DALLAS — Ahead of the high-stakes Red River Rivalry between the #1 Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners, Geoff Ketchum of OrangeBloods.com shared a candid assessment of both programs
Appearing on "The Thing About Sports" on Talk 1370, Ketchum talked with Brian and Chad about the narrative surrounding the matchup, acknowledging that Oklahoma enters the game as a struggling team on the ropes. He noted that while Oklahoma fans may feel trepidation about their team's trajectory, the pressure on head coach Brent Venables remains manageable due to his recent contract extension and the financial limitations of Oklahoma's athletic program, which he argued lacks the buyout money of rival institutions.
Ketchum highlighted severe vulnerabilities in Oklahoma's roster, pointing specifically to the offensive line. He referenced recent public criticisms made by Venables regarding the line's inconsistency and reliance on the transfer portal, describing the unit's play as unstable. Ketchum emphasized that Oklahoma's front faces a daunting challenge against a formidable Texas defensive line, making it a particularly brutal matchup for the Sooners.
Ketchum said "Stunning to hear Venables flat-out say they're inconsistent, they're disappointing, they're unstable, they lack development, they're uneven... I'm running out of words that he used and I'm not even done. It's crazy."
While expecting Oklahoma to remain competitive early in the contest, Ketchum asserted that the game will likely pivot once Texas establishes a double-digit lead. He framed Oklahoma's season as being at a critical crossroads, suggesting that a loss could signal an early end to their broader competitive goals for the year.
“"Anytime in the history of this game when one of the teams has already been knocked down to the canvas a couple of times and has seen a couple of 10-8 rounds, I think the fan base of that team arrives in Dallas a little sheepish." Ketchum noted.
Ultimately, Ketchum projected a final score of 28-13 in favor of Texas, citing the Longhorns' elite defensive play as the decisive factor. Radio hosts on the show offered even more decisive score predictions, with estimates including 34-12, 35-6, and 35-9 in favor of the top-ranked Longhorns.
The game is set for a 2:30 PM kick at the Cotton Bowl.
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