Without question, one of the fiercest border rivalries in college football is the one between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. Known as the Red River Showdown, the rivalry dates back to 1900 and carries a long history of cultural differences and border disputes between Oklahoma and Texas that extend far beyond the football field. With emotions always high, this rivalry has produced plenty of memorable moments and unforgettable games. Let’s look back at some of the greatest games the Red River Rivalry has ever produced.
Oklahoma 29, Texas 24 (2017)
This is the game when Baker Mayfield put his stamp on this rivalry. It looked like it’d be an easy Oklahoma win when the Sooners jumped out to a 20-0 lead. But the Longhorns got their act together and ended up taking a 24-23 lead in the fourth quarter.
However, Mayfield struck back, hitting Mark Andrew on a wheel route for a 59-yard touchdown, giving the Sooners a 29-23 lead. Oklahoma was able to hang on to win by that same score.
Texas 13, Oklahoma 6 (1977)
This might be the most unlikely Texas win in the history of this rivalry. For starters, Oklahoma was ranked no. 2 at the time. More importantly, the Longhorns lost two quarterbacks to injury in the first half.
However, third-stringer Randy McEachern did enough and got a lot of help from Heisman winner Earl Campbell and the Texas defense. The Longhorns managed to pull off a stunning 13-6 win.
Oklahoma 28, Texas 21 (2007)
The talent level on the field in this game was extraordinary. Not to disappoint, this was a true back-and-forth affair. Oklahoma went up 7-0, then Texas led 14-7.
The Sooners struck back to lead 21-14 before Texas tied it at 21 in the fourth quarter. In the end, Sam Bradford’s third touchdown pass of the game was the difference, giving the Sooners a 28-21 win.
Texas 16, Oklahoma 13 (2009)
There haven’t been many defensive slugfests in the Red River Showdown, which is why this game stands out. Keep in mind the previous year was a 45-35 Oklahoma win. Both defenses got some redemption in this game, combining for eight turnovers.
Despite the lack of scoring, there was plenty of tension, as the game was tied at 13 entering the fourth quarter. The no. 3 Longhorns got a field goal to take a 16-13 lead and was able to see it through.
Oklahoma 30, Texas 27 (1996)
Coming off a 24-24 tie the previous year, the 1996 matchup was also a tight one. A 0-4 Oklahoma team made the trip to Dallas and then had to erase an 11-point deficit to force overtime.
After the Longhorns settled for a field goal in overtime, Oklahoma running back James Allen capped off a career-high 159 rushing yards by scoring the game-winning touchdown in the first overtime game in Big 12 history.