Texas Wins

… If the offense is able to find the end zone consistently. The Longhorns have struggled to score points this season. Texas’ offense has only averaged 13.5 points per game in sophomore quarterback Tyrone Swoopes’ first four games as a starter. The Longhorns will have to find a way to score more points to keep up with the Sooners.

… If the defense keeps playing well. The Texas defense has played well throughout the season but has struggled when it’s forced to stay on the field too long. Texas will need a great performance from the defense to beat Oklahoma.

… If Swoopes plays better than he did against Baylor. Swoopes threw two interceptions against the Bears and failed to throw for 150 yards. The sophomore quarterback from Whitewright, Texas, looked flustered throughout Saturday’s game. Some of Swoopes passes were behind his receivers and some were underthrown. Texas needs its young quarterback to play lights out if they expect to beat Oklahoma

… If the running game continues to improve. Texas has shown small improvements in the running game, and it will need to keep improving if the Longhorns are going to pull off the upset Saturday.

… If the Longhorns prevent big plays. Texas gave up a fake punt against Baylor and two passing touchdowns of 30 yards or more. If the Longhorns want to win in Dallas, they’ll have to stop big plays from happening.

… If it doesn’t turn the ball over. Texas turned the ball over three times against Baylor and has given up the ball 10 times this season.  

Texas Loses

… If the offense continues to struggle. Against good opponents the Longhorns haven’t been able to punch it into the end zone. Texas has also fumbled the ball in the red zone twice over the past two weeks. The offense will have to be flawless against the Sooners. If the Longhorns can’t put up points, then Oklahoma will breeze past Texas.

… Oklahoma’s offense is able to put up more than 10 points in the first half. The Longhorns have been able to hold their opponents to 10 or fewer points in the first half but have struggled in the second half when fatigue begins to kick in. If the Sooners put up more than 10 points in the first half, it will likely result in an insurmountable lead.