Red River Rivalry: 5 weapons Steve Sarkisian could use to take down Oklahoma in Week 7

The Red River Rivalry is getting ready to take place on Saturday, and Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian is gearing up for some better luck this year after losing 34-30 in 2023. He has some outstanding weapons on both sides of the football that should put the top-ranked Longhorns in a great position for the game.

Let's take a deeper dive into some of the premier weapons at Sarkisian's disposal for the Southeastern Conference showdown.

Top weapons Steve Sarkisian could use in Red River Rivalry

Quinn Ewers

Starting quarterback Quinn Ewers is expected to return to the Texas Longhorns this week after dealing with an abdominal injury. If he is able to play, he will be a massive weapon for Steve Sarkisian as before the injury, Ewers was one of the favorites in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race. After struggling last season in the Red River Rivalry, throwing two interceptions and being sacked five times in a losing effort, expect him to do a lot better this time around.

Arch Manning

Even though Quinn Ewers is healthy, if Steve Sarkisian deploys Arch Manning, that could create a different look for the Texas Longhorns (5-1, 3-0 SEC). Manning has more of an ability to run the football and has shown in Ewers' absence that he can be a solid quarterback option right away. Do not be surprised if there are designed packages to put Manning on the field after completing 70.5% of his passes and having 901 passing yards on the year.

Isaiah Bond

Wide receiver Isaiah Bond has looked like a top college football wide receiver as he has recorded 20 receptions for 364 yards (18.2 yards per catch) with three touchdowns. He is going to be the team's top target for Steve Sarkisian and has dominated throughout his career (with the Alabama Crimson Tide for the previous two years before transferring to Texas this season). Expect him to be a major weapon for the Longhorns this week.

Jahdae Barron

Senior defensive back Jahdae Barron has been one of the top members of the Texas Longhorns secondary as he has 18 total tackles, a fumble recovery, four pass deflections and an interception this season. He can match up well with any of the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners' wide receivers and make things tough on the offense as he steps up in coverage. Just his being on the field will help the Texas Longhorns play better.

Anthony Hill Jr.

Sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been one of the best defenders in the early portion of the season and should make things difficult for the Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 1-1). Hill has been a game-changing linebacker with his 31 total tackles (2.5 sacks) and an interception on the season. His ability all over the field could be a valuable weapon for Steve Sarkisian to employ.