The Great Rivalry: Oklahoma vs Texas

A Comprehensive Guide to the Epic Rivalry between the Sooners and the Longhorns

Introduction

The rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns is one of the fiercest and most storied in all of college sports. This annual clash between two of the most successful programs in the country has captivated fans for generations. From legendary coaches and iconic players to intense on-field battles, the Oklahoma-Texas rivalry has produced countless memorable moments.

History of the Rivalry

The first meeting between the Sooners and the Longhorns took place in 1900 in Dallas, Texas. Oklahoma won that game, 5-0, but the rivalry quickly escalated in intensity over the subsequent decades. The two schools played regularly from 1929 to 1995, with Oklahoma holding a slight edge in the series.

However, in 1996, the rivalry was put on hiatus due to the Big 12 Conference's realignment. Oklahoma moved to the Big 12 South, while Texas joined the Big 12 North. The two teams did not face off again until 2005, when they played in the Big 12 Championship Game.

The rivalry resumed in full force in 2010, when Oklahoma and Texas were placed in the same division again. Since then, the two teams have met annually in a highly anticipated matchup that has often decided the Big 12 championship.

Key Figures in the Rivalry

Bob Stoops: The legendary Oklahoma football coach led the Sooners to four Big 12 championships and a national championship in 2000. He is widely considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

Mack Brown: The former Texas football coach won a national championship with the Longhorns in 2005. He is known for his fiery personality and his ability to motivate his players.

Sam Bradford: The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner led the Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship appearance in 2008. He is now a successful NFL quarterback.

Colt McCoy: The former Texas quarterback led the Longhorns to a 13-0 season and a national championship appearance in 2009. He is now a backup quarterback in the NFL.

Notable Games

1951: Oklahoma defeated Texas 52-21 in a game known as "The Game of the Century." The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Owen Field in Norman, Oklahoma, and was considered to be the greatest college football game ever played at the time.

1976: Texas defeated Oklahoma 13-10 in a game that decided the Southwest Conference championship. The game is known for its controversial ending, in which Oklahoma quarterback Dean Blevins fumbled the ball away in the Longhorns' end zone with just seconds remaining.

2000: Oklahoma defeated Texas 63-14 in a game that clinched the Sooners' first national championship since 1985. The game was played in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, and is considered to be one of the most dominant performances in college football history.

2009: Texas defeated Oklahoma 16-13 in a game that clinched the Longhorns' first national championship since 1970. The game was played in the Red River Rivalry game in Dallas, Texas, and is known for its thrilling finish.

2018: Oklahoma defeated Texas 39-27 in a game that decided the Big 12 championship. The Sooners used a strong running game to control the clock and outscore the Longhorns in the second half.

The Rivalry Today

The Oklahoma-Texas rivalry remains one of the most highly anticipated games on the college football schedule each year. The two teams are consistently ranked among the best in the country, and they have met in the Big 12 Championship Game nine times since 2010.

The rivalry has also generated significant revenue for both schools. The Red River Rivalry game in Dallas is one of the most attended college football games in the country, and it has generated over $1 billion in revenue since 2004.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma-Texas rivalry is a unique and storied tradition in college sports. The two schools have played some of the most memorable games in history, and the rivalry has produced countless legendary coaches and players. The future of the rivalry is bright, as both Oklahoma and Texas are expected to remain among the top programs in the country for years to come.

Oklahoma vs Texas: By the Numbers

Wins and Losses:

National Championships:

Heisman Trophy Winners:

Consensus All-Americans:

NFL Draft Picks (First Round):

Effective Strategies for Oklahoma and Texas

For Oklahoma:

• Control the Line of Scrimmage: Oklahoma has a history of fielding powerful offensive and defensive lines. By dominating the trenches, the Sooners can establish a ground game and pressure the Texas quarterback.
• Take Advantage of the Home Crowd: Oklahoma's home field, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, is known for its loud and passionate crowd. The Sooners can use the home-field advantage to their advantage by creating a hostile environment for the Longhorns.
• Exploit Texas's Secondary: Texas has struggled in pass defense in recent years. Oklahoma should look to attack the Longhorns through the air with short and intermediate passes.

For Texas:

• Force Oklahoma into Turnovers: Oklahoma has a tendency to play aggressively, which can lead to turnovers. Texas should look to capitalize on the Sooners' mistakes by generating interceptions and fumble recoveries.
• Spread the Ball Around: Oklahoma has a talented defense that can be difficult to stop when it is focused on one or two receivers. Texas should look to spread the ball around to multiple receivers to keep the Sooners' defense honest.
• Control the Tempo: Texas can slow down the game by controlling the tempo and keeping the ball on the ground. This will shorten the game and give the Longhorns a chance to win with a strong defense.

Step-by-Step Approach to the Rivalry

1. Establish a Strong Game Plan: Both Oklahoma and Texas should develop a game plan that takes into account their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent.
2. Execute the Game Plan: It is important for both teams to execute their game plan effectively. This means making good decisions, playing disciplined football, and avoiding mistakes.
3. Take Advantage of Opportunities: Both Oklahoma and Texas need to be able to capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves. This means making big plays on offense, defense, and special teams.
4. Control the Crowd: The crowd can have a major impact on the outcome of the game. Both Oklahoma and Texas need to control the crowd and create a hostile environment for their opponent.
5. Finish Strong: Both teams need to finish the game strong. This means playing hard until the final whistle and never giving up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is favored to win the Oklahoma-Texas game this year?
A: The Oklahoma Sooners are generally considered to be the favorite to win this year's game, as they are ranked higher in the preseason polls and have a more experienced team.

Q: How can I watch the Oklahoma-Texas game?
A: The Oklahoma-Texas game will be televised on ABC. It can also be streamed online on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.

Q: What is the Red River Rivalry game?
A: The Red River Rivalry game is the annual football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns. The game is played in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, and is one of the most attended college football games in the country.

Q: Who has the most Heisman Trophies between Oklahoma and Texas?
A: Oklahoma has won 3 Heisman Trophies, while Texas has won 1.

Q: Who has the most national championships between Oklahoma and Texas?
A: Oklahoma has won 7 national championships, while Texas has won 4.

Q: Who has the most NFL draft picks between Oklahoma and Texas?
A: Oklahoma has had 34 players selected in the