Texas finally finds a spark in a hard-fought Red River Rivalry
In a pivotal day for the College Football Playoff picture, Texas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry, aided by a measured performance from Arch Manning and a much-improved defense. The Longhorns, who previously dropped games to Ohio State and Florida, used the win to steady their trajectory and keep their CFP hopes alive for at least another week.
The first half was a grind. Texas trailed 6-3 at halftime, hampered by penalties, a missed 55-yard field goal and a run game that didn’t get untracked early. The Longhorns faced three daunting third downs on their first three possessions (third-and-23, third-and-12, and third-and-30), underscoring the vulnerability of their offensive line and the disciplined Oklahoma defense. Still, the tide began to turn after halftime.
Second-half surge and Manning’s continued growth
Texas opened the third quarter with a methodical, 14-play, 75-yard drive. Manning connected on a 12-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr., giving the Longhorns a 10-6 lead that they would not relinquish. The drive showcased resilience: the offensive line settled, the run game found more reliable footing, and Manning, who finished 21-for-27 for 166 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, showed more of the poise expected from a heralded recruit. He used his legs to extend plays and pick up critical yards, contributing 34 rushing yards on four carries.
Texas didn’t punt after the first two drives of the second half, a striking turnaround from the game’s early momentum. Six of the eight ensuing possessions ended in scoring opportunities or kneel-downs, signaling a cleaner, more efficient offensive approach. As head coach Steve Sarkisian noted after the game, the team fought through last week’s rough performance to deliver a gut-check performance in a rivalry that can define a season.
Defensive dominance and key special-teams moments
On the other side of the ball, Texas smothered Oklahoma’s attack, pressuring quarterback John Mateer—who was playing just days after hand surgery—and limiting explosive plays. Texas finished with five sacks and held Oklahoma to 258 total yards while compiling 302 yards themselves. The Longhorns also benefitted from an improved pass rush and disciplined coverage, with several defenders stepping up in crucial moments.
Freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons continued to make a name for himself with a second consecutive standout performance, stemming the Sooners’ momentum. The secondary also came up with timely plays, as Manny Muhammad, Jelani McDonald, and Graceson Littleton contributed interceptions alongside others in a collectively swarming Texas defense.
Strategic chess and the path forward
Texas’s play-calling adjusted midgame, with Sarkisian coaching circles around Venables in the latter stages. By emphasizing shorter, high-percentage throws and then exploiting the middle of the field, Texas converted a stretch of nine of 12 third-down attempts in the second half. The offense wasn’t fireworks, but the efficiency and game-management allowed Manning to operate confidently without turning the ball over, a critical factor when building a program’s ceiling around a young quarterback.
Defensively, Texas’s discipline and pressure kept Oklahoma from sustaining many drives, and a fourth-quarter punt return for a touchdown by sophomore Ryan Niblett sealed the contest. The defense’s ability to turn up the heat when needed and limit Mateer’s options is a blueprint for how Texas can stay competitive in a crowded league.
Looking ahead: implications for Texas and Oklahoma
Texas moves to 4-2 on the season and heads to Kentucky and Mississippi State before hosting Vanderbilt on Nov. 1. If theLonghorns can maintain this level of play—balanced offense, a persistent defense, and sound game management—they can remain in the CFP hunt as November approaches. Oklahoma, on the other hand, now faces a brutal stretch that includes South Carolina, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri and LSU. The path to a conference title and playoff berth requires a sharp rebound and continued improvements at quarterback.
In a rivalry game with playoff implications, Texas delivered a performance that blended patience with urgency. Manning showed growth under pressure, the offensive line steadied in the second half, and the defense answered the bell when it mattered most. It wasn’t a perfect day, but it was a meaningful one for a program trying to reassert itself on the national stage.
