Overview: Texas Ends Oklahoma’s Streak and Keeps Golden Hat
In a pivotal Red River Rivalry game, Texas handed sixth-ranked Oklahoma a 23-6 defeat at the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns, coming off a tough loss at Florida that dropped them from the AP Top 25, relied on a balanced attack and a crucial fourth-quarter burst to snap a skid and retain the Golden Hat trophy. Arch Manning steered the offense with poise, and Texas’ defense clamped down after an early field-goal start by the Sooners.
Key Performances: Manning Leads, Niblett Delivers
Arch Manning completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and threw the go-ahead 12-yard TD to DeAndre Moore Jr. on the opening drive of the second half. Manning showed accuracy and efficiency, consistently moving the chains and keeping Texas ahead as Oklahoma pressed late in the game. For Oklahoma, John Mateer was back in uniform after hand surgery but faced a tough day, going 20-for-38 with three interceptions as the Sooners struggled to mount sustained offense.
Texas’ Quintrevion Wisner was a workhorse, piling up 94 rushing yards on 22 carries and snagging five receptions for 34 yards. The Longhorns’ ground game complemented their aerial attack, providing a reliable balance as the defense tightened in the second half.
Turning Points: Niblett’s 75-Yard Punt Return Sparks the Run
A defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Ryan Niblett fielded a punt and sprinted 75 yards to pay dirt, stretching Texas’ lead to 20-6 with 9:59 remaining. The daring return energized the home sideline and forced Oklahoma to chase points the rest of the way. Earlier in the drive sequence, Texas had started the half with a pair of long scoring marches—75 and 65 yards—that featured seven consecutive third-down conversions, including a key 21-yard connection between Manning and Parker Livingstone on the sideline.
Defensive Stand and Special Teams
Texas’ defense climbed back into form, limiting Oklahoma to 258 total yards and stifling the Sooners after their early success. Oklahoma’s special teams produced the only early scoring for the visitors, with Tate Sandell kicking a pair of first-half field goals (42 and 41 yards). But after those two scores, the Sooners didn’t cross the end line again, as Texas’ defense clamped down and narrowed time and space for Mateer.
Takeaways: Booths and Big Games Remain in Playoff Implications
The win keeps Texas in the conversation for a return to the national stage, while Oklahoma’s setback marks back-to-back losses to its archrival for the first time since the late 2000s. The Longhorns’ offense looked more cohesive, and Manning’s leadership on the field suggested continued growth as a starting quarterback in a high-stakes rivalry game.
Looking Ahead: Scheduling and Stakes
Next up, Oklahoma travels to South Carolina for a clash with the Gamecocks, while Texas heads to Kentucky for a rare road test against an SEC opponent. The outcomes will influence how each program is viewed as the season unfolds and how the teams finish in conference standings and playoff discussions.
Final Thoughts
Texas’ 23-6 victory over Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry offered a combination of timely offense, clutch defense, and a signature special-teams play that sealed the win. For Texas, the win provides a springboard back toward national relevance; for Oklahoma, it’s a sobering moment as it looks to rebound in the second half of the season.
