As the Sooners gear up to face Texas at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Cotton Bowl, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables is candid about the formidable opponent ahead. The Longhorns, currently undefeated at 5-0, are ranked first in college football for the first time since 1984, even without their starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers, as freshman Arch Manning has stepped up in his absence.
Venables emphasized the challenge posed by Texas during a Wednesday SEC teleconference, stating, “Texas is playing probably better than anybody in college football right now. They are a complete team with no noticeable flaws and haven’t allowed a point in the first quarter this year, showcasing great complementary football.”
He commended Manning for effectively filling in for Ewers, noting, “Our players will be excited to play. This is one of the premier games in college football, with all the excitement and atmosphere of a championship game.”
Texas climbed to the top ranking two weeks ago but briefly lost it to Alabama after the Crimson Tide’s thrilling victory over Georgia. However, following Vanderbilt’s upset of Alabama, Texas reclaimed the number one spot.
Through five games, Texas has outscored its opponents 225-35, averaging 45 points per game and allowing only three touchdowns all season, with just one in the first half.
Venables remarked on Texas’ overall strength, praising their players’ performance and the team’s physicality. “They are top five in virtually every offensive and defensive category,” he noted.
Reflecting on Texas’ resurgence under coach Steve Sarkisian, who led the Longhorns to an 8-5 record in 2021 and a Big 12 title with a 12-2 record last season, Venables said he wasn’t surprised by their rapid improvement. He acknowledged Sarkisian’s coaching acumen and the program’s strong recruiting advantages, emphasizing, “Those poor seasons are just blips on the radar. Texas is always an attractive destination for top recruits, with unmatched resources and support.”
