40 Acres Sports

SI.com is predicting the second half of the 2009 season and they don’t foresee good things for the Texas Longhorns. Only one out of six of their experts thinks the Horns will end up in the BCS title game and even worse that would mean some awful “no win” matchups in the Fiesta Bowl. Texas better keep winning, because a bowl game against [tag]Boise State[/tag], [tag]Cincinnati[/tag], or [tag]TCU[/tag] does not sound fun.

Link: SI.com’s 2009 midseason Crystal Ball

The Texas basketball team got some good news this week when it was determined transfer guard [tag]Jai Lucas[/tag] would be eligibel as soon as finals for the fall semester are completed. That means he’ll be able to play December 15th against Texas-Pan Am and get one prep game before the huge December 19th matchup against [tag]North Carolina[/tag] at Jerry World.

Link: Hoops guard Lucas eligible on Dec. 15

Texas ex [tag]LaMarcus Aldridge[/tag] has agreed in principle to a five year, $65 million extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. This should keep Aldridge and teammate Brandon Roy together through 2014-2015 season.

Link: Aldridge to get $65M extension

Cedric Benson is about to take on his old team this weekend when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Chicago Bears, so he’s talking about what he feels the Bears did after they released him. He told Chicago reporters he feels the Bears gave other teams negative reports in an attempt to blackball him:

“I heard all the rumors that were said coming out of Chicago,” Benson said Wednesday in a conference call with Chicago media. “Even the Bengals told me, they would call and inquire about me and get nothing but negative things — just that I didn’t work hard, that I was a prima donna, or didn’t work hard on the field, or I wasn’t focused. Anything negative they could say, it was said. I’m sure that contributed largely to me not getting picked up right away.”

Kevin Durant was only at Texas for one season but he’s still one of my all-time favorite Longhorns. He’s also a rarity in a one-and-done player who is completely in love with his alma mater. He’s a true Longhorn and this article from The Oklahoman is a fantastic read.

Link: Thunder Insider – Kevin Durant true to his school

A lot of consternation amongst Texas fans but the Horns have debuted at number 3 in the BCS rankings. Not much reason to worry, with #1 Florida and #2 Alabama set to face off later in the year all Texas has to do is win out and they’ll end up in the BCS title game.

Link: Florida No. 1 in first BCS standings
Video: Brad Edwards’ BCS take

Sergio Kindle intends to (re)introduce himself early and often to Sam Bradford Saturday.

The game Texas and [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] fans have been looking forward to and stressing about for 364 days is finally upon us. Saturday morning the two Big 12 powerhouses will face off in a game that has lost a little luster with the Sooners dropping two early games, but the rivalry always makes this the biggest game of the year. If Texas wins the path to a possible national title shot gets a little clearer, do the editors of 40 Acres Sports think it’ll happen? Find out below:

Brian – After last year’s offensive shoot out (45-35!!!!) this year’s game should be a battle of two strong defenses. Texas’ secondary was just a bunch of pups last season but this year they’ve been one of the team’s biggest strengths. Those guys will be helped out against OU quarterback Sam Bradford by a surprising defensive line including end [tag]Sergio Kindle[/tag]. OU’s offensive line is a weak spot so expect Mr. Kindle to be in Bradford’s head and in his face all game long. The Horns will also get a big momentum boost or score from either the defense or [tag]DJ Monroe[/tag] and the return game. Texas 27, Oklahoma 13

Matt – Bottom-line, this game will be close. Texas’ defense has looked strong this year in my opinion, but they have not faced the type of athletes that Oklahoma will be putting on the field. OU’s running back duo is about as good as it gets, and after watching Sam Bradford play last week I am convinced that is shoulder is not bothering him at all. For the Horns, someone needs to step up big at running back. Last year it was Ogbonnaya. Who will it be this year? Expect Jordan Shipley to make a big play at wide receiver/punt returner, just like he has done all year and did last year in the Red River Rivalry. Texas 33, Oklahoma 27

Ross – I compared every position between the Longhorns and the Sooners. The Sooners can boast a better running attack and a better defensive front four (QB play I felt was even). Which should lead me to a Horns win. One looming issue is the caliber of opponents that both teams have faced leading up to this game. OU has played a much tougher schedule and has not survived the trip. The Horns are still trying to put it all together (ie. UTEP game). I am concerned with Colt McCoy’s penchant for an early miscue (fumble or interception) and we all know that the turnover battle is a huge factor with this game. My prediction for the game is that it will be a close one. Texas 24, Oklahoma 23

ESPN’s college football expert Todd McShay breaks down last year’s Texas 45 – 35 victory over [tag]Oklahoma[/tag] and the adjustments offensive coordinator Greg Davis made to win the game. Watch:

When I was a kid, my parents tried to teach me not to do anything stupid. If there’s anything today’s modern parent should be teaching their kids it’s if you’re going to do something stupid, don’t film it and put it on the Internet. No one told that to these Sooner fans, watch and enjoy:

Apparently, the original poster of the video realized how embarrassing this is and took it down. Fortunately for all of mankind, some intrepid UT fan won at the Internet and has reposted the video on YouTube.

The lyrics, the choreography, and the video production values all appear to have taken a decent bit of time, so kudos on the effort. Man is this embarrassing though. I feel bad for the younger kid roped into doing this. His day at school tomorrow is going to be rough. Oh wait, he’s from Oklahoma, I’m pretty sure they don’t actually continue on past junior high.

By the way, it’s 8:15pm and OU STILL SUCKS! Hook ’em!

Fired up for the Red River Rivalry yet? Watch this video now and you will be:

Saturday can’t get here soon enough.