By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent
This year's preferred "delicacy" at the Texas State Fair is fried butter. While weight gain and cardiac arrest are concerns for those strolling the Midway, getting out of the Cotton Bowl with a victory is what drives Texas and Oklahoma.
And finding story lines for Saturday's Red River Rivalry is as easy as risking caloric overload consuming any of the dozen foods that are subjected to a deep fryer.
* Second-ranked Texas (5-0, 2-0) has won three of the last four meetings but that has only led the Longhorns to one South Division title (2005).
* No. 18 Oklahoma (3-2, 1-0) has won an unprecedented three consecutive Big 12 titles. While injuries and two one-point losses have derailed the Sooners' national championship hopes, they control their conference destiny. A fourth consecutive Big 12 championship would be a consolation prize in a cursed season.
* Don't mention the "T" word. Texas beat Oklahoma 45-35 in last year's RRR then later in the season lost at Texas Tech. When the three teams finished in a dead heat in the South Division, by rule the tiebreaker was the BCS standings. That went to the Sooners, who won the Big 12 South despite losing to Texas.
"All OU did was win all their games after they played us," Texas coach Mack Brown said. "They didn't do anything to us. It wasn't about them. Our problem was we lost to Tech, and we put the decision-making process back in the BCS computer ranking's hands and the Big 12 tiebreaker's hands. It had nothing to do with OU."
* Revenge works best in movies but one wonders who wants to get even - the Longhorns or the Sooners. Last year's tiebreaker resolution still angers UT fans while OU fans have had unhappy drives north on I-35 three of the last four seasons.
The twist to the revenge angle is that the team that won last year's game is on the prowl for a pound of fleshy retribution. Don't forget that for a brief time last spring, a wall in the Longhorns' team meeting room that lists the team's Big 12 championships had 2008 (with an asterisk).
* Speaking or revenge, the defensive units on both teams appear capable of restoring order to the scoreboard. The teams combined for 80 points last year but Texas enters the game ranked fourth in total defense while Oklahoma is ninth. Both defensive lines feature players who can wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage. That means the offensive linemen on both sides had better be prepared for an all-day assault.
* Both offenses have flaws. Texas' running game is hobbled and suspect, despite ranking 39th in Division I-A. Oklahoma's offense has inexperienced players at wide receiver and has struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone. Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles, the Sooners' leading receiver, suffered a fractured shoulder blade at Miami on Oct. 3. His possible return to the field adds some intrigue and could juice the OU attack.
* Don't mention the "H" word. Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford won the 2008 Heisman Trophy and after missing almost a third of this season he won't win it in 2009. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy finished second to Bradford in the '08 Heisman voting. He could win it in '09 and an eye-catching performance against OU on national television could help. But the quarterbacks who have become good friends are concerned about championship hardware, not a bronzed statue. One hopes to be using the "V" word around 3 p.m. Saturday.
* Texas senior wide receiver Jordan Shipley had a momentum-changing kickoff return for a touchdown in last year's RRR and he has returned two punts for touchdowns this season. Oklahoma's kick return coverage has improved tremendously from last season; the Sooners are third nationally in punt coverage, allowing just 0.4 yards per return. Unstoppable force, meet immovable object.
And with all of this pregame palaver about the possible story lines, no doubt there will be something unexpected occur - game-winning field goal from one of the semi-anonymous kickers, a touchdown catch by one of Oklahoma's invisible tight ends, a 200-yard rushing effort from a running back who is accustomed to supporting actor status.
Expect a feast inside the Cotton Bowl and then over eating by the winning fans on the fairgrounds.
Saturday's games All times Central
Texas vs. Oklahoma Need to know: 11 a.m., Cotton Bowl, ABC. Records: Texas 5-0, 2-0; Oklahoma, 3-2, 1-0. Scouting Texas: A victory by the second-ranked Longhorns would give them an early edge in the South Division race and also enhance their national profile. After gaining just 46 yards on the ground against Colorado, Texas is concerned about its running game. The defense has become dominant and will try to put pressure on Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. Scouting Oklahoma: The 18th-ranked Sooners might be out of the national championship picture but they control their destiny in the Big 12 and a victory over Texas would be a huge boost. The return of quarterback Sam Bradford means that Oklahoma's offense can be productive passing or running. If top receiver Ryan Broyles is healthy enough to play, Bradford will have a go-to receiver he can count on. The play makers on OU's defense need to pressure Texas QB Colt McCoy and force some momentum-changing turnovers. This and that: Texas or Oklahoma has won the South Division title 11 of 13 years. Four of those times, the loser of the Red River Rivalry wound up winning the South title. … The Sooners ran 100 plays last Saturday in their 33-7 victory over Baylor. … Texas quarterback Colt McCoy leads the nation with a 73.4 completion percentage. Last Saturday against Colorado, he completed 32 of 39. … Texas is fourth nationally in total defense while Oklahoma is ninth.
Baylor at Iowa State Need to know: 6 p.m., Jack Trice Stadium. Records: Baylor 3-2, 0-1; Iowa State 3-3, 0-2. Scouting Baylor: The Bears' hopes of becoming bowl-eligible might rest with this game's outcome. A victory puts Baylor within two of the six victories needed. The offense struggled last week at Oklahoma but it might get a boost if running back Jay Finley returns from an ankle injury. The Bears' defense has been solid, particularly against the pass but it must concentrate on shutting down Iowa State's running game to make the Cyclones one-dimensional. Scouting Iowa State: The Cyclones' offense finally clicked on the ground and through the air against Kansas. Quarterback Austen Arnaud had his best game throwing the ball and if running back Alexander Robinson is healthy, Iowa State's attack is potent. The defense had no answer for KU's passing game last week. The Cyclones' next games will be at Nebraska and at Texas A&M so winning this home game is crucial. This and that: Baylor has lost 12 consecutive Big 12 road games and has won just three Big 12 conference road games in league history. … The Bears are 11th nationally in average yards per rushing attempt (5.17). … Punter Derek Epperson is second in the Big 12 and third nationally, averaging 47.4 yards per kick. … Iowa State has committed 14 turnovers. … All four of quarterback Austen Arnaud's interceptions came in the loss to Iowa. … Arnaud has thrown for eight touchdowns and ran for six TDs. … Running back Alexander Robinson had a career-high 152 yards last week against Kansas.
Texas Tech at Nebraska Need to know: 2:30 p.m., Memorial Stadium, ABC. Records: Texas Tech 4-2, 1-1; Nebraska 4-1, 1-0. Scouting Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' quarterback situation is in flux. Steven Sheffield made his first start last week, replacing an injured Taylor Potts, and threw for 490 yards and seven touchdowns. Coach Mike Leach said choosing a starter would be a "game-time" decision but his comments would seem to indicate he's leaning toward Sheffield. Scouting Nebraska: The 17th-ranked Huskers fans are concerned about an offense that was ineffective for three quarters at Missouri. A 27-point fourth quarter fueled by big plays and turnovers gave Nebraska a 27-12 victory over the Tigers. Depth behind starting running back Roy Helu Jr. is a concern now that freshman Rex Burkhead is sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. This and that: Ndamukong Suh leads Nebraska with seven pass breakups - an astounding number for a defensive tacke. … The Cornhuskers have six offensive turnovers but have not allowed a point over those turnovers. … Since losing in overtime at Texas Tech last season, Nebraska is 10-2. Both of the losses have come to top 10 teams. …. Texas Tech ranks No. 2 nationally in passing yards (443.5), total yards (521.5) and scoring offense (43.17). … Junior Alex Torres leads Texas Tech with 31 receptions. Junior Detron Lewis leads the Red Raiders in receiving yards (385 on 30 receptions). …. Red Raiders freshman punter Ryan Erxleben is averaging 41.2 yards on his 14 punts and nine of those kicks have been downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Kansas at Colorado Need to know: 6 p.m., Folsom Field, FSN. Records: Kansas 5-0, 1-0; Colorado 1-4, 0-1. Scouting Kansas: The No. 15 Jayhawks' offense, particularly the passing game, is in high gear. Quarterback Todd Reesing along with receivers Dez Briscoe and Kerry Meier have been unstoppable so far. The defense has been leaky in the last two games, allowing 64 points in the last two games. Scouting Colorado: The Buffs' season is close to falling apart. Now, there's a quarterback issue as sophomore Tyler Hansen appears to have taken over for junior Cody Hawkins. Hansen appeared to be headed for a redshirt season but came off the bench in the fourth quarter against Texas. Colorado's defense is coming off its best effort but the team needs to find its stride on offense. This and that: Kansas is one of nine remaining unbeaten teams in Division I-A. … A victory would give Kansas a five-game winning streak over Colorado for the first time in series history. … The Jayhawks have scored at least 30 points in six straight road games. … Kansas ranks in the top five nationally in three offensive categories - third in total offense (519.40), fourth in scoring offense (40.60) and fifth in passing offense (330.20). … Colorado is last in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing 30 points a game. The Buffs also are allowing 389.6 total yards per game, which is 11th in the conference. … The defense is coming off its best game, allowing Texas 313 total yards and just 17 points to the UT offense.
Missouri at Oklahoma State Need to know: 8:15 p.m., Boone Pickens Stadium, ESPN2. Records: Missouri 4-1, 0-1; Oklahoma State 4-1, 1-0. Scouting Missouri: The 24th-ranked Tigers have had 10 days to lick their wounds after letting a 12-0 fourth-quarter lead slip away in their loss to Nebraska. Missouri sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert had a tough time on a rainy night. The Tigers also would like to play back Oklahoma State for last year's game, a Cowboys victory in Columbia that gave Missouri its first loss of 2008. Scouting Oklahoma State: The No. 14 Cowboys showed admirable grit in overcoming injuries and off-field distractions to win at Texas A&M in the Big 12 opener. Quarterback Zac Robinson had perhaps his best game of the season and senior running back Keith Toston gained 130 yards. While the offense appears in good hands, the defense still struggles at times. This and that: Oklahoma State defensive back Perrish Cox leads the nation in passes defended (2.25 per game). … Oklahoma State has 11 sacks; it totaled 15 sacks in 13 games last season. … Freshman punter Quinn Sharp is averaging 47.7 yards per kick which is second in Division I-A. … Since the start of Big 12 play, Missouri is 5-2 against Oklahoma State. The Tigers have lost two of their last three meetings with the Cowboys. … Oklahoma State averages 10 penalites per game, which is next to last in I-A. … Missouri is averaging 274 yards through the air. The Cowboys' pass defense is 89th in Division I-A, allowing 241 yards per game.
Texas A&M at Kansas State Need to know: 6 p.m. Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Fox College Sports. Records: Texas A&M 3-2, 0-1; Kansas State 3-3, 1-1. Scouting Texas A&M: The Aggies need to end a two-game skid and avoid an 0-2 start in conference play. With quarterback Jerrod Johnson playing at a high level, the offense is productive and explosive. A&M's reliance on youth is evident in the mistakes that have contributed to the losses. Against Kansas State, the Aggies need to take advantage of their play makers on offense and defense. Scouting Kansas State: The Wildcats were shellacked by Texas Tech. They need to make a big improvement on defense, which was gashed for over 700 yards in Lubbock. Kansas State's strategy this season has been to control the time of possession with its running game. The Wildcats have received spotty quarterback play - Grant Gregory or Carson Coffman could be the starter. This and that: Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas is third in the Big 12 in rushing and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. … Senior Brandon Banks leads the Wildcats with 24 receptions and has 974 all-purpose yards (162.3 yards per game). … The Aggies are averaging 513 yards per game in total offense and average 37 points per game. … Junior defensive end/linebacker Von Miller leads the nation with nine sacks. … Kansas State is 21-19 against the South Division and 27-27 against teams from the state of Texas.
