NORMAN, Okla. — The fierce rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas has reached new heights since both programs joined the Southeastern Conference in July. Established in 1900, this encounter is poised to join the ranks of iconic SEC rivalries such as Alabama vs. Georgia, the Iron Bowl, and the Egg Bowl, enhancing its historical significance.
The Cotton Bowl in Dallas serves as the neutral site for this match, positioned equidistantly from the Oklahoma and Texas campuses. The atmosphere is electric, characterized by a grand display of Oklahoma’s crimson and Texas’ burnt orange colors within the stadium, which becomes even more vibrant during the State Fair of Texas. This combination creates a unique experience for the fans and participants alike.
The deep-rooted history of these two programs sets them apart. Oklahoma and Texas have collectively won ten AP national championships, with Oklahoma securing seven and Texas claiming three. Notably, historical encounters in Dallas have often determined national titles, further amplifying their storied rivalry.
With Texas currently ranked No. 1 — a position they have not held since 1984 — and Oklahoma standing at No. 18, the stakes could not be higher for this year’s matchup. A victory for Oklahoma would significantly enhance their standing in the collegiate football landscape.
Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is everything that you want to coach and play for at this level. The pageantry, the emotion, the intensity, the opportunity, all of it. You’re going to have a center stage in college football this Saturday.”
Throughout the years, many notable players have emerged from this rivalry, bolstering both teams’ fortunes. Oklahoma can boast of seven Heisman Trophy winners, while Texas has two. Several of these stars notably thrived in Red River Rivalry games.
A piece of connecting history involves legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal, who once played for Oklahoma. Lone Star State ties run deep, as many top Oklahoma players hail from Texas, including Heisman winners like Billy Sims, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, along with standout running backs such as Adrian Peterson, Greg Pruitt, and Joe Washington.
The tactics of each program have evolved, with Texas gaining an advantage in the late 1960s through a successful run-based offense, only for Oklahoma’s Barry Switzer to adapt and improve upon it in the following decade, leading to a dominant stretch with top Texas recruits.
As the games unfolded, they proved to be unpredictable. A recent example occurred last year when Oklahoma, despite being the underdog, triumphed with a last-minute touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to Nic Anderson. Texas later rebounded to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
In the rivalry’s intriguing dynamics, 2018 stands out as a notable year when Texas and Oklahoma faced off twice. First, Texas won the regular season clash, only for Oklahoma to avenge that loss in the Big 12 championship, leading to Kyler Murray winning the Heisman.
Here are five pivotal games that underscore the intensity of their rivalry:
2020: Oklahoma 53, Texas 45, 4 OT
Spencer Rattler played a crucial role in this thrilling overtime match by throwing a game-winning touchdown to Drake Stoops. The attendance was limited to 24,000 due to the pandemic, but those present witnessed an unforgettable contest.
2008: Texas 45, Oklahoma 35
This matchup saw Oklahoma ranked No. 1 and Texas No. 5. The game featured an exhilarating quarterback duel, with Sam Bradford delivering a remarkable performance for Oklahoma while Colt McCoy matched the intensity for Texas.
2001: Oklahoma 14, Texas 3
Primarily remembered for a stunning defensive play, Oklahoma’s Roy Williams intercepted a pass late in the game to secure victory, helping the defending national champions extend their impressive winning streak.
1999: Texas 38, Oklahoma 28
In their first clash under coaches Mack Brown and Bob Stoops, Oklahoma’s strategic ploy backfired as a fake play script was discovered by Texas. Despite an early lead, Texas executed a comeback to capture the win.
1984: Oklahoma 15, Texas 15
This game concluded in a dramatic tie, leading to plenty of heated discussions among players and fans alike. Brian Bosworth’s disdain for Texas grew even stronger after witnessing the Longhorns’ last-minute efforts to secure a tie.
As the next battle approaches, the legacies of both programs and the fervor of their fanbases ensure that the Oklahoma-Texas rivalry will continue to thrive within the ever-competitive landscape of college football.
