The Texas Longhorns came into the Red River Shootout as big underdogs, but they didn't play like it, putting a hurting on Oklahoma en route to a 36-20 victory in the Cotton Bowl.
Oklahoma vs. Texas: Longhorns spring the upset, 36-20
The Longhorns got the monkey off their back against the Sooners, winning 36-20 on Saturday and notching their first win in the Red River Shootout since 2009.
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The Longhorns got on the board on their first drive, which culminated in an Anthony Fera field goal. That 3-0 lead represented their first lead against Oklahoma since 2009, and they didn't seem to be in the mood to give that lead up. They built that lead up to 20-3 in the second quarter on an interception return for a touchdown by Chris Whaley and a 59 yard bomb from Case McCoy to Marcus Johnson, and took at 23-10 lead into halftime.
A field goal from Michael Hunnicutt made it a 23-13 game right after halftime, but Texas put the game away in the third quarter. Daje Johnson took a punt back 85 yards for a touchdown, and McCoy hit Mike Davis for a 38 yard touchdown to make it 36-13 heading into the fourth quarter. Oklahoma brought it back to a two score game after Geneo Grissom returned an interception 54 yards for a score, but their next drive fizzled out in Texas territory, ending any realistic shot at the comeback.
Blake Bell had a rough, rough game for the Sooners, throwing two picks and completing under 50% of his passes. He also never really featured in the running game, which the OU coaches seemed to abandon too early in the game, especially considering Texas' difficulties stopping the run so far this season.
Box Score Hero:
There wasn't a real standout for Texas, as they spread out the offensive load pretty well. Johnathan Gray was the workhorse back, carrying the ball 29 times for 123 yards. Daje Johnson probably had the play of the game on his punt return, though.
GIF credit: ABC
Rankings Ramifications:
Oklahoma came into the game ranked 12th in the AP poll and 10th in the USA Today poll, and they will take a tumble into the high teens as a result of this game. Texas was unranked, but after this, they may start to pick up some votes.
But Did They Cover?
Oklahoma was a 14 point favorite at kickoff, so the Sooners did not cover the spread.
For More On This Game:
For more on the Sooners, head over to Crimson and Cream Machine.
For more on the Longhorns, check out Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival.
Next Week’s Schedule:
Oklahoma: 10/19, at Kansas
Texas: 10/26, at TCU
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