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In another Texas-Oklahoma classic, Lincoln Riley’s change of quarterback propelled the sixth-ranked Sooners to a historic comeback Saturday in Dallas.
Already in a deep hole in the second quarter, OU quarterback Spencer Rattler fumbled trying to make a play and Texas recovered. The No. 21 Longhorns scored three games later to take a 35-17 lead with 6:41 left in the second quarter. It was Rattler’s second turnover in the game after a first-quarter interception that went straight to Texas safety BJ Foster.
Oklahoma freshman Caleb Williams, who had previously been used there this season, took over and led the Sooners to a 55-48 victory that marked the first time in history. of Texas football that the Longhorns lost in a game they led by 21 points.
“Spencer saw things that we missed early on that didn’t relate to him,” Riley said. “The great thing for me was the turnovers. We made a mental mistake on the first [interception] and of course the fumble. “
Rattler was also benched in last year’s Red River Showdown, but returned to lead the Sooners to a 53-45 win in four overtime. This year he only returned for one game, a two-point conversion assist to Drake Stoops who tied the score at 41-41 with 7:25 remaining, the first time the Sooners had tied with the Texas.
“It was a bit similar to last year,” Riley said, claiming he was just gone with his guts after Williams and the attack got hot. “I expected to put it back on the line. I had no idea it would come on the most important play of the game.”
A year after setting the record for most points in a game between rivals, the two teams broke 100 points for the first time in history setting a new record (103) as a noisy crowd and with a capacity of over 92,000 roared.
Riley called the scene “epic.”
“That’s why it’s the best rivalry in college football,” he said. “Best frame. It was awesome, man. As good as I’ve ever seen.”
Williams, who was used in short-distance situations for Oklahoma, entered the game in the second quarter with a fourth and a 1 and rushed for a 66-yard touchdown on his first run. Rattler returned for the Sooners on their next haul.
But when Williams returned, he returned Riley’s offense to his explosive ways. Williams’ 300 total yards of offense was the highest ever recorded by a true freshman against Texas, and the OU’s 662 total yards was his third highest against the Longhorns. Kennedy Brooks ran for a career-high 217 yards and three touchdowns, the fourth-best individual rushing performance against Texas in OU history.
Williams, who was unavailable for interviews, finished the game 15 of 24 with a 211-yard pass with two touchdowns and four carries for 88 yards and a single score. Rattler was 9 of 16 for 112 yards, one interception and under 9 rushing yards in five carries.
Still, Riley has said he’s not ready to name a starter for next week’s game against TCU.
“It wouldn’t have been difficult to give it back to Spencer [Saturday]”said Riley, claiming that Rattler is” unfazed. “
“I’m proud of their guts, their guts, their commitment to this team,” he added. “I’m proud of the way they both handled it.”
The Sooners overcame a 28-7 deficit after the first quarter, tying the second-biggest comeback in program history.
Texas led 38-20 at halftime, their most points in any regulation half against Oklahoma, including 214 yards and 28 points in the first quarter alone. But the Longhorns only managed 171 yards and 10 points in the second half.
“It was a hell of a fight,” Riley said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been so proud of a team.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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