Texas vs Oklahoma: Red River Rivalry turns into trench war as Sooners strike first at the Cotton Bowl

The Red River Rivalry is delivering edge and noise again. In front of a split, roaring Cotton Bowl crowd, Texas vs Oklahoma kicked off at 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT) with SEC stakes and College Football Playoff implications on the line. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was cleared to play after his recent hand procedure and started fast with a composed, tempo-driven script. Across the field, Arch Manning led Texas, tasked with steadying an offense that needed sharper protection and rhythm after last week’s stumble. Early on, the Sooners’ defense tightened in the red zone and their special teams tilted field position, helping them grab the first points on a pair of short kicks.

Texas vs Oklahoma Match Summary

From the opening series, Texas vs Oklahoma looked like a possession game. Oklahoma’s first two scoring drives were built on quick throws and designed keeps for Mateer, moving the chains without exposing the thumb to deep-shot hits. Two methodical marches ended in field goals to make it a 6–0 game in the early second quarter, and the Sooners’ coverage units pinned Texas inside its 20 multiple times.

Texas responded by speeding up the operation. Manning mixed fast outs with option runs and a couple of keeper looks to slow Oklahoma’s edge pressure. The Longhorns’ best first-half sequence came on a no-huddle burst that crossed midfield, but a behind-the-sticks penalty stalled momentum just outside scoring range. As the half wore on, Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense settled, bracketing OU’s boundary targets and forcing Mateer to check down. The possession tug-of-war kept the scoreline tight and the Golden Hat very much up for grabs.

Texas vs Oklahoma Lineups and Tactics

Texas (offense): Arch Manning (QB) operated out of 11 personnel with Cedric Baxter Jr. rotating at running back and a receiver group that featured Emmett Mosley with Parker Livingstone earning expanded snaps. Up front, Texas continued to evaluate left guard with Connor Stroth and freshman Nick Brooks sharing duties. Emphasis: quick game, RPO glances, and using tempo to reduce third-and-long.

Oklahoma (offense): John Mateer (QB) returned under center with a taped hand but full-go mechanics. The Sooners leaned on zone-read, perimeter bubbles, and crossers that avoided long-developing routes. The run game featured split-zone and duo to challenge Texas’ interior fits, with motion helping declare coverage.

Defensive looks: Texas mixed quarters and match principles with simulated pressure, trying to heat Mateer without telegraphing blitz. Oklahoma countered Manning with creepers and nickel pressure, forcing hot throws and rally tackles.

Key Moments / Stats and Highlights

• Early tone-setter: Oklahoma’s opening scoring drive consumed clock and produced a short field goal after converting two third downs with quick, on-schedule throws.

• Special teams swing: The Sooners consistently won hidden yards with directional punts and coverage, keeping Texas in long fields.

• Texas adjustment: Mid-second-quarter, Manning’s hurry-up series featured quick perimeter access and a designed QB keeper that finally stressed OU’s second level, even if it didn’t immediately produce points.

• Trench battle: Both defensive fronts owned obvious-pass downs; Texas’ stunts bothered OU’s guards, while the Sooners’ ends compressed Manning’s launch point.

• Quarterback health watch: Mateer’s return expanded Oklahoma’s QB run menu and red-zone options; Texas’ staff selectively moved the pocket for Manning to avoid constant edge heat.

Trending search notes for context: Red River Showdown crowd split, Golden Hat trophy stakes, live score updates, injury statuses, and SEC standings movement are central to fan interest as Texas vs Oklahoma unfolds.

What’s Next

With the Red River Rivalry tight and testy, the second half projects as a situational chess match: Texas needs early-down efficiency to keep Manning ahead of pressure, while Oklahoma will try to keep Mateer clean and diversify the run-pass options in the low red zone. Beyond Dallas, both programs pivot immediately back to a rugged SEC schedule, where tiebreakers and style points now matter week to week for Playoff positioning. However this chapter ends, Texas vs Oklahoma is again dictating the Big Game conversation — and the Golden Hat will be decided by execution in the final quarter.