The Texas Longhorns' offensive line is gearing up for a thrilling redemption arc as the mighty Oklahoma Sooners approach—can they turn the tide in one of college football's fiercest rivalries?
As a dedicated Texas Longhorns sports contributor, I'm excited to dive into this story on October 6, 2025, with the latest updates just rolling in. Picture this: the stage is set for an epic showdown at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where the 125-year-old Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma will unfold this Saturday. For those new to college football, the Red River Rivalry isn't just any game—it's a legendary clash steeped in history, tradition, and intense passion, often deciding bragging rights for an entire season. And this year, with No. 6 Oklahoma boasting one of the toughest defenses in the Southeastern Conference, the stakes couldn't be higher.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Texas offensive line, still finding its footing, faces a daunting challenge. Let's rewind to a charming anecdote that humanizes the story. Trevor Goosby, a key Longhorn offensive lineman, grew up just a short five-minute drive from Fair Park in Dallas. Every year, he'd attend 'Fair Day Friday' with his mom, thanks to a special perk from the Texas State Fair. School districts in Dallas build these 'Fair Days' into their calendars, offering free tickets to students and teachers within a 100-mile radius of Fair Park. To keep things fair and prevent kids from ditching class, these outings are strictly on weekdays, with schools giving students the day off. As a kid, Goosby would indulge in sugary cotton candy that gave him a massive sugar rush, while his mom headed to Fletcher's for a classic corn dog—though Goosby admits he prefers it over the more popular turkey leg. It's these simple, nostalgic memories that make the upcoming game even more personal for him.
And this is the part most people miss: Goosby isn't just any player; he's a third-generation Longhorn, deeply rooted in the program's legacy. He's intimately familiar with the Red River Rivalry, having watched it from afar in his first two years at Texas, wondering if he'd ever step onto the field. Last year, he was on the sidelines, cheering his teammates. Now, as a starter on a revamped offensive line, he's living the dream. 'Just seeing all the things I used to see as a kid now, while playing in such a big game, it’s gonna be an intense game,' Goosby shared, his excitement palpable. For beginners in football, the offensive line is like the unsung heroes of the team—they protect the quarterback and create openings for runners, often deciding whether an offense succeeds or falters.
Yet, the road ahead isn't smooth. Oklahoma's defense is a powerhouse, leading the SEC in allowing the fewest touchdowns (just three) and points (a mere 33). Goosby describes them as 'really stout guys' who are highly mobile and disruptive, always aiming to stir up chaos on the field. 'They move a lot, you know, they’re super disruptive, especially, they just want to try and cause chaos a lot of times,' he explained. 'And the key to that is just making sure our feet and our eyes are good.' In simpler terms, this means staying alert, keeping proper footing, and focusing on assignments to counter Oklahoma's aggressive style.
Compounding the challenge is the offensive line's recent struggles. In last week's matchup against Florida, they struggled to protect the pocket—think of the pocket as the safe zone around the quarterback—and open lanes for the running game. Starting quarterback Arch Manning was sacked six times, facing a staggering 59.5% pressure rate, which means nearly 60% of the time, defenders were closing in fast. The run game was stifled, netting only 52 rushing yards total. For those unfamiliar, sacks occur when a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, and a high pressure rate indicates relentless defensive pressure that can derail plays.
Much of this boils down to inexperience. The line has been plagued by pre-snap penalties all season—six against San Jose State and eight against Florida. These are mostly false starts, where younger players jump the gun in tense moments, costing the team yards and momentum. It's a common issue for rookie linemen, who must learn to stay composed under pressure.
Now, here's a point that might spark debate: When asked why he didn't pursue more seasoned linemen through the transfer portal, head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed unwavering trust in his current group. 'Inevitably, you can play the hypotheticals and what ifs. It’s what’s available, and then what do you have, and I think our guys that we have are more than capable,' he said. 'Like I said, we got to coach better, we got to play better.' Some fans might argue this is a bold gamble—why not bolster the line with veterans for a surefire edge? Others could see it as a vote of confidence in youth and development. What do you think: Is Sarkisian's faith in his young players a smart long-term strategy, or a risky move that could cost them in big games like this?
Goosby, for his part, feels that trust deeply. 'I 100% feel that belief from him because he had the chance to, and obviously he didn’t,' he noted. 'So he trusts Flood, and Flood trusts us. And so I definitely have a belief too. We just need to clean some little things up, and I think we’ll be a really good group.' It's inspiring to see how this chain of confidence—from coach to position coach to players—fuels their motivation.
As the Texas offense looks to iron out these wrinkles before facing Oklahoma, the Red River Rivalry promises to be a spectacle. For more on Texas coverage, check out The Dallas Morning News' dedicated section.
Lauren Hightower, a senior neuroscience major at Texas and sports editor for The Daily Texan, brings her expertise from covering football, basketball, and volleyball, including trips to the SEC tournament and Texas' national championship runs.
What are your thoughts on this rivalry? Do you believe the Texas offensive line can overcome their inexperience and Oklahoma's stout defense, or is Sarkisian's decision not to transfer players a mistake? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
