SEC Nation analyst reveals the key for Oklahoma's defense on Saturday

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The Oklahoma Sooners and the No. 1 Texas Longhorns will meet in the 122nd edition of the Red River Rivalry on Saturday. The Longhorns enter the game 4-0 with national championship expectations, while Oklahoma enters at 2-2 with major question marks.

Star quarterback Arch Manning leads the Longhorns. He's thrown for 862 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions, while completing 63.5% of his passes. The Sooners' defense leads the way. They rank No. 5 in total defense, No. 4 in passing yards allowed, No. 41 in rushing yards allowed and No. 25 in scoring defense.

"SEC Nation" was outside the Cotton Bowl to preview Saturday's matchup. College football analyst Chase Daniel identified the key to the Sooners' defense.

"I agree with (Steve Sarkisian) that Arch Manning is playing better than he was last year," Daniel said. "But he's a completely different quarterback when he gets hit. That's where I think OU defensively, they have to hit him. He's been hit 45 times in the last three weeks… I think that's the biggest thing for OU defensively. Can you hit Arch Manning early?"

Oklahoma's defense has a clear challenge heading into the Red River Rivalry: make Manning uncomfortable from the opening drive. The Sooners have talent to pressure the Texas quarterback, but they will need to do it without losing their assignments or giving him easy opportunities to exploit the defense. Consistent pressure could disrupt Texas' offensive rhythm and give Oklahoma's offense more chances to make the most of its possessions.

With the rivalry offering a chance to reset the narrative, Oklahoma's defense could play a major role in determining how the game unfolds. If the Sooners win at the line of scrimmage, deliver timely hits and force Manning into difficult decisions, they can build a strong foundation to compete with the Longhorns and leave Dallas with momentum.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: SEC Nation analyst reveals the key for Oklahoma's defense on Saturday

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