From the first showdown in 1960 to today, the Red River Rivalry remains one of the best games in college football due to the vitriol between both programs and the constant unpredictability that occurs from kickoff to the final whistle.

Texas is the betting favorite, but after one of the most chaotic weekends in college football last week, Oklahoma has no intentions of settling when they face their biggest rival at the Cotton Bowl.

Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners predictions and best bets

• Texas Longhorns -14.5 (-108 at FanDuel sportsbook)
• Over 48.5 (-110 at bet365 sportsbook)
• Oklahoma First Drive Result: Touchdown (+500 at FanDuel sportsbook)

We’re rolling with Texas to handle business this Saturday, as the team continues to perform as one of the top programs in the country.

It’s never easy to win by over two scores against a rival, but it’s happened before, and the Longhorns seem poised to do it again.

Still, I think the chances are we see points in this one. Texas won’t pull back like Tennessee did if they establish an early lead and that one got to 40.

With a Quinn Ewers-led aerial attack on one side, and a highly motivated Oklahoma offense on the other, expect this game to surpass 48.5 and maybe stay on this line all the way up to 50.

Despite the Longhorns being the heavy favorite, the Sooners are one of the best opening play script teams in the country. In four of their first five games, the team has driven down the field to score a touchdown on their first possession.

The only game in which they failed to do so was against Tennessee where their opening drive stalled at the 50 yard line after a missed pass on 4th & 2. So this Sooners offense is able to move well to open games. At +500 odds, it’s worth sprinkling something on it.

Texas vs. Oklahoma moneyline odds analysis

The Texas moneyline ranges anywhere from -625 all the way to -750 depending on your platform. For Oklahoma, they have a lucrative moneyline ranging from +450 to +500.

There’s not much value betting on the Texas moneyline ($625 bet returns $100).

This game feels like one you would wait to live bet if things start out poorly for the Longhorns if you’re looking to back Texas.

Why Texas could win as the favorite

Best odds: -625 BetMGM sportsbook

While the injury has stalled a potential Heisman campaign, Quinn Ewers has been one of the top passers in college football.

After an offseason with so many pieces heading off to the NFL, the quarterback has been an excellent veteran presence and the offense has fired on all cylinders as a result.

With pieces like Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Gunner Helm all stepping up as reliable weapons, the passing attack has been extremely efficient.

The trenches also deserve plenty of credit, as the Longhorns’ offensive line has been paving open rushing lanes and buying time for Ewers allowing the team to be at their best.

Additionally, the Texas defense has remained impressive through the first half of the season, as both the secondary and defensive line have found ways to shut down the opposition but also create plays to turn the game in their favor.

On paper, this team has a great chance to contend for a national championship, so against Oklahoma, they have a very good chance of winning. They just need to continue to play to their capabilities.

Why Oklahoma could win as the underdog

Best odds: +500 DraftKings sportsbook

Make no mistake, through the early part of the season, Texas has looked very strong. But after Michigan lost to Washington this past weekend, their resume is no longer as impressive as it once was.

The Sooners have a young true freshman QB in Michael Hawkins Jr. who can make plays with his arm and legs, but also has limited film. Without as much to base the defense around, the Longhorns could have trouble stopping him, and that can create big play opportunities.

Additionally, Quinn Ewers is back for Texas. While the passer has been phenomenal when healthy, he is prone to making some errant throws. If the Oklahoma secondary can capitalize on that and create turnovers, they can easily turn the game in their favor.

Texas is no doubt the favorite, but in a rivalry game of this magnitude, anything can happen. Don’t rule out the possibility of Oklahoma winning this Saturday.