Jamaal Charles shares Red River Rivalry predictions on Arch Manning, John Mateer: ‘Legends are made’

Jamaal Charles and Bush’s Beans were a strong presence at the entrance gate of the Texas State Fair in front of Cotton Bowl Stadium on Saturday, with an oversized can of Bush’s Best hot honey. In support of a new partnership with The Surgeon and Charles to unveil Bush's BeanBQ Boots, the former Texas Longhorn connected with several media members before the Red River Rivalry Game between the Oklahoma Sooners and his alma mater.

I asked Charles about the major story of the game, the quarterback battle between the returning John Mateer and Arch Manning, and he believes the opportunity is there for both to etch their names in history.

When I asked about the infamous recent article from The Athletic calling Manning “college football’s first flop,” Charles laughed off that label.

He also spoke to the over-the-top pressure the 21-year-old faces, referencing moments he was scrutinized during his playing career in Austin; specifically, the 2007 Red River Rivalry against OU when he fumbled the ball on what would’ve been a 13-yard touchdown due to a Curtis Lofton strip from behind. The Sooners ended up winning that game 28-21.

“We put too much pressure on the kid, you know what I'm saying? His first year playing quarterback, I feel like everybody got a unique experience. A lot of people that play this sport can't come in during their first year. It's really rare to find somebody to come in without the experience of being in college to be successful. I know, I did it, but it's one game I take myself back to: playing this Oklahoma game, I fumbled the ball going end zone,” Charles said.

“I think we'll find out who he is. If he plays this game really well, then legends are made. If he makes a name for this game, then nobody can really say that (he’s college football’s first flop).”

Charles shared a similar assessment of Mateer. Charles also credited Brent Venables and Ben Arbuckle for continuing to win with Michael Hawkins Jr.

“That moves the needle a lot. They've been winning with (Michael Hawkins Jr.). They've been successful with the backup quarterback. But Mateer brings a lot of qualities to the team now that he's playing. Not just for the team, but also for the fans. You always want to play the best. You want to play the best players. If he's healthy, it will show us,” Charles said.

“But yeah, if it's just one of these games, like I said, legends are made. There are a lot of people who played in this game who made a name for themselves after this. If he's healthy, he can make a name for himself this game.”

As for the Bush’s Beans, I had to ask about Charles’s connection as a native Texan. As he explained, beans are a family tradition.

“I took (the sponsorship) because I love beans. I grew up on beans and rice. Baked beans, barbecue beans. Just throw the cans, and then Mama brought them in cans on the grill. So that's why I feel with them because I love beans and I grew up on them.”

We’ll see if Charles’s Longhorns can cook the Sooners in one of college football’s greatest neutral field traditions.