On fourth down, Nebraska goes for it and Oklahoma's defensive back D.J. Graham performs a spectacular one-handed interception. (0:39).
A day that saw No. The Sooners coach nearly made history because of another reason, even though Oklahoma's 23-16 victory over Nebraska saw it score its lowest points under Lincoln Riley.
D.J., Oklahoma's cornerback, made a highlight-reel one-handed interception on fourth down at his own 3-yard line with 8:16 remaining in the game. Graham made a highlight-reel interception from his own 3-yard line on fourth down with 8:16 left in the game. Riley immediately spoke to the officials.
Riley laughed and said, "I may have been the first coach ever to challenge a play that we got an intercept on," "I was hoping that it would have gone down."
The Sooners could have started at their own 24 yards if an incompletion had occurred. Riley decided to play it conservatively because they were deep within their territory. He ran it on the first and second downs, scoring zero yards, before Riley made an incompletion on a third down pass attempt.
After a punt Samori Toure's 10-yard touchdown return put Nebraska on the OU 38 yard line. Three plays later, the Cornhuskers scored on Adrian Martinez's 21 yard touchdown pass to Oklahoma to reduce Oklahoma's lead by 23-16 with 5 minutes to play.
Riley stated that he thought the catch was "juggled around a little bit". He also asked officials if they confirmed it to be a catch. "I may have challenged it."
The field position issue was just one of the many themes for Saturday's game. Former rivals, who haven’t met since 2010, played a tight game that felt more like a Big 8 contest.
Referring to Oklahoma CB J. Referring to Oklahoma CB D.J. Graham's one-handed interception at the Sooner 3-yard Line in the fourth quarter Saturday. Coach Lincoln Riley stated that he may have been the first coach ever to challenge a play on which he got an intercept on. Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports
Two missed field goals from Nebraska and one from Oklahoma were scored in the game. OU's Pat Fields returned 100 yard for two points at halftime, extending the lead from 14-9 to 16-9.
Oklahoma was just 7-3 ahead at halftime. It also scored the fewest points under Riley. This snapped a streak of scoring at minimum 27 points in 65 games. It is the longest such streak in the AP poll era (since 1936).
Riley stated, "It was a hard-fought match." It was what you knew. Everyone felt the specialness of this game and wanted to bring it back. Both teams rose to this occasion. Both schools and fanbases were proud of the win.
Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, was 24-of-34 passing for 217 yards. His longest pass went for only 23 yards. He also rushed for 35 yards, and threw a touchdown.
Riley stated that there is an art to being a QB, as you have such control over the game's decision-making. He seemed to have a good sense of that. He didn't put any danger in the ball.
Riley stated that Rattler performed better than last year on Saturday, his first year as a starter. He also said that he had complete faith in Rattler and was certain the offense would succeed.
Riley stated, "To be able to play against elite players at an elite level," We're only a tick behind. But we'll get there. I promise you. We will get there soon."
Graham's amazing interception, which was completed after the game was settled, received most of the attention. Riley stated that he was not surprised by Graham's circus catch, and Rattler was asked whether he ever lobbyed for him to play on offense.
Rattler said, "I know he played receiver at high school, and I was told he was quite good." He does this all the time in practice. He will go up to make an Odell catch. He is a ballhawk.
While Riley may have had some issues with the location of his catch, Graham's defensive coordinator couldn’t help but say that he preferred that he just bat it down.
Alex Grinch stated, "I like takeaways to much to tell him put it on the floor."
