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Greatest Games in Rivalry History

The most unforgettable matchups that defined this legendary rivalry

#1 October 11, 2008
Texas 45
Oklahoma 35

"The BCS Buster"

#1 Oklahoma #5 Texas

Perhaps the greatest game in rivalry history. #1-ranked Oklahoma came to Dallas undefeated, but #5 Texas shocked the college football world with a dominant performance led by Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley.

Key Moments:

  • • Colt McCoy threw for 277 yards and 2 TDs
  • • Jordan Shipley caught 10 passes for 122 yards and a TD
  • • Texas dominated time of possession 38:11 to 21:49
  • • The win propelled Texas to #1 in the BCS rankings

Impact:

This victory launched Texas toward an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game. It's remembered as one of the statement wins in program history.

Memorable Quote: "We just beat the No. 1 team in the country!" - Colt McCoy
#2 October 6, 2018
Texas 48
Oklahoma 45

"Texas is Back!"

In a thrilling shootout, Texas ended Oklahoma's dominance with a dramatic victory that had fans chanting "Texas is back!" Sam Ehlinger's performance was legendary.

Key Moments:

  • • Sam Ehlinger accounted for 5 TDs (3 passing, 2 rushing)
  • • Lil'Jordan Humphrey had 9 receptions for 131 yards and 3 TDs
  • • Kyler Murray (future Heisman winner) threw for 304 yards and 3 TDs
  • • Game featured 93 combined points in a back-and-forth affair

Impact:

This win marked Texas's return to national relevance after years of struggles. It ended a two-game losing streak to Oklahoma and energized the program.

Memorable Quote: "We're baaaaaack!" - Sam Ehlinger on the field after the game
#3 October 13, 1984
Texas 15
Oklahoma 15

The Last Tie

The final tie in rivalry history, this defensive battle saw both teams fight to a 15-15 deadlock in a rain-soaked Cotton Bowl.

Key Moments:

  • • Played in miserable weather conditions
  • • Both teams missed opportunities to win in the final minutes
  • • The last tie game before college football adopted overtime
  • • Defensive struggle defined by field position and punting
Historical Note: This was the 5th and final tie in rivalry history. College football wouldn't adopt overtime rules until 1996.
#4 October 6, 2001
Oklahoma 14
Texas 3

Roy Williams's Superman Game

Oklahoma safety Roy Williams made one of the most iconic plays in rivalry history with his "Superman" tackle, defining a defensive masterclass.

Key Moments:

  • • Roy Williams's flying tackle of Chris Simms became legendary
  • • Oklahoma's defense held Texas to just 3 points
  • • #3 Oklahoma's defense completely shut down Texas's offense
  • • The win kept Oklahoma's national championship hopes alive
Iconic Moment: Roy Williams's "Superman" tackle is still shown in highlight reels today as one of the greatest defensive plays in college football history.
#5 October 8, 2022
Texas 49
Oklahoma 0

The Shutout

Texas delivered the most dominant performance in modern rivalry history, becoming the first team to shut out their opponent since 2004.

Key Moments:

  • • Texas's first shutout of Oklahoma since 2004
  • • Bijan Robinson rushed for 131 yards and a TD
  • • Texas defense completely stifled Oklahoma's offense
  • • Largest margin of victory (49 points) in recent history

Impact:

This historic beatdown showed Texas's return to dominance and embarrassed Oklahoma in one of their worst losses in the rivalry.

Historic Stat: The 49-0 shutout was Oklahoma's worst loss in the rivalry since 1957.

More Classic Games

2000: Oklahoma 63, Texas 14

Oklahoma's most dominant win, part of their national championship season. The Sooners rushed for 342 yards.

2009: Texas 16, Oklahoma 13

Defensive struggle won by Texas's field goal with 1:52 remaining. Both teams were ranked in top 10.

1963: Texas 28, Oklahoma 7

National championship season for Texas. Duke Carlisle and Tommy Ford led the Longhorns to a dominant win.

1977: Oklahoma 6, Texas 6

One of the rivalry's five ties. Both teams were ranked in the top 5. A defensive stalemate in terrible weather.

2005: Texas 45, Oklahoma 12

Vince Young's masterpiece. The future national champion Longhorns dominated with Young accounting for 4 TDs.

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