The Red River Shootout: The Greatest Rivalry in College Sports (and We Say That Without a Hint of North Texan Bias)

It’s that time again — the Red River Shootout, where the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners meet halfway between civilization and chaos, at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, surrounded by deep-fried Oreos, beer guts, and questionable decisions.

They call it a “neutral site game,” but let’s be real — it’s 90% Texans and maybe a few Sooners who accidentally wandered south while going to check "if dang ol' Cracker Barrel really done changed they sign."

🏈 The Setup

Texas started the season ranked #1, puffing their chests, burning through preseason hype videos narrated by Matthew McConaughey, and convincing everyone this was finally their year.

Cut to now: they’ve stumbled, their mojo’s off, and the only person with more misplaced confidence than Texas fans in August is Glen Powell’s PR team during Hit Man press week (Seriously amazing movie that NO ONE has seen). Chad Powers is pretty awesome though, hats off Glen.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma is rolling in, smug as ever, because football is the one thing they can beat Texas in. Food? No. Culture? Absolutely not. Reading comprehension? Not a chance. But football? Yeah, maybe.

🎯 Betting Lines (As of This Morning)

• Texas –3.5 favorites (Vegas still believes in the brand and we can't blame them as betting against a Manning is never a great idea.)

• Over/Under: 61.5 points (expected shootout, fittingly)

• Moneyline: Texas around –160 / Oklahoma +135

The spread’s tight, and the total is spicy — bettors clearly expect fireworks, or at least a Glen Powell-level plot twist.

💰 Prop Bets & Stat Picks

• Arch Manning (QB, Texas) Over 1.5 Passing TDs The new golden boy’s arm has been solid even in chaos. Against a Sooners defense that’s been more bend-than-break, expect him to find the end zone twice.

• Deion Burks (WR, Oklahoma) Anytime TD Oklahoma’s most consistent red-zone target. If they get close, it’s usually him.

• John Mateer (QB, Oklahoma) Anytime TD This kid has a nose for the end zone whether its rushing or passing.

• Any Defensive / Special Teams TD (+450ish) It’s the Red River Shootout — chaos is the brand. Someone’s running one back.

🤠 Cultural Props (Unofficial but Necessary)

• Glen Powell seen on TV before halftime: –300

• McConaughey says “mojo” in the locker room video: –150

• Any Oklahoma fan eats fried butter on camera: LOCK

🏆 Final Thought

Texas might have the actors, the barbecue, and the literacy rates. Oklahoma has… football and dirt roads. But every October, none of that matters — it’s just two states, one river, and one gloriously stupid game.

Bet smart, hydrate, and maybe keep Glen Powell on speed dial — Texas might need Chad Powers to suit up by halftime.

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