King of Props: Longhorn going long

By John Dudley | Last updated 10/8/22

Oklahoma and Texas have been facing each other on the college gridiron for more than a century. Many people still call the annual game the “Red River Shootout,” as it was long known, but after spending some time as the “Red River Rivalry,” it officially carries the moniker “Red River Showdown” these days. By any name, the 2022 edition will feature some exciting playmakers, including the one who is the subject of our preferred prop:

The bet: Over 37½ receiving yards for Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (DraftKings)

In last Saturday’s win against West Virginia, Sanders made five catches for 78 yards. He was also on the receiving end of two touchdown passes, with the first being thrown by wide receiver Xavier Worthy and the second by fill-in quarterback Hudson Card.

But this week, starting Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers is expected back from the shoulder injury he sustained in a loss to Alabama. His only full game this season was the opener, a 52-10 destruction of Louisiana-Monroe in which Sanders totaled six receptions for 85 yards. The next-best Texas pass catchers that day had three receptions and no one topped 43 yards, so Sanders essentially doubled the production of any peer.

A wide receiver in high school, Sanders was a five-star recruit who needed some time to adjust to playing a new position. His diligent work has drawn praise from coach Steve Sarkisian, who should continue to feature the sophomore tight end versus an Oklahoma defense that has allowed six receivers to eclipse this number over its last two games.

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