College Football 2011 Week 6: Red River Revival

By Cabrone D. Brewer
There’s a renewed interest in the air surrounding the State Fair of Texas — and we’re not taking about the smell of deep fried salsa balls.
It’s been called one of the greatest rivalries in the history of college football and for the 106th time, No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 11 Texas will battle Saturday afternoon in Dallas for bragging rights along the Red River.
Both teams enter this year’s installment of the Red River Rivalry with unblemished records and national championship dreams, but something has to give in a high-stakes encounter pinning Oklahoma’s prolific offense against Texas’ powerful defense.
The Longhorns are playing with a lot of confidence right now after starting the season unranked for the first time since 1998, while the Sooners are looking to make a dramatic statement after losing ground to both LSU and Alabama in the AP Poll over a victorious two-week period.
Things are beginning heat up over in the SEC, as No. 17 Florida takes on No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge.
Florida’s offense will have to adjust to the freshman arm of quarterback Jeff Driskel after losing starting quarterback John Brantley in last week’s 38-10 loss to then-No.3 Alabama in the Swamp.
LSU, on the other hand, is looking for more ways to utilize newly reinstated quarterback Jordan Jefferson and boasts one of the best defenses in the nation with a swarming run defense that ranks third overall in the FBS, allowing just 60.4 yards per game.
The resurgent No. 15 Auburn Tigers will face No.10 Arkansas and the SEC’s No. 1 offense and most fruitful passing attack in a battle for conference respect down in Fayetteville.
The Tigers’ will be put to the test early with Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson riding high on the heels of a school-record 510 yards passing against Texas A&M and Auburn entering the game at the bottom of the league in pass defense, scoring, total yards and rush defense.
Looking to regain their composure after a 31-point drubbing at Wisconsin last week, No. 14 Nebraska takes on their second Big Ten opponent, a hobbling and deflated Ohio State, in a much-needed homecoming match for the Huskers.
Quarterback Taylor Martinez is coming off a three-interception performance against the Badgers, but is focused on rectifying his previous mistakes and disastrous Big Ten debut against a Buckeyes’ squad that is making their first ever trip to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
That rounds out the action for this week. Check back with us Monday for a recap of all the weekend’s surprises.
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