The Red River Rivalry

Texas v Oklahoma is one of the more unique rivalries in American sports. The game is played at the venerable Cotton Bowl in Dallas, in the middle of the Texas State Fair, a colossal event famous for exotic food like deep-fried bubblegum.

Dallas is about halfway between the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, and the crowd is essentially split 50/50.

It used to be called the "Red River Shootout," but the PC police stepped in and forced a change to "Rivalry." Not that any of the bitterness has been removed, because these are two proud programs and two serious fanbases. Texas likes to think of itself as king of the Southwest, but Oklahoma has more national titles (seven) to Texas' four.

Both teams are undefeated so far this season, with Oklahoma's high-octane offense led by quarterback Landry Jones and wide receiver Ryan Broyles. Texas is bouncing back after one of its worst seasons ever, but has found a quarterback in Case McCoy, younger brother of former Longhorn star Colt.

This is the early morning game on Sunday, so you'll probably want to work the IQ.

Week Six TV Guide

Sun Oct 9, 3 am, ESPN, Oklahoma (4-0) v Texas (4-0) at Dallas

Why watch: To see which team remains unbeaten.

The scoop: It's the fourth time in the past 11 years that these two teams have come into the Red River Rivarly unbeaten. Oklahoma won three of those, but Texas won most recently, in 2008. Texas' defense has a real challenge trying to stop the high-powered Sooners, who rank fourth in the nation in total offense. The key may well be how the Longhorns move the ball against Oklahoma.

Fun fact: This rivalry is so big the winner gets three different trophies.

(Note: Minnesota @ Purdue on at same time on ESPN 2)

Sunday Oct 9, 6:30 am, ESPN 2, Missouri (2-2) @ Kansas State (4-0)

Why watch: A pivotal game in K-State's season. A win pushes them to 5-0 and national prominence. A loss could send them into a tailspin.

The scoop: Kansas State is led by two players who've been converted from other positions. Quarterback Collin Klein used to be a tight end, and wide receiver Chris Harper - a transfer from Oregon - was formerly a quarterback. K-State isn't pretty but they can still put up points. Missouri has a good young backfield led by quarterback James Franklin and running back Henry Josey, and its two losses have come against good teams (Oklahoma and Arizona State).

Fun fact: Kansas State coach Bill Snyder is in his second stint with the Wildcats. He coached them from 1989-2005 and returned in 2009.

(Note: Miami @ Virginia Tech on ESPN 2 at same time)

Sunday Oct 9, 10:45 am, ESPN 2, Auburn (4-1) @ Arkansas (4-1)

Why watch: To get a look at Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson, who threw for 512 yards last week.

The scoop: Last year these two teams played a ridiculously high-scoring game, which Auburn won 65-43. Wilson threw four touchdowns against the national champions and there's no doubt they'll be game planning for him this year. Auburn's defense has been uncharacteristically weak this season (Clemson rolled up 624 yards), but put the clamps on when it counted last week against South Carolina. This one could go either way.

Fun fact: Wilson completed 15 of his first 17 passes against Auburn last year.

Sunday Oct 9, 11:07 am, ESPN, Ohio State (3-2) @ Nebraska (4-1)

Why watch: It's Ohio State's first-ever visit to Nebraska.

The scoop: Nebraska got a rude welcome to the Big Ten last week from Wisconsin, who ripped the Cornhuskers 48-17. But Ohio State's offense is nowhere as good as the Badgers. Look for the passionate home crowd to really boost Nebraska in this one, particularly with inexperienced Buckeye quarterback Braxton Miller getting the start again. If Ohio State loses this one, its season is shot.

Fun fact: Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is a 1990 graduate of Ohio State.