Oklahoma vs. Texas score, takeaways: Dillon Gabriel leads epic TD drive as OU earns Red River Rivalry revenge

Gabriel came up clutch when it mattered most as the Sooners stormed back for the win at the Cotton Bowl

No. 12 Oklahoma pulled off the 34-30 upset over No. 3 Texas in an incredible, deep-fried, bacon-wrapped thriller of a Red River Rivalry that began with chaos and ended with ... you guessed it, chaos.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers got off to a sluggish start with two interceptions in the first quarter, but he heated up in the second half as the Longhorns roared back from a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter. With 1:17 left in the game, the Horns kicked a 47-yard field goal to take a 30-27 lead -- their first since going ahead 14-10 in the second quarter.

Too much time was left on the clock, however. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel went 4 of 4 for 58 yards passing in the final 75 seconds, finishing with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Nic Anderson with 15 seconds left to give the Sooners the lead right back.

Gabriel was outstanding in the win, finishing the day with 285 yards passing in addition to the the game-winner. He also rushed for a career-high 113 yards and a touchdown. Gabriel is the first Sooner to throw for at least 200 yards, rush for at least 100 and score a rushing touchdown in the same game since Jalen Hurts in 2019 ... also against the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.

Ewers finished with 346 yards passing and set a school record with 19 consecutive completions, but his two interceptions and fumble ultimately cost the Longhorns the game.

Gabriel's experience came through

We've gone over the stats, and while they're all very impressive, Gabriel's biggest contribution was staying calm amid the panic. I've questioned whether Gabriel would finish the season as Oklahoma's starting quarterback. The Sooners always felt like a 10-win team with Gabriel, but I felt if they wanted to reach their true ceiling -- meaning a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance -- they needed to go with freshman Jackson Arnold.

I didn't give Gabriel nearly enough credit.

Arnold may be the better overall prospect, but I don't think Oklahoma wins this game if he's playing instead of Gabriel. I don't think Arnold surgically dissects the Texas defense on the game-winning drive as Gabriel did.

The Red River Rivalry is often a chaotic and highly entertaining mess for neutrals, but good for two or three coronaries for the fans. Usually, the team that does the best job of keeping its hands steady and overcoming that chaos is the one who emerges victorious. Today, that team was Oklahoma, and it's because the Sooners followed the lead of their veteran QB.

The Sooners defense deserves credit, too

It may not look that way on the box score. Texas did finish with 527 yards of offense at nearly 7 yards per play, but that chaos I mentioned? Oklahoma's defense did plenty to create it.

The Sooners forced three turnovers and finished with 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and three pass deflections. Linebacker Jaren Kanak (13 tackles, sack) and defensive back Billy Bowman (11 tackles) were all over the field making plays, while EDGE Ethan Downs finished with two sacks.

While the Sooners gave up yards, it was part of the game plan. They were fine letting Texas push the ball downfield and then taking their chances in the red zone. It was an extremely effective strategy.

Brent Venables gets his signature win

Coming off a 6-7 debut in 2022, a 5-0 start was great for Venables, but let's face it: Had Oklahoma lost this game, it probably erases all the good vibes around Norman. After getting spanked 49-0 in this game last year, I'm not sure keeping it close would've been enough. 

Instead, the Sooners get their biggest win under Venables and are now 6-0. The rest of the regular-season schedule doesn't feature a ranked team. The Sooners should be favored by a touchdown or more in nearly all six of their remaining games, meaning this team is officially in the race for a College Football Playoff berth.

Can you imagine the discourse if Oklahoma gets back to the CFP before Lincoln Riley and USC do?

Texas can't finish drives

Texas came into the game ranked 108th nationally in red zone touchdown rate at only 52.38%. It'll be ranked lower come Sunday morning.

The Longhorns had three red zone possessions on Saturday and came away with only 3 points. One of Ewers' two picks came inside the 20 (it wasn't truly Ewers' fault, but a better throw could've helped avoid it), and the Horns had a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter. It's incredible that a team with as much talent on offense and a great offensive line struggles to score touchdowns from inside the 20, but it's a serious problem for Texas. And it was costly today. 

Think about it: The Longhorns turned the ball over three times (Oklahoma had none), scored only 3 points in the red zone and still had the lead with 20 seconds left to play.

On the other side? Oklahoma had six red zone possessions and scored on each (four touchdowns, two field goals). Oklahoma won the red zone and the turnover battle. Turns out cliches are cliches for a reason. 

RB Jonathon Brooks is a stud

The Longhorns lost, but that won't stop me from fawning over Brooks. The Longhorns lost two running backs to the NFL from last year's team, with Bijan Robinson going in the first round to the Atlanta Falcons and Roschon Johnson going to the Chicago Bears in the fourth round. Yet, Texas has found itself a great replacement.

While Brooks isn't the overall player Bijan was, he's one of the best backs in the nation. His ability to find the slightest crease between the tackles and squeeze through it at the speed of light is truly impressive. A lot of running backs can run through giant holes, but Brooks only needs a hint of daylight to make a play. He's a special talent that will be joining Robinson and Johnson in an NFL backfield soon enough.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 4:47 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Rash of Red River Rivalry thrillers continues

Can you find a rivalry series that delivers on the regular more than this one? Dating back to 2014, Oklahoma and Texas' annual October feud has been decided by a touchdown or less all but once, the exception being the Longhorns' 49-0 rout of the Sooners 12 months ago. Adding to that, four of the last six regular-season meetings featured final-minute dramatics that influenced the outcome. Safe to say, the SEC is picking up quite the addition in 2024 with these two foes joining the conference. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:58 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Sooners survive, upset Longhorns

FINAL: No. 12 Oklahoma 34, No. 3 Texas 30

Quinn Ewers' Hail Mary heave fails and Oklahoma completes the upset of Texas with another all-time thrilling finish in the Red River Rivalry. Each of the Sooners' three victories over the Longhorns within the past four years have featured the game-winning touchdown with less than 15 seconds to spare, if not in overtime. A defining victory of Brent Venables' coaching tenure puts Oklahoma on the inside track to reach the Big 12 title game in the final year of both rivals' Big 12 membership before they venture to the SEC. Could we have a rematch come December? We'll find out in due time ... but for now, what a ballgame in Dallas.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:49 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oklahoma answers! 

0:15 4Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 34, No. 3 Texas 30

What a response by the Sooners, who drive immediately down the field for the go-ahead touchdown on a Dillon Gabriel pass to Nic Anderson with just 15 seconds to spare. There's still time left for Texas to do the improbable, but it's going to take a heck of an effort by Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns offense. Regardless, what a spectacular ending to the Big 12 chapter of this historic rivalry. It's all-timer at the Cotton Bowl.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:43 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Longhorns take the lead

1:17 4Q: No. 3 Texas 30, No. 12 Oklahoma 27

The kick is good! Bert Auburn delivers from 47 yards out and Texas has its first lead of the afternoon with less than two minutes to spare. It's been far from the cleanest performance by either side today, but this would be one gritty victory by Steve Sarkisian and company if they are able to hang on. Now comes one last final effort by Oklahoma to force overtime, if not win it in regulation. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:28 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas ties it 

MID 4Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 27

Just like that, it's a brand-new ballgame. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks makes one heck of a cut on a 29-yard trip to the end zone, and in an instant, the Sooners' once 10-point lead in the second half has vanished. How Oklahoma's offense responds here will be telling. The unit has come up empty each of its past three trips to the field after it previously scored on four consecutive drives. Regardless, we're shaping up to have a thrilling finish here at the Cotton Bowl as the Texas side of the stadium has now come to life.

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:20 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oklahoma misses opportunity to extend lead

Mid 4Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 20 

Dillon Gabriel was nearly off to the races before being taken down well into Texas territory, but the Sooners' drive ends with a missed field goal after Zach Schmit's 45-yard attempt comes up short. It looked as if he simply got under it too much, and that's a huge missed opportunity to potentially deliver the dagger. We'll see if Texas can make this chance count after previously being stuffed at the goal line. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 3:06 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Sooners defense delivers 

Early 4Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 20 

An absolutely brilliant goal-line stand by the Sooners, as the Longhorns come up empty after four consecutive plays from within the Oklahoma 2-yard line. It's the first time Texas has failed to convert on fourth down this afternoon after being successful in three previous tries, and you have to give credit to the showing Brent Venables' defense has put together today. If Oklahoma wins, that sequence is going to be the defining moment of what would be Venables' biggest victory yet since arriving in Norman. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 2:56 pm ET · Dean Straka]

OU turns it over on downs, plus an injury

END 3Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 20

Oklahoma rolls the dice on a 4th-and-short near midfield, but Dillon Gabriel's pass falls incomplete near the sidelines. The Sooners' signal-caller could also be down a target moving forward after wide receiver Andrel Anthony was injured on third down of that drive, requiring assistance from trainers in making his way off the field. As we head to the final stanza, a Texas offense that still has just two red zone trips all game has a prime chance to tie this one back up after trailing by 10 earlier in the half. Don't go anywhere as these rivals look to deliver one more Big 12 instant-classic. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 2:45 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas settles for FG 

Mid 3Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 20 

It's a one-score game again after Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn converts on a 45-yard field goal attempt, but that false start on 4th-and-short is going to sting. Texas is a perfect 3-for-3 today on fourth down conversions, but the field goal unit is forced to come out after the Longhorns are scooted back thanks to that miscue. Texas has now been penalized seven times today for 51 yards. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 2:37 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Ewers commits third turnover of the game 

Mid 3Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 17

The Longhorns continue to be their own worst enemy on offense at times today. Not only does Quinn Ewers come up well short of moving the chains on a third-down scramble, but he loses the football as it's scooped up by Oklahoma for Texas' third turnover of the afternoon. The Longhorns' defense forces a quick three-and-out to prevent the Sooners from dealing a potential knockout punch, but it's been a less-than-memorable showing for Texas' touted signal-caller. Ewers now has two interceptions and a lost fumble on a day in which Texas' offense still has only one trip to the end zone. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 2:26 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oklahoma takes biggest lead of the game

Early 3Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 27, No. 3 Texas 17

Just like that, the Sooners have the first two-score lead by either team as Tawee Walker pushes his way into the end zone, capping off a 75-yard scoring drive to open the second half. Oklahoma is now five-for-five in trips to the red zone with a trio of rushing touchdowns to show, two of them via Walker. There's certainly pressure for Texas to punch back on the upcoming drive -- we'll see what adjustments coach Steve Sarkisian made at the half -- or the Sooners could threaten to pull away. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 2:19 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Second half underway 

Oklahoma gets the ball to start the second half, giving the Sooners an immediate chance to extend their lead in a quest to upset the third-ranked Longhorns. As Oklahoma already now makes its way to near midfield, it's worth pointing out the Sooners' red zone efficiency in this one. They've come away with points in all four trips thus far, and if they can keep that trend going, Brent Venables and company have to like their chances of exiting this game 6-0. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 1:59 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Sooners hit FG to take halftime edge

Half: No. 12 Oklahoma 20, No. 3 Texas 17

A dropped touchdown with just two seconds left in the half is the only thing keeping this from being a seven-point edge for the Sooners, who settle for the field goal in taking a three-point lead to the locker room. Not much has separated either team statistically through 30 minutes football -- Oklahoma out-gained Texas 245-228 in total yardage, both with 82 rushing -- but Oklahoma winning the turnover battle has made the difference on the scoreboard. The Longhorns have turned it over twice, while the Sooners remain turnover-free. All said, that was entertaining first half from start to end, setting the stage for what could be a great finish at the Cotton Bowl. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 1:48 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Tied up again 

Late 2Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 17 , No. 3 Texas 17

Consider that a big win for the Sooners' defense as the Longhorns are forced to settle for the field goal after the drive stalls deep in Oklahoma territory. Woodi Washington, Jaren Kanak and Danny Stutsman are all tied for a team-leading six tackles approaching the half, and those are the kinds of names the Sooners expect to be on top in that department. Texas has also done itself no favors in the penalty department today. They've took six thus far 46 yards, while Oklahoma has only been flagged twice. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 1:32 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Sooners, Longhorns trade touchdowns 

No. 12 Oklahoma 17, No. 3 Texas 14

And just like that, the offenses seem to have woken up as Texas and Oklahoma trade touchdowns on back-to-back drives. The Longhorns took their first lead of the game on another fourth down gamble when Quinn Ewers found tight end Gunnar Helm wide open for the go-ahead score, but that 14-10 edge didn't last long. The Sooners promptly drive 75 yards down the field for their second rushing touchdown of the game, putting Oklahoma back on top. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 1:12 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Oklahoma back on top 

Early 2Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 10, No. 3 Texas 7

A prime opportunity for the Sooners to go back up a touchdown goes by the wayside as the drive stalls in the red zone, but Oklahoma nonetheless regains the lead on a chip-shot field goal less than a minute into the second quarter. Dillon Gabriel got away with what looked like a certain interception on third down, but Texas couldn't come up with the football. Gabriel sits 5 of 10 passing for 74 yards thus far in his Red River Rivalry debut. Now comes another chance for the Longhorns to score their first offensive touchdown of the afternoon. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 1:06 pm ET · Dean Straka]

All square after one

END 1Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 7, No. 3 Texas 7 

Take a deep breathe, because you probably need it after an opening 15 minutes between the Sooners and Longhorns that was all kinds of wild. Neither offense has exactly found a rhythm, which is something Brent Venables' Oklahoma defense has taken full advantage of with a pair of turnovers forced. And Texas can be grateful for that special teams touchdown in stifling some of the Sooners' early momentum. We'll see if the early jitters start to diminish come the second quarter, but for now, it looks like this could be anyone's contest. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 12:55 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Texas offensive line without key piece  

The Longhorns could very well be without a key presence in the trenches the rest of the day after center Jake Majors went down with an injury on the second series of the game for Texas' offense. Majors was down on the playing field and attended to by trainers before gingerly walking off under his own power. He since went to the locker room, and ABC's broadcast lists him as doubtful to return. Without Majors, others are going to have to step up in protecting quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has been picked off twice already in the first quarter. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 12:38 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Red River Rivalry already off the rails

EARLY 1Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 7, No. 3 Texas 7

If you wanted chaos in the final Big 12 Red River Rivalry, you've had your wish granted early. Texas' second drive of the day ends in another interception by Quinn Ewers, this time on a tipped pass. That was after the Longhorns already ran a successful fake punt and then had a lost fumble overturned. Several plays later, Texas ties this thing up via a special teams touchdown after blocking Oklahoma's punt attempt out of the Sooners' own end zone. Don't go anywhere ... it's shaping up to be a wild one before these rivals leave for the SEC. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 12:18 pm ET · Dean Straka]

OU strikes first after costly Texas turnover 

Early 1Q: No. 12 Oklahoma 7, No. 3 Texas 0

What a start for the Sooners as they jump out to the early lead. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is intercepted on the second play of the game from scrimmage and Oklahoma makes the Longhorns pay for it with a short field. It's none other than quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who missed last year's game, that takes it himself for the opening touchdown of the 2023 Red River Rivalry. The Sooners have their first points scored and first lead against Texas since the 2021 meeting after being shut out last October. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 12:11 pm ET · Dean Straka]

Longhorns, Sooners ready to roll 

Let's get this party underway at the Cotton Bowl as these rivals clash for the 119th time. Oklahoma wins the toss and defers, meaning we'll see Quinn Ewers and the Texas offense take the field first on an absolutely glorious October day in Dallas. The Longhorns start their drive at their own 19. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:54 am ET · Dean Straka]

Inside track to Arlington and more at stake

Nobody's season goals are going to be lost today, but the spoils go to the winner here at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. The victor in this year's Red River Rivalry will have the inside track to reaching the Big 12 Championship Game come December, and will also have a much easier journey ahead to potentially reaching the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma has cracked the CFP four times -- most recently 2019 -- while Texas is looking to reach that stage for the first time. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:15 am ET · Dean Straka]

Gabriel's first taste of Texas 

As briefly touched on earlier, Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel makes his Red River Rivalry debut after missing last year's game due to injury, and that alone is reason to believe Saturday's contest will be far more competitive than the 2022 installment. His absence wasn't the reason why Texas hung 49 points on the Sooners last October, but it's also unlikely Oklahoma is blanked if Gabriel plays in that game. He enters Saturday as the Big 12's leader in passing yards and touchdowns, and the Sooners will need him to be at his best if they intend to pull the upset. He'll be challenged by a Texas defense that is unquestionably the most talented unit Oklahoma's offense has faced in 2023. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 11:01 am ET · Dean Straka]

Texas likely down a key defender 

Longhorns starting defensive back Ryan Watts is reportedly doubtful for today's Red River Rivalry clash in Dallas following an injury suffered against Kansas in Week 5. ESPN reports Watts did not practice throughout the week. He's been credited with 17 tackles across Texas' first five games of the season, including a season-high six tackles in the team's Week 4 win against Wyoming. Barring a last-minute twist, expect to see some younger faces get increased reps today in the Longhorns secondary as it looks to slow down  quarterback Dillon Gabriel and a high-powered Sooners offense. 

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:30 am ET · Dean Straka]

Ewers can to add to Red River Rivalry legacy 

Fair or not, success in the Red River Rivalry can go a long way in shaping one's legacy at Oklahoma or Texas. It was a year ago that Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers showed everyone why he was named QB1 as a freshman. Returning from a shoulder injury, Ewers passed for 289 yards and four touchdowns in the 49-0 win, and made it look easy much of the time. Another performance like that on Saturday from Ewers, who is already off to a red-hot start in 2023, would almost certainly cement his place on the Texas front of Red River Rivalry lore. He'd be first quarterback to lead the Longhorns to consecutive wins against the Sooners since Colt McCoy did so from 2008-09. The latter of those two Texas teams is the most recent to win the Big 12 championship.  

[Oct 7, 2023 at 10:00 am ET · Dean Straka]

Statement game for Brent Venables, Sooners

Oklahoma would prefer to forget the carnage that transpired last October during the Sooners' first Red River Rivalry game under Venables' watch. Texas ran circles around Oklahoma from start to finish, handing the Sooners a historic 49-0 loss. It was not only the Sooners' most lopsided defeat in series history, but also the program's most lopsided shutout loss ever, regardless of opponent.

Oklahoma already looks much improved this year amid a 5-0 start, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel is available this time after he missed the 2022 game due to a concussion. That said, we're about to find out a lot regarding the Sooners' true identity. They've yet to face a ranked opponent in 2023, and falling to 0-2 against the Longhorns wouldn't do any favors for Venables in quieting concerns from a 6-7 finish last season. 

College football games, Week 6: Oklahoma aims to prove it's 'back' like Texas in last Big 12 Red River Rivalry

Dennis Dodd

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:30 am ET · Dean Straka]

One last Big 12 clash at the Cotton Bowl

Today is the final time Oklahoma and Texas compete amid the State Fair of Texas as Big 12 foes before the Red River Rivalry moves to the SEC in 2024. We'll find out in a few months if a Big 12 Championship Game rematch is in the cards, but for now, this signals the final page in this chapter of the annual feud. There have been some epic duels between the Sooners and Longhorns since they first became conference foes back in 1996, and we could be in line for another today Oklahoma and Texas meet undefeated for the first time since 2011. Ahead of the matchup, we revisited the best Red River Rivalry games of the Big 12 era.

Texas vs. Oklahoma: Ranking five best games of Big 12 era as Red River Rivalry moves to SEC in 2024

Dean Straka

[Oct 7, 2023 at 9:01 am ET · Dean Straka]

Red River Rivalry returns 

One of college football's best annual spectacles is back for another year, and what a matchup we have on deck at the Cotton Bowl between No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma. The highest-ranked game of Week 6 has major implications not just for the race to the Big 12 Championship Game, but also the College Football Playoff. Neither team will be dismissed from those conversations after today, but the winner will have the inside track to both of those stages. Get caught up on some of the key storylines before the latest installment of the Red River Rivalry kicks. 

Texas vs. Oklahoma live stream, watch online, TV channel, kickoff time, prediction, expert picks

Dean Straka