Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns NFL Draft Watch

It’s that time of year. Not only are the trees turning all shades of orange and red, but the Red River rivalry is going to pack the Cotton Bowl with fans dressed in the great Texas and Oklahoma colors.

The Longhorns are surprisingly undefeated heading into this game despite issues at the quarterback position, which is a real testament to their overall talent.

Oklahoma has one of the most veteran teams in college football, as well as one of the most balanced teams in terms of offense, defense, and coaching. They are truly a national powerhouse.

This will be a great game featuring a ton of NFL prospects on both teams.

It’s almost eerie, really, that guys named C.McCoy and J.Shipley are the leading passer and receiver for the Longhorns, and those guys are going to have to make big plays in order for Texas to keep up with the high paced offense that Oklahoma boasts, one that features a potential top five pick in Landry Jones (quarterback).

One player who isn’t draft eligible but has a big time future ahead in terms of college success as well as NFL prospects is Texas running back Malcolm Brown, a stud freshman who has rushed for 327 yards on 67 carries this season. He could have a huge game on a big time stage.

Still, I think this one is going to be a big win for the Oklahoma Sooners. They are simply too good and too experienced for Texas  to hang with them right now, though I think it will be competitive for two or three quarters.

On both sides of the ball, you’re talking about one of the most talent rich teams in all of college football.

The Sooners boast so many potential 2012 NFL players, a list of which you can find right here on NFL Mocks.

One player who isn’t on that list as of right now is first round prospect Ronnell Lewis, who has kind of come out of nowhere this season for Oklahoma. He can rush the passer from both a defensive end position as well as a linebacker position, and he has potential to be a dominant 3-4 rush linebacker at the next level.

For Texas, they are a young team but always have guys who are getting ready to play on Sundays. Specifically, safety Blake Gideon is going to have to make plays in order for the Longhorns to be in this game.

Gideon is an underrated safety prospect who had a huge game last week against Iowa state with eight tackles, a sack, and an interception which he returned 43 yards. A scouting report of Gideon as well as his other draft eligible teammates can be found here on NFL Mocks as well.