We are now less than a week away from the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners officially joining the SEC, with both historic programs carrying high expectations into their debut. Texas recently had a successful season, making it to the College Football Playoff, while Oklahoma rebounded impressively with a 10-3 record and appears to be on an upward trend.
Paul Finebaum remarked on the McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning radio show that Texas is poised to have a better initial season in the SEC due to their well-prepared roster.
“Texas,” Finebaum noted. “They’re better prepared for it, and I think their roster is probably inherently better. I’ll defer to you guys, but I think it’s pretty obvious with what they have across the board. I think there’s some unknowns at Oklahoma. The schedules could be the equalizer because Texas’ schedule is challenging. Oklahoma’s is tricky.”
In a recent conversation before the Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on October 8, 2022, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables and Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian were seen talking.
Finebaum also dismissed concerns that the SEC’s reputation or stadiums would hinder either Oklahoma or Texas. He believes the biggest advantage for both teams will be the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, which offers more opportunities for both schools to secure playoff spots.
While acknowledging that both teams are gearing up for the SEC in distinct ways, Finebaum points out that Texas seems more ready, having won the Big 12 and reached the College Football Playoff last year. Nonetheless, he recognizes that Oklahoma is in a strong position under head coach Brent Venables, who recently signed a contract extension.
