Red River Showdown matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners is always a sight to see, and this season’s matchup in particular will impact the Big 12 Championship. It very well could have College Football Playoff implications. There is an insane amount of pressure on Steve Sarkisian to eclipse nine or even 10 wins this season and compete in the Big 12. It is safe to say that based off the past six seasons, that it runs through the red side of the showdown.

Sarkisian, who has been around another one if the biggest rivalries in college football during his time at Alabama, in which Alabama and Auburn square off in the Iron Bowl, was asked what he thought of at the Red River Showdown at the Big 12 media day. A matchup between storied schools whose rivalry runs deep. Take a look to see what Sarkisian’s thoughts are on the Red River Showdown.

Beating Oklahoma, which Texas has not done since the 2018 matchup, will be vital to the development of the new culture at Texas and them taking that next step.

Last seasons Red River Showdown saw the game fall completely on the shoulders of Sam Ehlinger who accounted for 92% of the teams yards, which was not enough. The offense was simply too predictable, but Sarkisian will look to out duel Lincoln Riley and the Sooners in this year’s matchup.

The Longhorns three losses last season were by a total of 13 points, but with Sarkisian who called the offense of the champion Crimson Tide, the Longhorns are looking to play much more dominantly and high octane like Alabama. During their championship run, Alabama ranked first in yards gained, second in average yards per play, and first in offensive touchdowns. Marks that if the Longhorns can emulate, along with a strong defense from Pete Kwiatkowski’s bunch, Texas will be heading in the right direction.

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