Kickoff: 11 AM CT
Location: DKR Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas)
Television: FOX
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network
Twitter: Follow @HeartlandPokes for live-tweets during the game
The no. 12 Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0) are well-rested after a bye week last weekend. Good thing, too, because today they travel to Austin, Texas, where they will take on the no. 25 Texas Longhorns (4-2). The Longhorns crumbled last weekend, giving up a 21-point halftime lead to the Sooners before eventually falling 55-48, but today’s matchup still has major conference championship implications.
While the Cowboys simply need to keep winning to find their way to the Big 12 Championship game, the Longhorns have put themselves in a hole after losing to OU. Still, Texas has a chance to make their way back to the conference championship, and it all starts with today.
The Cowboys and the Longhorns have met 35 times since their first matchup in 1916, and Texas has pretty much owned the series. The Longhorns have 26 wins to just 9 for the Cowboys, but after winning 10 of the first 11 meetings, Texas hasn’t been quite as successful. Since taking over in 2005, Mike Gundy is 7-9 against Texas after losing in his first 5 tries.
Oklahoma State has found an unmatched level of success against the Longhorns. Despite Texas holding a 16-6 record over the Cowboys in Austin, Oklahoma State has won 5 of the last 6 games against the Longhorns on the road. Texas broke the Cowboys’ 5-game winning streak in Austin in 2019, narrowly edging Oklahoma State 36-30. Last year’s meeting in Stillwater was even more exciting as the Longhorns knocked off the Cowboys 41-34 in overtime.
Red River Rivalry will forever be one of the greatest—if not THE greatest—rivalries in all of college football. Oklahoma State-Texas really isn’t. But one thing is for certain: over the last decade, when these two teams have met, it’s been an absolute slugfest, and I would expect today’s game to be the same.
A Win Today Would…
- Mark the 1st time in school history OSU has beaten AP-ranked opponents in 3 consecutive games. This stretch marks the 15th time OSU has faced at least 3 straight AP-ranked opponents.
- Make OSU 6-0 for the 1st time since 2015 and for the 5th time in the Mike Gundy era.
- Mark OSU’s 8th straight win, securing its longest winning streak since OSU won 12 straight from 2014-15. OSU’s 7-game winning streak entering the game is the 5th-longest active streak in the FBS.
- Make OSU 8-4 in its past 12 games against Texas.
- Make OSU 6-1 in its past seven games against Texas in Austin.
- Make the Cowboys 10-26 all-time vs. Texas and 7-16 vs. Texas in Austin.
- Improve Mike Gundy’s career record vs. Texas to 8-9.
- Make OSU 6-2 in its past 8 games when both teams are ranked in the AP Top 25. Nick Saban and Dabo Swinney are the only other active coaches with more wins over AP Top 25 teams at their current schools.
Notable Streaks and Trends Entering the Game
- OSU’s defense has allowed fewer than 100 yards of offense in a half in each of its last 4 games.
- OSU has held its opponent scoreless on its game-opening drive in 18 of the past 22 games and 7 of the past 9.
- OSU has held its opponent to less than a 50% 3rd down conversion rate in 16 straight games.
- OSU has held 14 of its past 16 Big 12 opponents under their season scoring average.
- Malcolm Rodriguez has recorded at least 7 tackles in 10 straight games.
- Jaylen Warren has scored a rushing touchdown in 5 of his past 6 games played.
- OSU has won 75 consecutive games when holding its opponent to fewer than 20 points, dating back to Sept. 13, 2003 – the longest active stretch of time in the FBS and longest since at least 1980.
- OSU is 29-10 in its past 39 games decided by fewer than 10 points.
- OSU is 35-5 in its past 40 games when leading at halftime, dating back to Sept. 17, 2016.
- Dating back to 2005, OSU is 42-3 when not committing a turnover.
- Dating back to 2008, OSU is 66-8 when winning the turnover battle.
- OSU has won three of its last four overtime games.
Staff Predictions
Staff Score Predictions
| Craig | 38-30 Texas |
| Matt | |
| Rich | Texas |
| Zack | 31-27 OSU |