Clash of the Titans: Top NFL Draft picks go head to head in Red River Rivalry game between Oklahoma and Texas
For all the talk surrounding Oklahoma's offense against Texas's defense this week, there's not a lot of discussion around Oklahoma's defense against Texas's offense, as that could end up being the most important aspect of this game. Oklahoma's defense ranks top-ten in plenty of metrics and they lead the SEC in sacks and turnovers forced […]
For all the talk surrounding Oklahoma's offense against Texas's defense this week, there's not a lot of discussion around Oklahoma's defense against Texas's offense, as that could end up being the most important aspect of this game.
Oklahoma's defense ranks top-ten in plenty of metrics and they lead the SEC in sacks and turnovers forced this season. With this being quarterback Quinn Ewers' first game back from injury, the Sooners are going to look to create havoc and generate pressure on Ewers all game.
This game could end up being decided on one key matchup: Texas's offensive tackle duo of Kelvin Banks Jr and Cameron Williams vs the Oklahoma Sooners pass rushers R Mason Thomas, Ethan Downs, and Trace Ford.
Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks has been a well-established potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Though some scouts are reportedly torn on his future at tackle in the NFL, it's pretty consensus that he will be one of the first 32 picks come April.
On the season, Banks has allowed just one pressure (Week 2 vs Michigan) and no sacks. His elite production and terrific athleticism are sure to continue in this matchup.
His teammate, right tackle Cam Williams, has been a breakout candidate this season and has firmly put himself in not just the first-round conversation, but potentially being the first offensive tackle drafted. His inexperience as a first-year starter bites him at times, but he makes up for it with elite athletic ability.
Williams is an elite athlete, with movement skills that defy physics. He's listed at 6'5, 335 pounds, but moves in space like a 300-pounder. His technique has improved week-to-week, and he's starting to match his fundamentals to his talent level. As just a redshirt sophomore, Williams is a tremendous combination of age, athleticism, production, and technique, making it no surprise he is well in the first-round conversation.
Fortunately for the Sooners, this is their best pass rush unit in several years, led by R Mason Thomas. Defensive ends Ethan Downs, Trace Ford, Caiden Woullard, and PJ Adebawore have all been productive in moments as well.
I've written extensively about Thomas before and I've run out of words to describe him. He leads the SEC in sacks and is tied for third nationally with six. Thomas wins with bend around the corner, quickness off of the line of scrimmage, and his pass rush move set has shined this season.
It had been years since I had last seen an Oklahoma defender take over a game the way R Mason Thomas did against Tulane, and he carried it with him into SEC play with a sack against Tennessee and two more against Auburn.
R Mason Thomas, Brent Venables have re-ignited Oklahoma Sooners pass rush just in time for the SEC
Oklahoma's defense has been the butt of many jokes over the last decade or so. However, it's been their defense that has carried the team over the course of the 2024 season, and credit is due to Sooners' head coach Brent Venables and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley for their plan on sparking the Oklahoma […]
The guy on the opposite end, Ethan Downs, has been an underappreciated superstar for the defense. He's a key cog in the Sooners' run defense, putting his body on the line to fling open gaps and keep the linebackers clean. Downs takes on blocks well and is terrific at holding the point of attack. Rarely does he get cleanly blown off the ball. He's also not a bad pass rusher as well, having led the Sooners in sacks the last two seasons.
Ford and Woullard are experienced players with multiple years under their belt. Ford is a more explosive athlete, while Woullard is a well-refined player who wins with good physicality and advanced technique as a pass rusher. PJ Adebawore struggled with injuries to start the season, but his athleticism makes him an elite sub-package rusher who is on the cusp of a breakout season.
All in all, the battle between these two rooms is going to be a war on Saturday. While Texas's tackles have higher grades, Oklahoma can throw multiple players at them who win in different ways.
Oklahoma has also not been afraid to blitz and stunt heavily, and they'll look to take advantage of Williams' inexperience to try and free up some of their pass rushers to harass Ewers.
Whichever side wins this battle will likely win their team the game. Both will need to bring their A game, in what should be one of the best talent matchups of the entire season.
