In a thrilling contest at the Cotton Bowl, the Texas Longhorns defeated the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners with a score of 23-6. This victory is significant for Texas as it improves their record to 4-2, keeping their dreams of a Southeastern Conference title alive. The Longhorns’ recent performance offers a fresh perspective on their College Football Playoff ambitions, especially after a challenging loss to Florida the previous week.
Key Takeaways from the Red River Rivalry
- Texas has won three of their last four matchups against Oklahoma.
- This win marks Texas’s first back-to-back victories in the series since 2008-09.
- Oklahoma has previously had separate win streaks of two, three, and four games against Texas.
Turning Points in the Game
As the fourth quarter began, Texas held a precarious one-score lead. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer attempted to shift momentum with a 33-yard run, which was negated by a penalty. Shortly after, Mateer threw his third interception, allowing Texas cornerback Graceson Littleton to make a critical play. Following a brief offensive struggle, Ryan Niblett returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, solidifying a 20-6 lead for the Longhorns.
Quarterback Showdown: Arch Manning vs. John Mateer
In a high-stakes matchup, Texas’s Arch Manning outperformed his counterpart, John Mateer. Manning completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown, maintaining possession without a turnover. In contrast, Mateer, who returned from a thumb injury, struggled with three interceptions, completing 17 of 31 passes for 167 yards.
Offensive Line Performance
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the offensive line’s need for improvement during the pre-game conference. At times, they provided Manning with protection, exemplified by a third-quarter drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. However, they also allowed significant pressure, leading to a lack of big plays in the first half.
Defensive Highlights
Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad, a local product, shone in the defensive spotlight. His two interceptions in the first half hindered Oklahoma’s scoring opportunities, limiting the Sooners to only a pair of field goals. Muhammad’s experience from local high school championships helped him perform confidently in front of a familiar crowd.
Conclusion
This Red River upset showcases Texas’s resilience and potential as they navigate through the remainder of the season. With Arch Manning at the helm and solid defensive performances, the Longhorns are set to build momentum and aim for higher accolades in the competitive landscape of college football.
