Greatest Comeback Victories in Red River Rivalry History
The Red River Rivalry has given us countless memorable moments, but nothing captures the drama and intensity of this matchup quite like a great comeback. Here are the most incredible comeback victories in the history of this storied rivalry.
What Makes a Great Comeback?
In the context of this rivalry, we’re looking at games where:
- Teams overcame double-digit deficits
- Late-game heroics changed the outcome
- The momentum shift was dramatic and unexpected
- The result had major implications for both programs
Let’s dive into the greatest comebacks that left fans on both sides in disbelief.
1. The 2001 Thriller: Oklahoma’s 14-Point Rally
Final Score: Oklahoma 14, Texas 3
Wait—that doesn’t look like a comeback, does it? But context is everything.
The Setup: Texas entered as heavy favorites, ranked #5 in the nation. Oklahoma was unranked and coming off a mediocre season. At halftime, Texas led 3-0 in a defensive slugfest.
The Comeback: Oklahoma exploded in the second half, scoring two touchdowns while their defense completely shut down the Texas offense. The Sooners’ defense held Texas to just 279 total yards.
Why It Matters: This game launched Oklahoma’s dynasty under Bob Stoops and began a seven-game winning streak in the rivalry. It completely flipped the power dynamic between these programs.
2. 2008: Texas Survives in Overtime
Final Score: Texas 45, Oklahoma 35
The Setup: Both teams entered ranked in the top 5, with national championship aspirations. Oklahoma jumped out to a 28-20 lead late in the third quarter.
The Comeback: Colt McCoy and the Texas offense caught fire, scoring 17 unanswered points to take a 37-30 lead. Oklahoma tied it to force overtime, but Texas ultimately prevailed in the extra period.
The Impact: Both teams would finish 11-1 in the regular season. This game was crucial in Texas’s path to the Big 12 championship and eventual national title game appearance.
Memorable Moment: The back-and-forth scoring in the fourth quarter and overtime featured some of the best offensive football in rivalry history.
3. 1984: Oklahoma’s Stunning Second Half
Final Score: Oklahoma 15, Texas 15 (Tie)
The Setup: Texas dominated the first half, building a 15-0 lead. Oklahoma’s offense couldn’t move the ball, and it looked like the Longhorns would cruise to victory.
The Comeback: Oklahoma’s defense clamped down in the second half, shutting out Texas completely. The Sooners scored 15 points to tie the game, but neither team could score in the remaining time.
Why It’s Remembered: This game exemplified the rivalry’s unpredictability. Texas fans went from confident victory to stunned disbelief as Oklahoma mounted the comeback to salvage a tie.
4. 2018: Oklahoma Escapes in Thriller
Final Score: Oklahoma 45, Texas 40
The Setup: Texas led 31-28 early in the fourth quarter and appeared to have momentum. This was Tom Herman’s second year, and Texas was trying to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
The Comeback: Kyler Murray (eventual Heisman winner) led Oklahoma on two fourth-quarter scoring drives. The Sooners scored 17 points in the final quarter to escape with the win.
Key Play: Murray’s 67-yard touchdown pass to Lee Morris gave Oklahoma the lead for good with less than 3 minutes remaining.
The Aftermath: Oklahoma went on to make the College Football Playoff, while Texas showed it was back as a legitimate contender. This game proved both programs were returning to national prominence.
5. 1976: Texas Survives Red River Shootout
Final Score: Texas 6, Oklahoma 6 (Tie)
The Setup: Oklahoma led 6-0 late in the game and seemed to have control. Texas’s offense had struggled all day against the legendary Oklahoma defense.
The Comeback: Texas finally broke through late in the fourth quarter, scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. Neither team could score again.
Historical Context: This was during Barry Switzer’s dominant run at Oklahoma. Even a tie against Texas was considered a moral victory for the Longhorns during this era.
6. 2013: Oklahoma Blocks Field Goal, Wins in Final Seconds
Final Score: Oklahoma 36, Texas 20
The Setup: While not a traditional “comeback,” this game featured a dramatic momentum swing. Texas held a slim lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Turnaround: Oklahoma outscored Texas 16-0 in the fourth quarter, turning a close game into a comfortable victory. The Sooners blocked a crucial Texas field goal attempt that would have extended the Longhorns’ lead.
Significance: This win was part of Oklahoma’s stretch of dominance in the rivalry during the 2000s and 2010s.
7. 2021: Oklahoma Rallies Behind Caleb Williams
Final Score: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48
The Setup: Texas led 28-7 early and appeared to be running away with the game. The Longhorns had completely dominated the first quarter.
The Comeback: This is one of the most remarkable comebacks in rivalry history. Oklahoma trailed 28-7 and eventually 48-41 in the fourth quarter.
Backup quarterback Caleb Williams entered the game and led multiple scoring drives. The Sooners scored the final 14 points to win 55-48.
Historic Significance:
- 21-point comeback tied for largest in rivalry history
- Williams’ performance launched his Heisman-winning career
- The game featured 103 total points—one of the highest-scoring games in series history
Memorable Quote: “This is why this rivalry is special. Nothing is ever decided until the final whistle.” - Lincoln Riley after the game
8. 1996: Texas Stuns #25 Oklahoma
Final Score: Texas 30, Oklahoma 27 (Overtime)
The Setup: Oklahoma led 17-3 in the third quarter and appeared in control. Texas’s offense had been ineffective for most of the game.
The Comeback: Texas scored 14 unanswered points to tie the game and force overtime. The Longhorns won in the extra period, completing the comeback.
Impact: This win helped save John Mackovic’s job (at least temporarily) and gave Texas crucial momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Common Themes in Great Comebacks
Looking at these incredible games, several patterns emerge:
1. Quarterback Play
Nearly every comeback featured a quarterback who elevated his game when it mattered most:
- Colt McCoy (2008)
- Kyler Murray (2018)
- Caleb Williams (2021)
2. Defensive Adjustments
Halftime adjustments often turned the tide. Coaches who could diagnose and fix problems won these games.
3. Special Teams Plays
Blocked kicks, punt returns, and field position often played crucial roles in momentum shifts.
4. Home Crowd… Doesn’t Exist
The neutral site and 50/50 crowd split means there’s no true home-field advantage. This makes comebacks even more impressive—no crowd to energize the rally.
5. Championship Implications
Many of these comebacks happened in games with major consequences for conference races or national championship hopes.
The Anatomy of a Red River Comeback
What makes a comeback possible in this rivalry?
Mental Toughness
The neutral site means neither team has a psychological advantage. Comebacks require incredible mental fortitude when half the stadium is going crazy against you.
Explosive Plays
The games often feature high-powered offenses. One big play can change momentum instantly.
Coaching Adjustments
Great coaches make halftime adjustments that neutralize opponent strengths. Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops and Texas’s Mack Brown were masters at this.
Belief System
Teams need unwavering belief to mount comebacks in such a hostile environment. The best programs instill this from day one.
Nearly Made It: The Best Almost-Comebacks
Some comeback attempts fell just short but deserve recognition:
2004: Oklahoma’s Late Rally Falls Short Texas held on for a 12-0 victory despite Oklahoma threatening in the final minutes.
2015: Texas Nearly Completes Comeback Oklahoma held off a late Texas rally to win 24-17. The Longhorns had multiple chances in the final minutes.
2019: Oklahoma’s Fourth Quarter Push Texas led most of the game but Oklahoma rallied late. The Sooners tied it at 45 before ultimately falling short.
What Makes Red River Comebacks Special?
The Neutral Site Factor
Unlike traditional home-and-home rivalries, the neutral site creates unique pressure:
- No home crowd to energize a rally
- Both teams have equal fan support
- The State Fair atmosphere adds to the chaos
- The split stadium creates visual drama
The Stakes
Games between ranked opponents with playoff implications create maximum pressure. Comebacks under these circumstances are even more impressive.
The History
Every comeback becomes part of the rivalry’s legend, motivating future teams and haunting others.
Lessons from the Greatest Comebacks
What can we learn from these dramatic games?
-
Never Count Out Either Team No lead is safe in this rivalry. Both programs have championship pedigree.
-
Quarterback Play Wins Games The best QBs rise to the occasion when everything is on the line.
-
Adjustments Matter Halftime is crucial. Coaches must identify problems and fix them quickly.
-
Special Teams Can Change Everything One blocked kick or big return can shift momentum completely.
-
Belief is Everything Teams that believe they can come back often do. Those who don’t, don’t.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Potential for Drama
As we head into the 2025 matchup, both teams have the ingredients for another instant classic:
- High-powered offenses - Points will be scored
- Championship stakes - SEC implications add pressure
- Elite coaching - Both staffs know how to make adjustments
- Talent across the board - Star players who can take over games
The stage is set for another chapter in this incredible series.
The Bottom Line
The greatest comebacks in Red River Rivalry history remind us why this game is special. No lead is safe, no deficit is insurmountable, and drama is guaranteed.
Whether you bleed burnt orange or crimson, these comeback victories (and near-misses) are what make this rivalry one of the best in all of sports.
Which comeback is your favorite? Share your memories and predictions for 2025!
Explore More Rivalry History:
- Top 10 Historic Moments
- Golden Hat Trophy History
- Famous Players Who Defined the Rivalry
- Greatest Games in Series History
Get Ready for 2025: