The Texas and Oklahoma rivalry is one of the most historical rivalries in all college football. Like any rivalry, it’s developed into a badge that both schools can boast and say We are the best as it generally smokes and mirrors rivals over defeated clubs for this year. Officially recognized as the Red River Rivalry but for years, and in many cases even today referred to by fans of both sides as the Red River Shootout these two long-standing college football titans competed together on a gridiron more than 100 times. From bat shit crazy games on the field to twirling fans dotting every sliver of red in Cotton Bowl, a rivalry that spans anything done about tradition, pride and culture between two states.
Texas and Oklahoma first faced off October 10, 1900 — the opening bell of a heavyweight bout between two college football titans. The schools have met in Dallas, Texas every October since 1912 (and during some years even earlier) at the Cotton Bowl; and is halfway between Austin and Norman.
Also Read : Personalized Wedding Gifts: Thoughtful Choices for Newlyweds
Name Doppelganger: Red River Rivalry
The crimson in “Red River” comes from the fact that Texas and Oklahoma are-red, virtually-speaking two kids wrestling over a York Peppermint Pattie; it is not, apparently, supposed to bring forth images of Indians whose land became their graves. The river is an analogy to the time of border disputes and cultural predilections ages before both sides. So, in short, the rivalry name is less than overshadowing football. It’s an on-and-off-field take-down of dueling Texas and Oklahoma compactivity.
Cotton Bowl: Neutral
Since it launched in 1960, the game has been played annually at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl — a century-old venue located within Fair Park. But where this rivalry truly sets itself apart, is the setting: A split-down-the-middle Cotton Bowl with one half painted burnt orange for Texas fans and crimson for Oklahoma. A schism of that nature stirs up an extreme amount of tension in the building, and it is a level of passion you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in any rivalry.
You could fill a book with legendary plays and performances in the history of Texas-Oklahoma, many driving home or erasing late leads for one side among them. With that in mind, here are some of those games where the rivalry is at its best.
Return to Classic College Football: The Miracle Play from the 2001 Red River Classic
Oklahoma’s defense all but sealed a 14-3 win after one of the most famous plays in the history of this rivalry back in 2001. Texas had the ball and was driving for what could have been the go-ahead touchdown late in a one-point game when Sooners cornerback returned to glory — rushed over left defense, checked realizing he wouldn’t make it (but determinedly trying) then vaulted Roy Williams self across line Chris Sims himself not at all aware of Williams launching into stratosphere with other worldly vertical appears immediately panicked as arms from above delete everything except pasty scholastic pride fell directly on O.U. Get Ordinal. Oklahoma Linebacker Teddy Lehman picked up the ball and stormed into the end zone, making their lead 14 stays forever. The play itself is remembered as “The Superman Play,” one of the defining images in rivalry history.
Darrell Royal (Texas)
Of course, you also cannot talk about the Texas-Oklahoma rivalry without bringing up Darrell Royal, who was the head coach of the Longhorns from 1957 through ’76. Texas captured three national titles and 11 conference championships with Royal in charge. One of his greatest successes was against Oklahoma, as he went 12-7-1 vs. OU This is one of those career defining moments that would lead to increased regional popularity and ultimately long-term job security. For example, they named the football stadium in Texas after him. One of the best to ever coach with one of the greatest legacies in this rivalry.
Conclusion
Two states have smashed two of the same together in for one energy and tradition theater, where — again, which side will be its brighter moment at least through that date; reclaiming superiority until next go ’round (hopefully with identical result added to his or her home state pride).