What Time is the OU Texas Game? A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Red River Rivalry

As a college football fan, I know you look forward to the annual Red River Showdown between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns as one of the biggest games every season. This historic rivalry matchup, played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas, is your chance to watch two storied programs battle for bragging rights.

Let‘s dive into everything you need to know about the OU vs Texas game, from its traditions and past classics to what to watch for this year. Whether you‘re a diehard fan who bleeds crimson or burnt orange, or just enjoy watching top-tier college football, you‘ll find this guide helpful.

When and Where the Red River Showdown is Played

The 2022 Red River Rivalry game is set for Saturday, October 8 at 11:00am CT at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. This neutral site location at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium has hosted the matchup since 1912.

Playing at a midpoint between the two campuses, the 50/50 split crowd atmosphere provides one of college football‘s most unique environments every year. As a fan, you‘ll love mingling with fans of the opposing school during the crowded State Fair before the game.

History and Significance of This Storied Rivalry

With over 100 years of history, the Red River Showdown between OU and Texas is one of the sport‘s most iconic rivalries. It‘s a classic matchup between two proud programs with adjoining state borders and a fierce competitive spirit.

Dating back to 1900, these teams have played 118 total games, making it one of the most frequently played rivalries nationwide. It‘s a longstanding battle for recruiting supremacy and bragging rights between two passionate fan bases.

The game has often directly decided the Big 12 Conference championship and helped shape the national title race. Legendary coaches like Bud Wilkinson and Darrell Royal put these programs on the map in the 1940s-60s.Barry Switzer and Mack Brown later became the faces of OU and Texas football.

Since 1929, the winner has received the coveted Golden Hat trophy. But more importantly, it‘s a game that alumni, students and fans point to every year as a must-win.

Notable Moments from Previous Matchups

First played in 1900, the Red River Showdown has seen countless unforgettable moments. Here are some of the key memories that define this rivalry:

• 2008: Texas QB Colt McCoy‘s theatric TD in final seconds to topple #1 OU

• 2003: OU QB Jason White throws school-record 6 TD passes in 65-13 rout

• 1996: Texas QB James Brown‘s TD catch on 4th down cements upset victory

• 1977: Texas‘ Earl Campbell powers 161 rush yards for road win in Dallas

• 1971: Game of the Century saw #1 Nebraska edge #2 OU in all-time classic

• 1958: Texas earned upset despite only completing one pass in low-scoring affair

• 1951: OU‘s Darrell Royal stunned Texas with a 95-yard TD pass in final minutes

• 1929: Texas halfback Tom Churchill debuted Golden Hat trophy after victory

These moments capture the emotion and excitement that occurs when these two rivals take the field in Dallas each year. For both OU and Texas fans, the memories made at the Cotton Bowl last a lifetime.

Recent Results Between the Sooners and Longhorns

In the modern era of the rivalry, Oklahoma has dominated the matchup with a record of 48-10 over Texas since 1970. However, Texas has shown signs of resurgence in recent years under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Here are the last five matchups:

• 2021: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48
• 2020: Oklahoma 53, Texas 45 (4OT Thriller)
• 2019: Oklahoma 34, Texas 27
• 2018: Texas 48, Oklahoma 45
• 2017: Oklahoma 29, Texas 24

The Sooners had captured 8 straight wins against Texas until last season‘s narrow defeat. But as the recent scores suggest, this rivalry has seen its share of close, high-scoring shootouts in the Big 12 era.

All-Time Record and Stats in the Red River Rivalry

Year	Winner	Loser	Score
1900	Texas	OU	15–5
1901	Texas	OU	11–0
…	…	…	…
2021	Oklahoma	Texas	55-48
All-Time Record	Texas 61 wins	OU 46 wins	Tied 5

Here are some key all-time stats and records:

• Combined 22 National Titles (OU 7, Texas 4)
• Combined 82 Consensus All-American players
• Texas has shutout OU 21 times, while OU has blanked Texas 11 times
• Longest win streak is Texas with 8 straight from 1940–47

The competitive history shows how evenly matched these teams have been. But over the last 50 years, the Sooners have claimed the edge.

How to Watch the Game on TV and Streaming

The 2022 Red River Showdown game will be televised nationally on ABC at 11:00am CT. You can also stream the matchup on WatchESPN or the ESPN app if you have valid TV provider credentials.

So get your TV tuned in to ABC or your streaming device ready that morning! This is a game you won‘t want to miss.

Listening on the Radio

Can‘t watch the game live? Tune in on the radio via the Sooner Sports Network if you‘re an OU fan or the Longhorn Sports Network if you bleed burnt orange.

The passionate hometown radio announcers will make sure you feel like you‘re right there in the Cotton Bowl. Listen closely on third downs to hear the crowd roar!

Getting Tickets to the Cotton Bowl

Experiencing the Red River Showdown in person at the Cotton Bowl is a lifelong dream for many fans. Getting tickets can be tricky with the venue‘s limited 92,100 capacity.

Fans looking for tickets should check official university box offices and websites first. For sold out games, secondary market sites like VividSeats.com, Stubhub, and SeatGeek are good options for finding available seats ranging from $150 on up to $500 or more per ticket depending on demand.

Key Players to Watch in This Year‘s Matchup

This season‘s game will feature no shortage of elite talent and future NFL players to watch on both squads. Here are some of the key players that will make an impact:

For Oklahoma:

• QB Dillon Gabriel: The UCF transfer provides dynamism at the key position. He has 1,998 yards passing along with a 68% completion percentage so far in 2022.

• WR Marvin Mims: A game-breaking receiver, Mims leads OU with 35 catches for 610 yards and 3 touchdowns. His connection with Gabriel poses a threat.

• LB Danny Stutsman: The defensive leader with 43 tackles so far. He‘ll need to try slowing Texas‘ run game.

For Texas:

• RB Bijan Robinson: The Heisman hopeful is one of the most talented backs in college football with 920 yards and 11 TDs rushing so far while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

• WR Xavier Worthy: As a sophomore, Worthy‘s big-play ability shines with 466 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns this season.

• DL Ovie Oghoufo: The disruptive defensive lineman has 6.5 sacks so far, presenting a challenge for Oklahoma‘s pass protection.

Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Based on personnel and tendencies, here are two of the pivotal matchup that could swing this year‘s Red River Showdown:

Texas Rush Offense vs. Oklahoma Rush Defense: This matchup of Bijan Robinson and the Longhorn run game against OU‘s front seven will go a long way in determining the winner. Robinson must be contained.

Oklahoma Passing Offense vs. Texas Pass Defense: Dillon Gabriel and Marvin Mims connecting on deep throws against an inconsistent Texas secondary will be critical for OU‘s chances. Big plays must be limited.

If the Sooners can slow Robinson while creating explosive plays in the passing game, they‘ll likely walk away victorious again.

Coaching Strategy and Keys to Victory

Here is a look at key strategic decisions facing both head coaches heading into this matchup:

For Oklahoma‘s Coach Brent Venables:

• Use LB speed and disguise coverages to limit Bijan Robinson‘s rushing

• Take shots downfield early to Marvin Mims and challenge Texas DBs

• Bring different blitz looks to disrupt Texas QB Quinn Ewers

For Texas‘ Coach Steve Sarkisian:

• Establish the run early to open up passing lanes on play-action

• Double team and chip Marvin Mims to take away OU‘s top receiver

• Use tempo and keep OU defense on heels reacting

Executing these tactics well could be the difference in which school comes out on top this year.

Expert Predictions and Analysis for 2022

In my analysis, Texas seems poised to keep this year‘s game competitive. The Longhorns‘ improved offensive line and Bijan Robinson‘s dominance gives them a chance. Oklahoma‘s new quarterback and coaching changes add uncertainty.

Here are predictions from other experts:

• Kirk Herbstreit: "Texas is making up ground talent-wise, but I think Oklahoma still has the edge in most areas. Dillon Gabriel‘s experience leads the Sooners to a close one." Oklahoma 34, Texas 30

• Lee Corso: "I‘ll go with the more desperate team. Texas gets a statement win behind Bijan Robinson‘s monster game." Texas 38, Oklahoma 35

• Desmond Howard: "Defense will be optional here. I like OU in another wild shootout." Oklahoma 44, Texas 40

The consensus expects a thriller. This game could truly go either way, which is what makes the Red River Showdown a must-see event every season!

Conclusion

I hope this guide gets you fully prepped with everything you need to know about the 2022 Red River Showdown between Oklahoma and Texas. From the storied history to how to watch, expert picks and key matchups, use this as your go-to gameday resource. Whether you‘re watching in Dallas or from home, get ready for another classic OU-Texas game!