Jake Trotter

  (4:01 PM)

We'll get rolling with the Red River Rivalry chat in a sec. Keep sending in your questions/comments.

Carter Strickland

  (4:02 PM)

Ready to roll on the RRR chat in July

Joel (Niagara Falls) [via mobile]

Mr. Trotter, Which game would you say should be OU's biggest upset alert: @TTU(6 Oct.), Texas(13 Oct.) or @WVU(17 Nov.) ? Thank you.

Jake Trotter

  (4:04 PM)

Losing to a Texas or West Virginia would constitute a mild upset. So I'm going with Tech. The Red Raiders proved they can beat OU last season, and OU has never fared well in Lubbock.

Jake Trotter

  (4:05 PM)

Carter, I'll let you take this one.

Landry (Arkansas)

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best) where would you rank DeMarco Murray's touchdown as a freshman against Texas?

Jake Trotter

  (4:08 PM)

While Carter is answering that last question... I would give it an 8. There have been bigger plays in the series (Allen's TD in 96, Little Joe's punt in 75, and, of course, the Superman Play in 01) but Murray's run sparked OU to that win.

Todd (Austin, Tx)

Where would you rank this game with the other big rivalries? Michigan vs Ohio State and Alabama vs Auburn

Jake Trotter

  (4:12 PM)

To me, those three (along with Army-Navy), are the four biggest rivalries in college football. Cases could be made to rank any of the four at No. 1. I think there's a dropoff after that, though.

Carter Strickland (Austin)

Army Navy is the No. 1 for me. Bama-Auburn is the No. 2 rivalry. Then Florida-Georgia. Texas-OU would be good if Texas were as invested as OU.

Todd (Austin, Tx)

Sooners have no chance this year. Young inexperienced Wr's and another one thats more worried about wearing dresses than catching footballs. Who do you think wins this year?

Jake Trotter

  (4:13 PM)

OU has the more experienced QB, and the team with the more experienced QB usually wins this game (Landry, McCoy, Vince, White, Heupel, James Brown, Gardere, Holieway, etc...). The WRs are young, but really talented. And the dress, let's hope, was a one-time thing.

Carter Strickland (Austin)

I'm going with OU right now Todd but don;t hold me to that. Need to see what Texas does in the first few games.

Carter Strickland (Austin)

Pete's question: No, I think Texas is going to stick with trying to get RSJ back. They may show some interest in Hunter. But the main priority is to get RSJ to campus. Then if he falls through late they will try and poach a kid form another school. Thatâ??s when a relationship with Hunter will come into play

Nicolai (Denmark, Europe)

Who has the edge, Oklahomas offense or Texas' defense?

Jake Trotter

  (4:16 PM)

I give the edge to Texas' defense. But I also give the edge, probably a bigger edge, to OU's defense over Texas' offense.

Carter Strickland

  (4:16 PM)

Toss up for me. Really don't know how good the Texas defense is going to be until it plays WVU the week before.

Fred (Tampa)

You guys have moved more times in your careers than FB coaches.

Carter Strickland

  (4:17 PM)

We don't get paid as much though

Jake Trotter

  (4:17 PM)

Carter has lived in some pretty cool places. Washington, Athens, Ga., where I've been to. And I know many OU fans won't like this, but Austin is a great place to live.

Jake Trotter

  (4:18 PM)

But I've been in OKC since 2007, after living in three different places earlier that year. Lot of W-2s to fill out.

LASooner28 (Manhattan Beach, CA)

What new fried foods are hitting the fair this year??

Carter Strickland

  (4:19 PM)

Hard to tell but my heart rate is up just thinking about it

Jake Trotter

  (4:19 PM)

My favorite fried dish out there is the fried Frito Chili Pie.

Crabman (MD)

No questions, just one comment: TEXAS SUCKS!

royboy (htown)

can the longhorns prime time corners shut down the "tiky tack" passing game ou presents?

Carter Strickland

  (4:21 PM)

It will be tough because the corners are going to have press up in coverage and make the tackles. Diggs is a very sure handed tackler so i think he will be OK. Byndom is not quite as strong in the upper body and can get brushed past.

Jake Trotter

  (4:21 PM)

They are definitely capable. Diggs and Byndom are big-time good. But UT is going to shut down OU's offense by getting to Landry Jones, which it is also capable of with Jeffcoat/Okafor. Protecting Jones will be paramount in this game.

Chris G (Austin)

Do you ever see the Red River Rivalry being played in a primetime spot instead of the usual 11am or 2:30 kickoff time?

Carter Strickland

  (4:24 PM)

Nope. I think they are happy with it right where it is. It keeps the drinking down and the arrests down.

Jake Trotter

  (4:24 PM)

Never. Both administrations would be worried about the game turning into a European soccer game. There would be plenty of seats available by game time with all the arrests that would ensue.

Shane (Oklahoma City, OK)

With the questions remaining for Texas offensively, QB play & passing game, can UT seriously challenge West Virginia for 2nd place in the Big 12?

Carter Strickland

  (4:25 PM)

Have you seen WVU's defense? Yes. Texas is going to use the running game and its defense to try and slow down Geno Smith. WVU has some inflated stats because of the conference it has played in.KSU is the team to beat for the No. 2 spot in the B12.

Jake Trotter

  (4:26 PM)

No question. In fact, I'm sure many people will pick UT to finish 2nd in their preseason Big 12 polls. The key game for Texas will be Sept. 29 in Stillwater. Win there, and 2nd place is there for the taking (and maybe first place if UT can upend OU).

Regan Huffman (Vienna, VA)

OU-Texas in Dallas is something one has to experience to get its full impact. Today's telecasts do a remarkable job and give us more of the classic's flavor; however, being there is a one of a kind adrenalin-filled experience. Do you agree that this is perhaps THE rivalry game for all-time?

Carter Strickland

  (4:27 PM)

It's a great game but it is not the best game out there. Army-Navy is better. Bama-Auburn more passionate.

Jake Trotter

  (4:28 PM)

I was at Michigan-Ohio State in 2006, when the two teams were ranked 1-2. That was pretty special. But I wouldn't put it ahead of OU-Texas. The unique atmosphere of the neutral site puts that game on par with the best rivalry games.

Jake Trotter

  (4:28 PM)

I was at Michigan-Ohio State in 2006, when the two teams were ranked 1-2. That was pretty special. But I wouldn't put it ahead of OU-Texas. The unique atmosphere of the neutral site puts that game on par with the best rivalry games.

Blaine (Norman, OK)

Will Texas get blown out again in this year's RRR? Can't see them competing with the offense they have shown in last years..

Jake Trotter

  (4:29 PM)

If David Ash throws a bunch of picks, then yes.

Carter Strickland

  (4:29 PM)

Not sure if they will get blown out. They need to hold onto the ball. 31 points last year came off turnovers. 21 of those points were scored by the OU defense. So if Texas protects the ball they can stay in the game. Now whether they can win or not is another question.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

I know it didn't work out career wise for multiple reasons that have been well documented. But from a pure raw talent standpoint, and what he demonstrated his freshmen year, was Marcus Dupree the greatest back to ever run in the RRR?

Jake Trotter

  (4:30 PM)

Barry Switzer would say Earl Campbell. I would agree.

Carter Strickland

  (4:30 PM)

Dupree or Earl toss up

Jake Trotter

  (4:30 PM)

Dupree would probably be second, though.

Joshua (Houston)

It seems every couple of years a player will "break out" in the RRR. Who is a candidate for each team to have a "break out" type game?

Carter Strickland

  (4:31 PM)

Good question. Demarco Cobbs on defense for Texas. On offense I'm going with Daje Johnson.

Jake Trotter

  (4:32 PM)

For Texas, I could see Jaxon Shipley emerge out of his brother's shadow. He's going to be a really good player, if anyone can get him the ball. For OU, look out for Aaron Colvin. I'm not so sure he isn't the best CB in a Big 12 that's loaded with big-time CBs.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Who is your favorite player of all time from the opposing school? They'll still let you back on campus if you answer honestly? :)

Carter Strickland

  (4:33 PM)

I have no favorite players from either school. Or really any favorite player. We are not fans.

Jake Trotter

  (4:34 PM)

Having researched him some, I think Bobby Layne is pretty cool. Apparently, once threw a no hitter against Texas A&M while pounding beers in the dugout to ease the pain on his foot, which he messed partying the night before.

Josh (right here)

Did your article Carter, imply that Texas hasn't been trying as hard in the RRSO?

Carter Strickland

  (4:35 PM)

I have lived in Norman and Austin and covered both programs. At OU the UT game is the biggest deal out there. For Texas the passion is just not as high. I think Jake would probably agree. Now I'm not saying there are not passionate people who follow the Horns. It's just that OU is more focused in their hatred of UT than UT is of OU.

Brennan (Austin)

Which freshman are already creating a buzz in Norman and Austin?

Jake Trotter

  (4:36 PM)

In Norman, it's WRs Trey Metoyer and Sterling Shepard. OU could end up starting two true freshman WRs this fall alongside Kenny Stills.

Carter Strickland

  (4:37 PM)

Johnathan Gray is getting a lot of buzz. Malcom Brown (the other one) is going to play a lot. Some of the wide receivers. Daje Johnson is a guy to watch out for.

Mike (Mount Vernon, IL)

Hey Jake, what is the latest on Whaley's injuries?

Jake Trotter

  (4:38 PM)

Looking good. Rumor was he was playing hoops over the weekend at the Huff. I think he'll be ready for the opener, which is excellent news for a Sooner offense that struggled to run the ball after he got hurt last season.

Donnie (Oklahoma)

Is Trey Franks still in Norman? I've heard rumors that he has already transfered.

Jake Trotter

  (4:39 PM)

I would be very surprised to see Franks wear a Sooner uniform again. Ship appears to have sailed.

Jon (Tulsa)

Who has the better situation at reciever and at running back heading into the season between Texas and OU?

Carter Strickland

  (4:40 PM)

Texas without a doubt. The Horns have three very good running backs and have three returning starters at wide receiver. Texas is stronger across the board on offense except at tight end and quarterback.

Jake Trotter

  (4:40 PM)

I think it's pretty close. I like OU's overall talent at WR, while Texas has a truckload of blue-chippers at RB. The difference is the QB, as Carter points out.

Brian (Charlotte)

Who will be the first coach no longer be with their respective team? Mack Brown or Bob Stoops?

Carter Strickland

  (4:42 PM)

Mack Brown. If he wins like he thinks he is going to win in 2013 or 2014 he will retire and go into administration. If he losses big like he has in the past two years he is going to hang it up no matter the length of his new contract.

Jake Trotter

  (4:42 PM)

Brown. He's older, and we've already heard rumors in the past about Brown possibly stepping down. At this point, it's pretty clear Stoops is going to retire a Sooner. I'm not sure he coaches 10 more years, but he probably coaches at least 5.

The Mountaineer (West By God Virginia)

What are the odds that my Mounties beat Oklahoma this year?

Carter Strickland

  (4:43 PM)

Not good.

Jake Trotter

  (4:43 PM)

Pretty good. OU could be a slight favorite, but the Sooners have not been great on the road, especially in places that are tough to play like Morgantown.

theMOTEXAN (Ozark Mtn Country)

How well will Ash & Co be improved over last year?

Carter Strickland

  (4:45 PM)

Ash may not be better when it comes to improved talent. But he will be better as far as decision making. The coaching staff is taking every tough choice away from hm and giving him as simple a gameplan as possible. Texas is going to run the ball 65 percent of the time. Ash will only have to throw a few downfield passes and mostly screens. He will be better simply because those around him are going to be better. But he is not the answer for Texas at QB.

Dustin (Houston)

Whats your WAY TO EARLY prediction for this years RRR?

Carter Strickland

  (4:46 PM)

I'm thinking OU at the moment but we are not giving out are way too early predictions till Friday. So I will make it official then.

Jake Trotter

  (4:46 PM)

This will obviously change, but I see the game being relatively low scoring, with OU coming out on top. Something like 21-16.

Buster (Lake Hawkins, Texas)

!n 2012 who is coaching the Longhorn special teams?

Carter Strickland

  (4:47 PM)

Major does most of it

Dustin (Dallas)

Hello guys, what's the over under this year?... we've debated it often on the blog and curious about your thoughts...

Carter Strickland

  (4:47 PM)

I'm going to say 39

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

I never gamble on games, so this is hard for me. Maybe 40?

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

Wow, we were close on that one.

Josh (Kansas)

Will Dominique Whaley be the top running back this season?

Jake Trotter

  (4:48 PM)

At OU? Yes, if he stays healthy.

Chris (Houston)

Honestly.... Should Texas have been jumped by OU in 08? Would like Trotter's answer

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

Here's my honest answer: Texas may have had the better team in 2008, but based on body of work, OU deserved to go to the Big 12 title game. The Sooners played a tougher non-conference schedule, and obliterated the third team in question (Texas Tech) late in the season.

Jake Trotter

  (4:50 PM)

And I probably ticked off both sides with that answer.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which Sooner-Longhorn quarterback has been ridiculed, criticized, and underappreciated the most, Landry Jones or Chris Simms?

Carter Strickland

  (4:51 PM)

Simms by far. Landry has had his ills but Simms was so maligned in Austin he became a shell of what his talent was.

Jake Trotter

  (4:52 PM)

Landry hasn't taken the punishment that Chris Simms has. But Landry is more underappreciated, especially in the 405 area code.

jason f (frost tx)

Who would you take colt mccoy and ricky willams or sam bradford and adrian peterson.

Carter Strickland

  (4:53 PM)

I would take Bradford and Peterson. I was covering OU when Peterson showed up and I had never seen a freshman who was that good. I understand what Ricky and MCoy became but I really liked what Peterson and Bradford did in the Sooner offense. And really I might take Jason White over McCoy.

Jake Trotter

  (4:53 PM)

McCoy and Williams were more durable, but at 100 percent, I'd probably take Bradford/Peterson. That's a tough question.

Brett (Ponca City,OK)

OU: 28, Texas 3. Is this a good HALFTIME score for this year??

Jake Trotter

  (4:54 PM)

Seems rather optimistic.

Carter Strickland

  (4:54 PM)

On X-box maybe. But i think it will closer. OU by six at half. 12-6.

Chris (Austin, TX)

What are the chances that Texas plays the majority of the game with only one of the QB's, Ash or McCoy? Or do you think they might get even playing time?

Jake Trotter

  (4:55 PM)

Sounds like Ash is the guy, right?

Carter Strickland

  (4:56 PM)

I think Ash gets 90 percent of the snaps unless he starts throwing the ball away. McCoy is too much of a wild card. The coaches cannot control what he does when he is under center. And they want a QB they can control.I think Ash is the starter from day one and it remains that way throughout the season. Brewer redshirts.

John (OKC)

Carter, How big of a role do you see Jonathan Gry having in the offense this year? will him and malcolm brown split the duties?

Carter Strickland

  (4:58 PM)

Don;t forget about Bergeron. The RBs are going to get around 40 touches a game. How they split that up is going to be a huge question. But all of them do different things well. I think you could have a game where Brown gets 20 carries, Bergeron 12 and Gray gets four carries and four screens. My guess is Gray averages around 10 touches a game.

euro_chad (Oklahoma)

Absolutely delighted that "the rivalry" was extended till 2020 in the Cotton Bowl! I love old-school gridiron football stadiums!!!! One of the best venues, for THE BEST rivalry!

Mike (Mount Vernon, IL)

Jake, per your answer about UT getting to Jones. We are considered to have a pretty good line this year. Do you really think UT can get to Jones that well>

Carter Strickland

  (4:59 PM)

Cotton Bowl does have that feel to it. I've been nicer places but none that have the aroma of the state fair.

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

The strength of this line is in the interior with Ikard, Habern, Evans, Shead, Nila. I like OU's tackles, but they'll have their hands full with Okafor/Jeffcoat. And if OSU can get to Jones like it did last year, then Texas can this year.

Chris (Hurlburt Field, FL)

Doesn't OU play enough late night games for ratings...lets leave this one at noon so I can go to bed earlier.

Jake Trotter

  (5:00 PM)

+1.

Chris (Hurlburt Field, FL)

How much would Brown pay to have a passing game that was as Tiky Tacky, as royboy calls it, with Ash under center? Enough to keep his job I'm guessin....

D T G (Tulsa, as far as you know.)

Now that Landry is married, do you think Whitney's guiding hand will help settle down LJ's happy feet in the pocket?

Carter Strickland

  (5:01 PM)

Well considering that Brown and Harsin are going to go to that type of attack this year ... a lot.

Jake Trotter

  (5:02 PM)

Sooner Nation is hoping so. But Jones' work this offseason with QB guru George Whitfield may have more to do with that.

Chris (Austin, TX)

I'll field Shane's question, gentlemen. Shane, no, they won't challenge West Virginia for 2nd place because they'll be in 1st place. Oklahoma will be the ones challenging for 2nd.

Michael, Long Beach, CA [via mobile]

Who has the advantage: OU o-line vs. UT d-line?

Jake Trotter

  (5:03 PM)

Strength on strength. I give the UT d-line a slight advantage. Texas might have 3 of the top 4 defensive linemen in the Big 12. You can't say that about OU's offensive line, even though it figures to be OU's best since 2008.

Carter Strickland

  (5:04 PM)

UT d line. Name to remember is Brandon Moore. Texas has five d ends they are comfortable playing and at least four tackles they want to play in the game. Many of those guys are NFL caliber players.

John (OKC)

Where is yalls preferred area to go out in Big D OU/TX weekend?

Carter Strickland

  (5:05 PM)

Not my in-laws that's for sure. So I'm saying anywhere but there.

Jake Trotter

  (5:05 PM)

I love Pappasito's.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which newcomer will have the biggest impact for there respective team, Trey Metoyer or Brandon Moore?

Jake Trotter

  (5:06 PM)

Metoyer could wind up leading the Sooners in receiving, and should finish no lower than second on the team. He is the real deal.

Carter Strickland

  (5:06 PM)

I think Moore because he is going to be fresher throughout the game due to Texas' ability to rotate bodies into the lineup.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Jake, would Carter's description of Simms be reflective of Nate Hybl? Or is there really no comparison?

Jake Trotter

  (5:09 PM)

No comparison. Hybl took a lot of heat for the way the 2001 season ended. But Simms went 0-for the Red River game with a lot of talent around him.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Love this chat format guys, you should do it more often in the future.

Carter Strickland

  (5:10 PM)

We do this type of chat on the forums sometimes and will try and do more through the season

Jake Trotter

  (5:13 PM)

Thanks Derrin. The way this one went, I believe we'll have more in the future. We went a little over the allotted hour today, so that's all the time we have for this chat. Thanks for all the great questions everyone. Also check out all our OU-Texas (or Texas-OU) coverage this week on SoonerNation and HornsNation as we preview the Red River Rivalry in July. Have a great week, guys.