Texas ends the skid in a pivotal Red River Rivalry win
Texas bettors and fans finally found a reason to smile in the annual Texas-Oklahoma showdown, as the Longhorns toppled No. 6 Oklahoma 23-6. Arch Manning guided a more composed offensive performance, while the Texas defense harassed the Sooners’ quarterback and controlled the line of scrimmage. The result was Texas’s first Power 4 win of the season and a meaningful spark for their College Football Playoff ambitions as the schedule tightens into November.
How Manning stabilized a rocky start
Manning entered the second half after a first half marked by penalties, critical mistakes and a brittle run game. He then delivered a clean, efficient performance for a quarterback still early in his development as a college starter. The Longhorns stuck with shorter passes early, then opened up the middle as the game progressed. Manning finished 21-of-27 for 166 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions, and added 34 rushing yards on four carries. The maturation on display, especially on crucial third downs, suggested Texas is getting more comfortable with their quarterback’s pace and decision-making as SEC play looms in the future.
Offensive growth and a quicker, steadier attack
Texas endured a difficult start, facing third-and-long scenarios on their first drives. The line settled, the run game found its footing with Quintrevious Wisner’s stubborn patience and burst, and the offense began moving the chains consistently. A key sequence came when Texas engineered a 14-play, 75-yard drive to take a 10-6 lead in the third quarter, capped by a Manning-to-DeAndre Moore Jr. touchdown. The efficiency on those later drives—ending with points on six of the final eight possessions—showed Texas could sustain drives and protect the football, a marked improvement from earlier in the season.
Texas defense: pressure, discipline and playmaking
Texas pressured Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, forcing errors and negating several of his designed rushing attempts. The Longhorns sacked Mateer five times and cruised to a 302-yard advantage on offense for the day. The defensive backfield made big plays with Manny Muhammad, Jelani McDonald, Graceson Littleton and others contributing interceptions. It was a day when Brent Venables’s defense wasn’t allowed to dictate the tempo, and Texas capitalized on the mistakes that followed.
Who stood out and why it matters for Texas
Freshman-turned-starter Arch Manning showed poise beyond his years, managing a game that could have derailed after a rough first frame. The stronger second half, the avoidance of turnovers, and the willingness to mix in the run game gave Texas a blueprint for late-season resilience. Simultaneously, the defense showed they can neutralize a top-10 opponent on the road, a crucial step as Texas moves deeper into a schedule loaded with SEC-leaning challenges.
What’s next for Texas and Oklahoma
Texas (4-2) hits the road for two more games before a home date with Vanderbilt. If the Longhorns can build momentum in November, they could keep their CFP hopes alive. Oklahoma, after a 5-0 start, now faces a gauntlet: South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU in succession. A path to the SEC title and playoff is still possible, but margins for error are razor-thin as the season advances.
Bottom line
In a rivalry game that carried high stakes and heavy scrutiny, Texas answered the bell with improved play at quarterback, a more stable offensive rhythm, and a defense that throttled Oklahoma’s assault. It wasn’t flawless, but the Longhorns delivered a win that could redefine their season trajectory.
