Texas football will enter one of its biggest games of the season on shaky ground after a road loss to Florida. Saturday’s matchup against No. 6 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl is a must-win if the Longhorns hope to remain in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Here are key Sooners to watch in the 121st edition of the Red River Rivalry:
The entire defensive line
Oklahoma boasts one of the most dominant defensive fronts in college football. The group’s depth, speed and versatility could pose major problems for a Texas offensive line that struggled to protect sophomore quarterback Arch Manning last week.
“They’re very active up front,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “Very athletic group with a multitude of pressures, multitude of coverages. I think they lead the (Southeastern Conference) in about everything.”
Led by defensive linemen sophomore David Stone, senior R Mason Thomas and sophomore Jayden Jackson, the Sooners’ defensive line has totaled 21 sacks through five games. Oklahoma ranks first nationally in sacks per game, tackles for loss per game and third-down defense.
The unit has also been dominant against the run, ranking second in the SEC and fifth nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 74.6 yards per game and 2.4 yards per carry, which is bad news for a Texas offense that managed only 52 rushing yards on 26 carries against Florida.
Isaiah Sategna III, wide receiver
Redshirt junior wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III entered the season with modest expectations, but has quickly become a key piece in Oklahoma’s offensive resurgence. After the Sooners’ offense struggled with inconsistency last season, Sategna has become WR1, helping inject explosiveness and efficiency into the passing game.
The Arkansas transfer leads the team with 359 receiving yards on 26 catches and three touchdowns.
John Mateer or Michael Hawkins Jr., quarterback
The biggest question heading into Saturday is whether or not starting redshirt junior quarterback John Mateer will play. Mateer underwent surgery on his throwing hand nearly two weeks ago following Oklahoma’s win over Auburn.
Head coach Brent Venables said after the Kent State game that Mateer was unlikely to play, and as of Monday, he did not have a return timeline. However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Mateer is pushing to return for the Red River Rivalry.
Venables declined to confirm Mateer’s status on Tuesday.
“I don’t know anything about the injury,” Venables said. “When they tell me he’s available, I’ll let you know.”
It probably won’t be clear if Mateer will play until hours before kickoff, but Sarkisian is preparing for him regardless.
“We’ll plan for Mateer — you have to,” he said. “He’s a dynamic player. He’s the heartbeat of that offense, for sure. Everything goes through him.”
Before the injury, Mateer established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. As a dual threat, he completed 67.4% of passes, throwing for 1,215 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 190 yards with five touchdowns.
If Mateer plays, Oklahoma’s offense becomes far more dangerous. If not, sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. will get the start. Hawkins was solid in last week’s win over Kent State, completing 14 of 24 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
He’ll need his best performance yet against a Texas defense eager to rebound. Accuracy on deep throws and avoiding turnovers will be critical if the Sooners turn to their backup on Saturday.
