Full Breakdown
Texas Falls to Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry Upset
By Drooid · · How we work
The Upset
No. 1 Texas suffered its first loss of the season, falling 27–24 to unranked Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl. Texas entered the game leading 17–7 at halftime but was outscored 20–7 in the final 15 minutes. Quarterback Arch Manning’s two fourth-quarter interceptions—one returned for a touchdown and the other setting up the game-winning field goal—proved decisive.
Background & Context
Texas rose to the top of the AP poll after a comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State on Sept. 12 and had remained unbeaten through four games. The Longhorns’ 4–0 record and No. 1 ranking made the matchup a marquee test against an Oklahoma team that entered 2–2 and had dropped out of the rankings after a 14–6 win over New Mexico.
Key Statistics
- Final score: Oklahoma 27, Texas 24.
- Total yards: Texas 382, Oklahoma 238.
- Manning: 19-of-31, 260 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs.
- Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer: 18-of-26, 155 yards, 0 INTs.
- Special-teams impact: Oklahoma blocked a punt for a touchdown; Texas missed a 53-yard field-goal attempt with 1:55 remaining.
Official Statements & Responses
Kicker Tate Sandell described his game-winning kick as the culmination of a lifelong dream, saying, “I prayed for this (opportunity) since I was a little boy.”
Criticism & Opposition
He suggested the loss could force a reevaluation of Sarkisian’s role in play-calling.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Projections for Texas’s ranking drop vary. Some outlets anticipate a fall to the No. 7–10 range in the next AP poll, while others predict a landing near No. 9. No definitive poll data have been released, leaving the exact impact on Texas’s standing uncertain.
What’s Next
- Texas will host No. 16 Florida (4-2, 2-1) next Saturday.
- Oklahoma’s next game is a home contest against Kentucky.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought about this game for 365 days,” — John Mateer
- “I think Arch competed his tail off and he made some tremendous plays,” — Steve Sarkisian, texas head coach
- “I think we got to do a better job, especially me not being loose with the ball,” — Arch Manning
- “It's obviously a level of disappointment," Sarkisian said.” — Steve Sarkisian, texas head coach
- “I prayed for this (opportunity) since I was a little boy,” — Tate Sandell