Oklahoma vs Texas Odds - McCoy-Shipley duo will be too much for Sooners
Even if you’re not an online betting player, you’ve heard of the Red River Rivalry, one of the biggest annual games in college football. Texas and Oklahoma will meet for the 104th time in this heated rivalry, and a pair of Longhorns that have been roommates for the last four years will push Texas one step closer to the Big 12 South crown, and possibly a national-championship spot.
Oklahoma vs Texas Odds: Texas -3.5
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Oklahoma vs Texas odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
It’s always a big occasion when these two get together, and the winner in this year’s matchup between the No.20 Sooners (3-2, 1-0) and No.3 Longhorns (5-0, 2-0) will have an edge in the Big 12 South. It’s also a much-anticipated clash between last year’s Heisman winner Sam Bradford, who returned from injury last week, and Texas’ Colt McCoy, one of this year’s favorite. Texas also has some motivation: last year, they beat the Sooners 45-35, yet it was OU that went on to face Florida in the BCS title game. Betting Edge: Texas
Oklahoma vs Texas odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Sooners are 14th in the nation in offense, and although Bradford looked a bit rusty in OU’s 33-7 romp over Baylor, he still ended up with 389 yards and a touchdown. The running-back duo of Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray is one of the best in the country. However, the receivers dropped 11 passes, and their No.1 receiver Ryan Broyles may miss this game with a shoulder injury. The Longhorns lead the country in points scored and are seventh in offense. Their point total in last week’s 38-14 win over Colorado was their second-lowest of the season, while running backs Vondrell McGee and Tre Newton are listed day-to-day for this game. However, as long as McCoy and roommate Jordan Shipley are on the field, Texas has a chance to put up monster numbers, even though McCoy hasn’t gotten off to the flying start sportsbook players expected. Shipley’s return prowess gives the Longhorns excellent field position. Betting Edge: Texas
Oklahoma vs Texas odds maker breakdown: Defense
OU’s defense is fast, strong and they’ve allowed a grand total of six touchdowns in their five games so far. Having a healthy Ryan Reynolds at linebacker is a huge boost for the Sooners, while Jeremy Beal leads a pass rush that is fourth in the NCAA in sacks, and Dominique Franks has grown into an excellent cover man. The Longhorns may be marginally better, coming in fourth in total defense and first in run defense. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has improved the unit in about a season and a half, and Earl Thomas is one of the top ball-hawking safeties in the country with four picks. Betting Edge: Draw
Oklahoma vs Texas odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Broyles (shoulder) has been out since OU’s 21-20 loss to Miami two weeks ago, but coach Bob Stoops says he still has a chance of suiting up. The sophomore had five catches for 61 yards and a score last year against the Longhorns. Texas has struggled to get the ground game going this year, and with Newton (concussion) and McGee (shoulder) on the sidelines, the Longhorns’ chances could take a slight knock. Betting Edge: Oklahoma
Oklahoma vs Texas betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Although Oklahoma has won six of their last 10 meetings with Texas, the Longhorns have taken three of the last four. This game will be won on defense, and both have improved dramatically from last season, so another 45-35 game isn’t likely. The Sooners are 0-2 against ranked opponents so far this year, and I’m not entirely sure of OU’s receivers. McCoy needs a big game to wake him up, and there’s no bigger on the Texas schedule than this one. With the injuries to their running game, the McCoy-to-Shipley combo becomes more important. The two hooked up 11 times for 112 yards and a score in last year’s game, and they’ll be the difference on Saturday. BLAKE’S PICK: Texas -3.5
For more sports betting tips and picks as we head towards the BCS title game, visit Blake in betonline.com’s The Betting Edge. For more on the Oklahoma vs Texas matchup, check out our stats section. Blake Frazier is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
