How the defense of the Texas Longhorns may defeat the Oklahoma Sooners

In the world of college football, few rivalries are as storied and intense as the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. Each year, the game is circled on the calendar by fans, players, and coaches alike, as it often carries major implications for both teams’ seasons. For Texas, beating Oklahoma is a goal every year, but in recent seasons, the Longhorns have struggled to consistently outlast their rivals. To secure a victory over the Sooners in 2024, the Longhorns will need to excel on defense, a key component that could tilt the game in their favor.

The Texas defense has shown flashes of brilliance over the years, but to beat a team like Oklahoma, which boasts a high-powered offense, the Longhorns will need to make strategic adjustments, create turnovers, and stifle the Sooners’ attack. This article will break down how Texas can leverage its defense to finally gain the upper hand against the Sooners and secure a crucial win in this historic rivalry.

Understanding Oklahoma’s Offensive System

To devise a plan for beating Oklahoma, Texas must first understand the makeup of the Sooners’ offense. Under head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, Oklahoma runs an explosive, up-tempo offense that relies heavily on a dynamic passing game and the run-first philosophy of the wishbone or spread concepts. The Sooners have a deep pool of talent on offense, including an efficient quarterback, strong running backs, and explosive receivers.

Quarterback Play: Oklahoma has traditionally been known for its quarterback play, with recent stars like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray leading the offense. As of the 2024 season, the Sooners have a talented signal-caller who can not only pass effectively but also create problems with his legs. The key for Texas will be to limit his mobility, forcing him to stay in the pocket where he may be less dangerous.
Running Game: Oklahoma has always been strong at running the football, and its success on the ground is a big reason why the offense can be so dangerous. Running backs in recent years have been fast, elusive, and capable of turning short gains into long touchdowns. A strong run game allows the Sooners to control the clock and keep the defense on its heels. Texas must focus on slowing down this part of the game to force third-and-long situations, where the Sooners’ offense is less effective.
Wide Receivers: Oklahoma’s receiving corps has always been a major weapon, with talented pass catchers who can stretch the field and make big plays. Texas’ secondary will need to play tight coverage and disrupt the timing between the quarterback and his receivers to limit explosive plays downfield.
Offensive Line Play: The Sooners’ offensive line is one of the most formidable units in college football, providing excellent protection for the quarterback and creating running lanes for the backs. If Texas wants to win, it will need to disrupt the offensive line and make life difficult for the Sooners’ offense.

Key Defensive Strategies for Texas

With an understanding of Oklahoma’s offensive system, Texas can implement a defensive game plan that targets the Sooners’ weaknesses and puts pressure on their offensive strengths. Here are several defensive strategies the Longhorns should focus on to maximize their chances of success.

1. Disrupt the Quarterback’s Rhythm

Oklahoma’s offense revolves around the quarterback, and if Texas can disrupt his rhythm early and often, it will go a long way toward slowing down the Sooners’ high-powered attack. Texas must:

Pressure the Quarterback: The Longhorns need to put constant pressure on the quarterback through a combination of blitzes, stunts, and well-timed pass rushes. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski can utilize Texas’ defensive line and linebackers to create confusion up front, making it harder for the quarterback to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Using different blitz packages will keep the quarterback guessing and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Pressure forces mistakes, and Texas must capitalize on any rushed throws or hurried decisions.
Contain the Quarterback’s Mobility: In today’s era of college football, quarterbacks are often dual-threats who can do damage both through the air and on the ground. If the Oklahoma quarterback is mobile, Texas must spy him with a linebacker or safety to limit his ability to extend plays with his legs. Keeping the quarterback in the pocket will force him to make difficult throws under pressure.
Force Quick Decisions: By disrupting the offensive line and collapsing the pocket, Texas can force the quarterback into making quick decisions. The Longhorns’ defensive backs and linebackers should aim to disrupt passing lanes and create tight coverage on Oklahoma’s receivers, forcing the quarterback to make off-target throws or decisions that lead to turnovers.

2. Shut Down the Running Game

Stopping the run is crucial in any game, but it is particularly important against an offense like Oklahoma’s that thrives on balancing the run and pass. Texas must:

Win the Battle at the Line of Scrimmage: The defensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage and prevent the Oklahoma offensive line from opening up lanes for running backs. Texas’ defensive line must engage their blockers and shed them quickly to get into the backfield and disrupt running plays before they can gain momentum. This will require stout play from the defensive tackles and strong edge rushers to seal the perimeter.
Tackle Well in the Open Field: When Oklahoma’s running backs break into the second level, Texas defenders must be ready to make open-field tackles. A missed tackle could easily turn into a long gain, so wrapping up and taking proper angles will be essential. Defensive backs and linebackers need to be sure tacklers when Oklahoma’s backs break through the line.
Create Negative Plays: One of the best ways to limit a successful run game is to create negative plays. Texas should aim to get behind the line of scrimmage by using gap discipline and maintaining an aggressive mindset. Tackles for loss and disrupting the backfield will put Oklahoma in long-yardage situations, making it harder for the Sooners to sustain drives.

3. Disrupt the Passing Game with Tight Coverage

Oklahoma’s passing attack has the potential to make big plays, but if Texas can disrupt the timing between the quarterback and the receivers, it can neutralize a lot of Oklahoma’s offensive firepower. Texas must:

Press Coverage and Disrupt Timing: Using press coverage at the line of scrimmage will disrupt the timing between the quarterback and his receivers, especially on quick-hitting passes. By getting physical with the receivers off the line, Texas can make it harder for them to get open and create separation. This will force the quarterback to hold onto the ball longer and give the Texas pass rush more time to reach him.
Safeties Playing Over the Top: Texas should have safeties play over the top to prevent Oklahoma from hitting big passing plays. When Oklahoma does attempt to stretch the field, Texas needs to have a safety ready to help cornerbacks who may be facing one-on-one coverage. Keeping the ball in front of them and preventing explosive plays is key to controlling the tempo of the game.
Force Turnovers: By reading the quarterback’s eyes and jumping passing lanes, Texas’ defensive backs should aim to intercept or deflect passes. This is particularly important when the Sooners are in third-and-long situations, as the quarterback may force a pass under pressure. Creating turnovers will give Texas’s offense more opportunities and disrupt the rhythm of Oklahoma’s game plan.

4. Win the Field Position Battle

Field position often plays a major role in rivalry games, and Texas can gain a significant advantage if its defense can consistently force the Sooners to start drives deep in their own territory. Texas needs to:

Limit Long Drives: Oklahoma thrives on quick, explosive drives, but Texas can change that by consistently forcing three-and-outs or limiting big gains. Stopping the Sooners early in their drives will allow Texas to win the field position battle, which can have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.
Use Special Teams to Your Advantage: Along with solid defense, Texas can capitalize on special teams to flip the field in their favor. Good punting, coverage on kickoffs, and limiting big returns can make it harder for Oklahoma to start drives with favorable field position.

5. Maintain Disciplined Play

Against an offense as potent as Oklahoma’s, it is important for Texas to maintain disciplined play on defense. Avoiding penalties such as pass interference or personal fouls will help ensure that the Longhorns don’t give up easy yards or extend Oklahoma’s drives unnecessarily.