SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Dan Wolken breaks down the game of the former Crimson Tide quarterback and explains why Oklahoma is a perfect match. USA TODAY
The Oklahoma-Texas rivalry that remained simmering even during the Longhorns' temporary slide out of relevancy has now returned to a full boil as the two Big 12 frontrunners prepare for a race to the College Football Playoff.
Tucked within this series is the Sooners' change at quarterback: Jalen Hurts comes over from Alabama and brings along heavy expectations as the replacement for Kyler Murray. The optimism isn't off. Hurts has a track record of success as the starter — in wins and losses, if not always as a passer — and OU coach Lincoln Riley has become the nation's top quarterback tutor.