Week Six: The Countdown Begins

If you're a Sooner or a Longhorn, this is exactly what you've been anticipating. The showdown in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. October 10th, 11:00 central time. Let the games begin.

Every year, the season can be over before it truly gets started. Throughout most of the history of the Big 12 conference, the early season meeting between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas has had a huge impact on the season. There is the inevitable annual Red River bragging rights. The rivalry between these two programs is one of the greatest in college football. It was something that I knew about long before moving to Texas!

More importantly though, it seems that more often than not, it plays a significant role in deciding the fate of the Big 12 south division. The winner has often gone on to the Big 12 championship, and the loser has gone on to some other lesser bowl - or perhaps worse. And all of this can be decided before the middle of October.

So this past weekend primed us all for the Red River rivalry once again. Oklahoma destroyed Baylor 49 - 17, and Texas hammered Colorado 38 - 14. These two wins laid the foundation for #1 Oklahoma to meet #5 Texas this coming weekend. Apparently there were other college football games played this weekend, but none more important than those that set up the showdown. Add to that two bona-fide Heisman trophy contenders - Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy - will be front and center in this head-to-head showdown.

Now it is set. Who needs drama?

Beyond this weekend, if there is a "beyond this weekend" to ponder, there is a very hard road ahead for the Longhorns. Four weeks, and four teams that are currently 5 - 0. Four teams that are in the top 25 in the country. And three of those games that will have a huge impact on the Big 12 south division.

One thing I can guarantee - I know exactly where I will be on Saturday at 11:00 am central time.

Hook'em Horns!