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Brent Venables Says Red River Rivalry Should Look More Competitive Moving Forward

The Red River Rivalry, one of college football's most storied and intense matchups, has long been a defining fixture in the sport, pitting the Texas Longhorns against the Oklahoma Sooners in a battle that transcends mere competition. Historically held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas, this game is steeped in tradition, passion, and a deep-seated animosity between the two programs and their fan bases. However, in recent years, the rivalry has seen periods of imbalance, with one team often dominating the other for stretches of time. In a recent discussion, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables addressed the future of this iconic clash, expressing optimism that the Red River Rivalry will become more competitive in the coming years, particularly as both programs navigate significant transitions, including their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Venables, who has deep ties to Oklahoma football both as a former assistant coach and now as head coach, understands the weight of the rivalry. He acknowledges the cyclical nature of dominance in college football, where one team may hold the upper hand for a period before the pendulum swings back. Over the past decade or so, the rivalry has seen such shifts, with Texas and Oklahoma trading blows in terms of success on the field. There have been years where Oklahoma, under the leadership of coaches like Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley, seemed to have Texas’ number, racking up wins and using the game as a springboard for conference titles and playoff appearances. Conversely, Texas has had its moments of resurgence, particularly under coaches like Mack Brown in earlier years, where they asserted dominance over their rivals from north of the Red River. Venables recognizes that these ebbs and flows are part of what makes the rivalry so compelling, but he also believes that the competitive balance can and should be more consistent moving forward.

A significant factor in Venables’ outlook is the changing landscape of college football, particularly the realignment that has brought both Texas and Oklahoma into the SEC. This move, which marks a historic shift for both programs, places them in arguably the most competitive conference in the sport, where they will face a gauntlet of elite teams week in and week out. Venables sees this as an opportunity for both programs to elevate their games. The SEC’s reputation for physical, hard-nosed football and its depth of talent mean that Texas and Oklahoma will need to adapt and improve to keep pace with powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. For Venables, this challenge is a catalyst for growth, and he believes it will force both teams to refine their recruiting, player development, and game planning—elements that will directly impact the competitiveness of the Red River Rivalry.

Moreover, Venables points to the internal changes within both programs as reasons for optimism about a more balanced rivalry. At Oklahoma, he is working to instill a culture of toughness and accountability, drawing on his experience as a defensive coordinator under Stoops and at Clemson under Dabo Swinney. His focus on building a robust defense, something Oklahoma has at times lacked in recent years despite its high-powered offenses, could provide a counterbalance to Texas’ offensive capabilities. On the other side of the rivalry, Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, is in the midst of a revival. Sarkisian has brought a renewed sense of energy and offensive innovation to Austin, and the Longhorns are beginning to reclaim their status as a national contender. With both coaches emphasizing different strengths—Venables on defense and Sarkisian on offense—the stage is set for matchups that could be more closely contested, as each team looks to exploit the other’s weaknesses while playing to their own strengths.

Another layer to Venables’ perspective is the importance of recruiting in sustaining competitiveness. Both Texas and Oklahoma sit in talent-rich regions, with Texas being a hotbed for high school football talent and Oklahoma having a strong pipeline of players from within the state and neighboring areas. As they transition to the SEC, the ability to attract top-tier recruits will be even more critical. Venables believes that the allure of playing in the SEC, combined with the storied history of the Red River Rivalry, will help both programs continue to draw elite prospects. These young athletes, eager to make their mark in one of college football’s biggest games, will contribute to a higher level of play on both sides, further enhancing the competitiveness of the matchup.

Venables also touched on the emotional and cultural significance of the rivalry, noting that it’s not just about wins and losses but about pride and identity for both fan bases. The game, played in a neutral site at the Cotton Bowl, splits the stadium down the middle with crimson and burnt orange, creating an electric atmosphere unlike any other in sports. The pageantry of the State Fair, the history of iconic moments in the game, and the sheer intensity of the competition all add to its mystique. For Venables, ensuring that the game remains competitive is not just a matter of on-field performance but also about preserving the spirit of the rivalry for future generations of players and fans. A lopsided rivalry, he suggests, diminishes the excitement and stakes that make the game so special.

Looking ahead, Venables is confident that the combination of conference realignment, coaching philosophies, and recruiting prowess will lead to a Red River Rivalry that consistently delivers thrilling, closely fought battles. He envisions games where the outcome is in doubt until the final whistle, where both teams bring their best, and where the result has significant implications not just for the rivalry but for their standing in the SEC and on the national stage. This vision aligns with the broader goals of both programs as they aim to establish themselves as perennial contenders in their new conference home.

In addition to the competitive aspects, Venables also acknowledges the mutual respect that underpins the rivalry. While the fans may harbor deep animosity, there is an understanding among players and coaches that the game is a test of wills, a chance to measure oneself against a worthy adversary. This respect, he believes, will only grow as the rivalry becomes more competitive, as each side pushes the other to new heights. For Venables, the ideal future of the Red River Rivalry is one where both Texas and Oklahoma are at their best, delivering games that captivate audiences and cement the matchup as a cornerstone of college football.

In conclusion, Brent Venables’ comments on the Red River Rivalry reflect a forward-looking optimism grounded in the realities of college football’s evolving landscape. With both Texas and Oklahoma entering the SEC, the stakes of their annual clash are higher than ever. Through strategic coaching, enhanced recruiting, and a commitment to excellence, Venables believes that the rivalry can shed periods of imbalance and emerge as a consistently competitive showdown. His vision is one of thrilling games that honor the history and passion of the matchup while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of a new era. As both programs navigate this transition, fans can look forward to a Red River Rivalry that not only lives up to its storied past but also sets a new standard for intensity and competitiveness in the years to come.

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/brent-venables-says-red-river-rivalry-should-look-more-competitive-moving-forward ]