"In the Weeds": Keys to Victory for OU Football's Defense vs. the Texas Longhorns' Offense

Gabe Ikard and Teddy Lehman give the "Keys to Victory" for Oklahoma football's defense against Texas' offense in the Red River Rivalry on October 10, 2026. They break down what the Sooners defense need to do to limit Arch Manning and the Longhorns explosive wide receiving core led by Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo. They also discuss the importance of limiting Texas' versatile run game with Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
1:29 OU's defense must limit Texas' versatile run game including the pin pull and crack toss plays that have given them some trouble this season
7:57 Sooners must do a great job of tackling Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown one on one in space. Texas does a nice job of forcing the ball onto corners so Courtland Guillory and Eli Bowen will have to have good days as tacklers
13:07 Sooners defensive led by David Stone, Jayden Jackson and Taylor Wein must create good penetration and produce tackles for loss when Texas runs the ball
17:12 OU's defensive linemen must win their one on ones in pass rush so that Brent Venables can play a little more coverage to account for Cam Coleman, Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley
26:46 OU's defense must make Arch Manning uncomfortable in the pocket to help prevent the Longhorns from producing explosive plays in the passing game
30:35 OU's defense must contain Texas WR Cam Coleman
34:23 OU's defense must contain Arch Manning and not allow him to do a lot of damage with his legs as a scrambler



















