The annual Red River Rivalry delivered a shocker this year as the unranked Texas Longhorns toppled the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners 23–6 in Dallas, marking one of the most dramatic upsets in the storied history of the matchup. The win not only snapped Oklahoma’s undefeated streak but also marked Texas’ first back-to-back victories over the Sooners since 2008–2009—a feat that has fans buzzing across the Lone Star State.
Arch Manning’s Breakout Performance
Texas quarterback
Arch Manning was the star of the show, completing 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and tossing a crucial 12-yard touchdown to DeAndre Moore Jr. on the opening drive of the second half. Manning’s poise and accuracy kept the Longhorn offense moving, especially after a sluggish first half where Texas trailed 6–3.
Running back
Quintrevion Wisner was a workhorse, racking up 94 yards on 22 carries and adding five catches for 34 more yards, helping Texas control the clock and wear down the Oklahoma defense.
Defensive Domination and Game-Changing Plays
The Longhorns’ defense was relentless, holding Oklahoma to just 258 total yards and intercepting Sooner quarterback
John Mateer three times in his return from hand surgery. Oklahoma’s only points came from two first-half field goals, as Texas shut down their offense in the second half, allowing just 88 yards after halftime.
The turning point came with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, when Texas wide receiver
Ryan Niblett electrified the crowd with a 75-yard punt return touchdown, sealing the victory and sending the burnt orange faithful into celebration.
What This Means for the Rivalry
This win is especially significant for Texas, as it marks the first time since 2015 that an unranked Longhorns squad has defeated a ranked Oklahoma team, and the largest upset in terms of score since 1971. The victory reasserts Texas in the rivalry and gives them a crucial bounce-back after a rocky start to the season.
For Oklahoma, the loss is a bitter pill, ending their hopes for an undefeated campaign and raising questions about their offensive consistency, especially with Mateer’s struggles under center.
Key Stats from the Game
| Stat | Texas | Oklahoma |
|---------------------|--------------|---------------|
| Final Score | 23 | 6 |
| Total Yards | 304 | 258 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 (interceptions) |
| Time of Possession | 30:58 | 29:02 |
Expert Commentary
As a seasoned college football observer, this game felt like a statement from Texas—a reminder that the Red River Rivalry is never predictable, and rankings can mean little when these two teams meet at the Cotton Bowl. Arch Manning’s performance will be talked about for years, and the defensive effort was nothing short of championship caliber.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Texas gains momentum heading into the heart of SEC play, while Oklahoma will need to regroup and address their offensive woes. The rivalry’s intensity shows no signs of fading, and fans can expect more fireworks when these teams meet again next year.
Takeaway: The Red River Rivalry remains one of college football’s most thrilling spectacles, and this year’s upset proves that anything can happen when Texas and Oklahoma collide.
Sources
1. Football stifles No. 6/6 Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry win, 23–6
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6. Latest in Conference Realignment (and a Touch of Linsanity)
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8. Dec 11, 2024 City Council Agenda Meetings - Dallas, TX
9. Top Plays in OU Football's 23-6 Loss to Texas in the 2025 Red River ...
10. Open Post | Wednesday, Jul. 27th - OU Edition
11. No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns | 2025 SEC Football
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13. Red River Rivalry - Wikipedia
