Red River Rivalry predictions: Quinn Ewers presence makes zero difference to Texas-OU outcome says Joel Klatt

The absence of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers in the past three weeks due to an oblique injury sustained against the UTSA Roadrunners has opened the door for backup quarterback Arch Manning to shine. Manning has led the Longhorns to an unbeaten streak, which has left them ranked No. 1 in the weekly polls.

Next up for the Longhorns is a clash against the Oklahoma Sooners in the fierce Red River Rivalry, the first in the SEC. This clash will be pivotal for both teams, and it represents the only regular season game that Texas lost last season en route to a Big 12 championship win and college football playoff semifinal.

During an episode of the "Joel Klatt Show," the analyst made a huge prediction regarding Ewer's presence for the Red River Rivalry clash in week 7.

“Texas is expected to get Quinn Ewers back so he had that shoulder injury or excuse me a midsection injury and he is expected to play but even if he doesn’t play I think this line will only be like 10 it might go down a little bit towards Oklahoma," Klatt said.

"If Arch [Manning] had to play but not by much, that because both of these guys can go out there and operate this offense at a very high level."

During his weekly news conference, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian sounded positive about Quinn Ewers being available to play against the Oklahoma Sooners.

"I thought he (Ewers) looked good coming off the bye," Sarkisian said. "I think if anybody benefited from the time off, it was probably him. We're going to monitor him daily just to kind of see how he continues to progress, but I feel good about how he was [Monday]. I feel good about him going into Saturday, but that remains to be seen."

Quinn Ewers could be pivotal in Red River Rivalry

Before the season began, Quinn Ewers was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy but since his injury, he has dropped down the list and even been overtaken by backup quarterback Arch Manning.

The Red River Rivalry is a different kettle of fish for Manning, and Quinn Ewers could prove the difference maker in what promises to be a tight clash. In nine of the last ten games between the rivals, the final result has been decided by one score or less.

During his weekly news conference, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian backed Ewers to be the starter over the promising Arch Manning.

"If we had to play today, sure," Sarkisian said. "I want to see how he (Ewers) responds to extended work, and what that looks like to make sure that he's as healthy as he can be."

The Texas Longhorns have big ambitions for the season and their No. 1 ranking justifies the hype around the team and they might need Quinn Ewers to keep the feel-good factor in the fiercest game on their calendar.