Texas Football: 3 takeaways from heartbreaker in 2023 Red River Rivalry

Kirk Herbstreit said it best on the broadcast, “Last year was an anomaly.”

The nine previous matchups between Oklahoma and Texas football were decided by one possession. This afternoon belongs in the pantheon of classic Red River Rivalry games. Usually, one play or player plays a significant part in who wins the game.

The game began with a frenzy. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw an interception on his first pass of the game, which the Sooners turned into a touchdown. Texas drove to answer, but another Ewers pass was intercepted, this time off a deflection. Texas’ first score of the game came on a blocked punt that was recovered in the endzone.

The Sooners took a field goal lead into the locker room. Oklahoma was poised to take control of the game after a third-quarter touchdown put the Sooners up by ten points. However, the Texas defense stood tall, allowing the offense to return to the game.

After a Texas field goal cut the lead to seven points, Oklahoma had the chance to extend the lead back to ten but missed a field goal. Ewers shook off a sluggish start and brought the team back to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Games like these have memorable plays and players. This afternoon, quarterback Dillon Gabriel etches his name in Red River lore. Here are three takeaways from Saturday afternoon’s classic.