Top 5 Best Oklahoma-Texas Red River Rivalry Games Since 2000

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Few rivalries in college football can match the drama, history and sheer unpredictability of Oklahoma vs. Texas. Since 2000, the Red River Rivalry has produced legendary individual performances, unbelievable comebacks and last-second finishes. Played annually at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, the rivalry has delivered some of the greatest games in college football history.

Here are the five best Red River Rivalry games since 2000:

Related: The Top Five Best Alabama-Georgia Games Since 2000

T-5. 2023: Oklahoma 34, Texas 30

The final Red River Rivalry before Oklahoma and Texas left the Big 12 delivered a fitting classic. Texas appeared to have seized control when Bert Auburn connected on a 47-yard field goal with 1:17 remaining to put the Longhorns ahead 30-27.

Dillon Gabriel, however, had one more answer.

The Oklahoma quarterback led a furious final drive, using his legs and arm to move the Sooners down the field. With 15 seconds remaining, Gabriel found Nic Anderson for a three-yard touchdown that sent Oklahoma fans into a frenzy. OU secured one of the most memorable wins of the Brent Venables era. 

T-5. 2018: Texas 48, Oklahoma 45

If there was ever a game that perfectly captured the chaos of the Red River Rivalry, it was 2018.

Texas built a 45-24 lead in the third quarter, but Kyler Murray and Oklahoma refused to go away. The Sooners scored three consecutive touchdowns, with Murray’s 67-yard touchdown run helping ignite the comeback, and tied the game at 45 with just 2:38 remaining.

That left enough time for Sam Ehlinger and the Longhorns to answer. Texas drove into field-goal range, and freshman Cameron Dicker drilled a 40-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining. “Dicker the Kicker” instantly became a Red River legend, as Texas escaped with a 48-45 victory. 

4. 2001: Oklahoma 14, Texas 3

The 2001 rivalry was hardly an offensive showcase, but it produced perhaps the most iconic play in the history of the series.

Oklahoma led 7-3 late in the fourth quarter when Texas was backed up near its own goal line. With Chris Simms dropping back, Oklahoma safety Roy Williams launched himself over a Texas blocker and smashed into the quarterback as he attempted to throw. The deflected pass floated directly into the hands of Teddy Lehman, who returned it for a touchdown.

Williams’ “Superman” leap became an instant piece of Red River folklore and sealed Oklahoma’s 14-3 victory. 

3. 2020: Oklahoma 53, Texas 45 (4OT)

The 2020 matchup was simply madness.

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting attendance, the rivals battled through a game that eventually required four overtimes. Oklahoma appeared to have control with a 31-17 lead late, but Texas rallied with two touchdowns, including a score with 14 seconds remaining to force overtime.

After three additional overtime periods, Spencer Rattler found Drake Stoops for a 25-yard touchdown in the fourth. Texas had one final chance, but Tre Brown intercepted Sam Ehlinger to end the game and give Oklahoma a 53-45 victory. 

2. 2021: Oklahoma 55, Texas 48

The 2021 game introduced the college football world to Caleb Williams in unforgettable fashion.

Oklahoma trailed 28-7 when Williams replaced Spencer Rattler. The freshman immediately transformed the game, leading Oklahoma on the largest comeback in Red River history. Williams accounted for 212 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 88 rushing yards and a rushing score.

With Texas leading 48-41 late, Williams orchestrated one final drive. Kennedy Brooks then broke free for a touchdown with three seconds remaining, completing an unbelievable 55-48 comeback. 

1. 2008: Texas 45, Oklahoma 35

The top spot goes to the 2008 showdown between Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy.

The matchup featured No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas in a battle between two Heisman-caliber quarterbacks. Bradford threw for 387 yards and five touchdowns, while McCoy and the Longhorns continually answered Oklahoma’s scoring bursts.

Texas overcame an early deficit and eventually took control behind a 96-yard Jordan Shipley kickoff return and three rushing touchdowns from Cody Johnson. Oklahoma rallied from a 21-point deficit to tie the game at 35, but Texas responded one final time. 

The Longhorns ultimately won 45-35, but the combination of elite quarterbacks, huge plays and championship implications makes the 2008 Red River Rivalry the best of the bunch since 2000.

Related: Red River Rivalry Predictions: 5 Projections for Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns

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