Well now, let me tell you ’bout this Texas and Oklahoma football business. It goes way back, all the way to the year 1900, when Oklahoma wasn’t even a full state yet, still a territory, they say. That first game was a big ol’ deal, and it started a rivalry that still gets folks talkin’ today. They used to call it the “Red River Shootout” — sounds mighty dramatic, don’t it? But now, folks just call it the “Red River Rivalry,” which makes sense, I reckon.
You might wonder why it’s so important. Well, these two teams, Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners, have been goin’ at it for more than a hundred years! And I reckon the folks in both states take this thing mighty seriously. I mean, it ain’t just football — it’s braggin’ rights, pride, and tradition all wrapped up in one big game.
Now, let me tell ya, Texas might have the upper hand overall with a record of 64 wins to Oklahoma’s 51, and 5 draws. But, it ain’t been all Texas all the time. No sir, Oklahoma’s been mighty strong since World War II, and if you look at the games after 2000, them Sooners have been better with a 17-8 record. And don’t forget that in 2018, they met twice — one of them for the Big 12 title. Oklahoma took that one, 39-27, with a performance that had folks talkin’ for days!
History in the Making
As far as records go, Texas holds the lead in the overall series with that 64-51-5 count, but them Sooners sure have made their mark recently. Over the last six matchups, Oklahoma has won five, and that includes some real heart-stopping games. Like the 2023 showdown, where Oklahoma won in the final seconds, takin’ the game with a last-minute touchdown that had the crowd goin’ wild! It’s games like that, folks, that make this rivalry so special, so intense.
People don’t just show up to watch a regular football game — no, no. They’re watchin’ history unfold right before their eyes. Texas and Oklahoma playin’ against each other is a part of college football tradition, somethin’ that goes beyond just a season or a score. It’s a battle of the best, a true test of strength, strategy, and grit. And you best believe both teams bring their A-game every time they meet on that field.
The Longhorns’ Glory Days
Now, Texas had its glory days too. Back in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, they went on a long winning streak, takin’ home eight straight wins between 1958 and 1965. That was a time when Texas football was the talk of the town, and folks couldn’t stop crowin’ about how strong they were. But you know, rivalries are funny things — they shift and change. Even when one team’s on top, the other’s always itchin’ to get back there.
After that, the series really started to heat up, and by the time the 2000s came around, it was clear that Oklahoma was ready to show the world that they were more than just a challenger. They were ready to take the throne. And since then, Oklahoma has really made a statement, winning the majority of matchups after the turn of the century. That 17-8 record since 2000 shows they’ve been on top for a good long while.
Why Does It Matter So Much?
You might be askin’ yourself, why all this fuss about one football game every year? Well, it ain’t just any game, you see. This is the game that both teams circle on their calendars. It’s the one that fans plan their whole year around. It’s the kind of game that can change a season, make or break a coach’s career, and determine the bragging rights for a whole year. And, don’t forget, it often has big stakes — like the Big 12 title or playoff implications. These teams don’t just play for themselves, they play for their whole state, their families, and for that little bit of history they can add to the books.
The Rivalry’s Future
As the years roll on, this Red River Rivalry isn’t showin’ signs of slowin’ down. Texas still leads overall, but Oklahoma’s been mighty competitive, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this rivalry continues to be one of the most talked-about matchups in college football for many more years to come. Whether it’s a last-minute touchdown or a long streak of wins, there’s always somethin’ exciting about these two teams goin’ head-to-head.
So, next time this game rolls around, you best believe it’ll be a good one. No matter which side you’re rootin’ for, this game’s got a history all its own — a history that’s been writ large over the past century. And it looks like it’s gonna keep goin’ for many more to come.
Tags：[Texas vs OU, Red River Rivalry, Texas Longhorns, Oklahoma Sooners, college football rivalry, football history, Big 12 championship]