Saturday’s Red River Rivalry always delivers drama, and this year’s edition has extra intrigue. Oklahoma is dealing with a possible injury to John Mateer (thumb surgery), which could force backup
Michael Hawkins Jr.
into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Oklahoma’s freshman running back
Tory Blaylock
has emerged as a force in the backfield. On the Texas side, the Longhorns will look to lean heavily on their offense to challenge a stout Oklahoma defense.
Because of the uncertainty at QB and the high stakes, spotting value in
individual prop bets
still seems the smarter play over trying to guess the spread.
Prop Overview
Matchup:
Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns
Location:
Cotton Bowl – Dallas, TX
Kickoff:
Saturday (Evening slot)
Estimated Spread:
Texas –1.5 (early) Estimated Total:
~56.5
🏈 1) John Mateer – Under 285.5 Passing Yards (or backup under 235.5)
Oklahoma’s passing attack is explosive when Mateer is fully healthy, but returning from thumb surgery against Texas’ aggressive secondary is a tough ask. If Mateer is limited or replaced by Hawkins, expectations should be tempered — Hawkins’ experience is limited and Texas can rush pressure.
Given Texas’ ability to contest deep balls and force checks, the under looks safer. If Hawkins starts, his ceiling is lower, which makes the under even more appealing.
Prediction:
~240–265 yards, or if Hawkins starts, ~200–225.
Tip: Passer Under (Mateer or Hawkins)
- Mateer questionable
-
Texas strong secondary
-
Hawkins ceiling lower
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Open BetMGM
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
🔥 2) Tory Blaylock – Over 85.5 Rushing Yards
Blaylock has been a revelation as a freshman — he’s already totaled 257 rushing yards in five games, including consistent volume inside. If Mateer is limited, Oklahoma may lean even more heavily on the run game to stabilize tempo and protect the QB.
Texas has shown some vulnerability against physical rushing attacks, especially when defenses have to account for dual-threat passing threats. Blaylock getting 20+ carries and clearing 85 yards is entirely plausible.
Tip: Blaylock Over 85.5 Rush Yds
- Emerging workhorse
-
Volume expected
-
Texas run defense tested
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Open FanDuel
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
🧱 3) Jaren Kanak – Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Texas will need to respect Oklahoma’s tight end,
Jaren Kanak, who is transitioning from linebacker to tight end this season and has already made noise in the passing game. In a rivalry game, usage in red zone and play-action sets can favor tight ends.
If Texas brings single-high safety shells or vacates the seam, Kanak can surge through mismatches. Even in a close game, a touchdown by Kanak feels well within reach.
- Red zone target
-
Mismatch potential
-
Game plan flexibility
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
🌪️ 4) Game Total – Under 56.5 Points
Recent trends between these teams and general Big 12/SEC play suggest these rivalry games often lean toward lower-scoring slugfests. Each side will be cautious with the QB situations, trying not to give away big plays. The under also gains strength if Oklahoma leans run-heavy and controls clock. Even with explosive plays, 56.5 is a high floor — this game makes more sense in the 45–50 point range.
- Game script control
-
QB uncertainty
-
Rivalry defense focus
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
💰 Betting Strategy & Final Thoughts
-
If Mateer plays:
lean toward his under, and expect Oklahoma to mix run + safe passing, which helps both Blaylock and the under total.
-
If Hawkins starts:
the passing markets could collapse, making the under more secure.
-
Blaylock’s value is high
— his role is clear, and volume should be there.
-
Kanak TD is a lower-probability but high-reward play, especially in red-zone sets or seam throws.
Final guess:
Oklahoma 31 Texas 23
— a tight, frantic game where you see
Blaylock over,
Kanak TD, and
Game total under
cash.