Joel Klatt reveals prediction for Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns

Oklahoma enters the 120th edition of the Red River Showdown as a big underdog. The first matchup as part of the SEC boasts the No. 1 Texas Longhorns vs. the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners.

Texas looks like the best team in the nation, coasting to a 5-0 record even without starting quarterback Quinn Ewers for the last two games. Oklahoma has had their difficulties getting to 4-1, which is why most aren’t giving the Sooners a chance in this game.

Joel Klatt of Fox Sports and the “Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast” shared his thoughts on OU-Texas this week and has questions about the Sooners offense heading into the top 25 matchup.

“Here’s my question for this game,” Klatt said. “Is Oklahoma’s offense going to be able to keep pace at all? The answer to that is no. Texas’ defense is way too good. So, OU’s not going to be able to just roll out there and score a bunch of points.”

The offense for the Oklahoma Sooners has been inconsistent through five games. They’ve created big plays and are 4-1, but it hasn’t been able to sustain drives with much regularity. Klatt went on to talk about the Sooners defense, giving them praise for what they’re doing this year, but ultimately, it comes back to OU’s offense.

“I know the Sooners defense is fourth in the country,” Klatt said. “We’re talking about Steve Sarkisian and Texas. They’re going to come out there on fire. He always has a great gameplan for these big games and I believe Texas is going to be able to move the football and they will be able to go and score some points. I don’t trust Oklahoma to go and do the same. This is not an offense that I trust. Defense is very good, fourth in the country. Offense, nope, 121st in the country in total offense and they’re facing a defense in Texas that has allowed three touchdowns in five games.”

But it’s this final statement that has me curious.

Klatt said, “You’re not going to be able to go turn Texas over enough like you did against Auburn.”

Klatt already mentioned that the Sooners forced three turnovers in last year’s game. Quinn Ewers threw two interceptions and fumbled the ball, and they were big moments in the game. The Longhorns have had their turnover problems this season, averaging 1.4 giveaways a game. Oklahoma’s defense is averaging 2.6 takeaways this season.

The Sooners only forced one turnover against Auburn, but it was the biggest play of the game, a pick-six by Kip Lewis.

You can’t rely on turnovers to become a factor in a football game. There’s an ebb and flow of it. A defense also can’t go out there trying to force it. What’s made Oklahoma’s defense so good is their ability to play sound defensive football. If they can continue to do that, they could force Texas into some bad spots.

But Klatt’s not off. The offense needs to take a big step in this game for the Sooners to win the football game. But they won’t have to go score 40 points to win. The Sooners defense should be able to keep the Texas offense in the 20s, which will give OU a chance.

Michael Hawkins Jr. has now had three full weeks with the first-team offense. The offensive line is the healthiest it has been all year. If there’s a concern beyond that, it’s another week without Deion Burks. If he can continue the way he’s played and improve the Sooners passing attack, OU should move the ball better moving forward.

So what was Klatt’s final prediction for OU-Texas? “I like Texas in this game. Texas 34-17,” Klatt said.

We’ll find out tomorrow afternoon in the greatest rivalry game in college football.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.