In the fourth quarter, Texas and Oklahoma go back-and-forth. The Sooners win the game with just seconds remaining. (1:59).
The Red River Showdown will create the most spectacular moment since cameras were first inserted into orange foam blocks.
Only a few grass blades separated Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims from the sideline. This was captured in stunning detail by the pylon camera and made the difference between glory or despair at Saturday's Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Mims' 52-yard acrobatic touchdown grab on third-and-19 at 7:25 is the perfect example of the unpredictable nature when Texas meets Oklahoma.
It was also the most important play in possibly the greatest game between these bitter rivals in 117 meetings. 6 Oklahoma staged a furious rally in order to defeat No. 21 Texas 55-48.
When it comes to Texas and Oklahoma, all the clichés are true. It doesn't matter what you expect. This shouldn't surprise us. It's the only match played in a 91 year-old stadium surrounded by thousands of people enjoying corn dogs and balls of fried seafood gravy.
It didn't matter that the 2020 event was held in an empty fairground after the fair was cancelled. There were only 24,000 people in the 92,000 seats. The eerie scene saw the two teams play for almost five hours in a four-overtime slugfest that featured what was, until Saturday's 103 point affair, the longest ever score of rivalries. The Sooners won a 53-45 victory.
This year, in the first meeting since both schools announced an as-yet-to-be-determined departure for the SEC, a true Big 12 brouhaha erupted, with Oklahoma stunning Texas by coming back from a 28-7 first-quarter deficit. This was the first loss by the University of Texas in football's history. The Longhorns led 21 points.
Lincoln Riley, OU coach, said that he is trying to recall the times in his career when he was prouder of a team. "If there are any, there aren't many."
The rivalry's return this year was more than just a success story. It was noteworthy for the way it all happened.
Play 0:50 Marvin Mims makes a spectacular game-tying TD catch for Oklahoma Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams. He airs it out Marvin Mims who makes a leaping catch to score a touchdown to tie.
After most fans were unable to attend the game for a year, they still had the chance to express their opinions. The stadium's north side was filled with chants of "Texas Fight", while the "Boomer Sooner", echoed from the south. The drama continued to build on the field, even as the rides spun outside the stadium walls.
Casey Thompson was a Texas junior, his father Charles playing for Barry Switzer at Oklahoma. After waiting for four years to be allowed on the stage, Sam Ehlinger, a fourth-year starter, offered him his chance.
However, Thompson was outshined by Spencer Rattler, the preseason Heisman trophy favorite, but Caleb Williams, an authentic freshman from Washington, D.C., which came off the bench following two Rattler turnovers.
Williams threw for 211 yards, and rushed for 88 more. This was the Oklahoma true freshman's record for total offense against Texas. On that crucial third down, the pocket was closing down, Williams rolled to his right, and he lofted a pass for Mims to tie it up.
Riley called Mims "Gosh darn! What a play!" They threw a few of them today. My man got them. He was truly special today."
Texas' freshman breakout star was Xavier Worthy. He caught nine passes for 261 yards, two touchdowns and had the second-best performance in school history.
But Worthy will be remembered for his fumble in the 7:17 final kickoff attempt. This led to Oklahoma's first touchdown of the game.
Caleb Williams, a freshman from Oklahoma, was on the bench and helped lead Oklahoma to an exciting comeback win over Texas. AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter
Bijan Robinson, Texas' running back, entered Saturday's contest feeling energized after a 216-yard and two-touchdown performance against TCU. After previously splitting time with Eric Gray and running for 217 yards against TCU, it was Oklahoma's Kennedy Brooks that stole the show. Brooks ran for two touchdowns and ran for 217 yards.
Even special-teamers put on quite a show. Robinson scored a touchdown when Texas stopped a punt at the 2-yard line. Oklahoma's Michael Turk had an 85-yard punt, while Texas' Cameron Dicker launched a 78 yarder.
Riley stated, "Those of you who have played in this game know how difficult it is to win it for both sides." "That's why it is the greatest rivalry in college football and the best setting."
Steve Sarkisian, although you may be new to this area, none of it is. This rivalry is unpredictable, even the games that seem predictable.
As in 1996, when John Blake was the first-year coach of the 0-4 Sooners. He pulled off a shocking 30-27 win and stunned a Texas team featuring Priest Holmes and Ricky Williams. 6.
Or in 2018, when Oklahoma lost to Oklahoma 48-45. Kyler Murray, the eventual Heisman winner, ran for 92 yards and threw for 304 yards. Dicker, then a freshman kicked the winning field goal with nine seconds remaining.
This was the eighth consecutive matchup, the best in the country between any two team. It was decided by one point. This is the fourth consecutive time that Texas and OU have combined to score at least 85 points since 2016, the longest span of any FBS school.
There's always the possibility that the two teams could meet again in the Big 12 championship match.
Sarkisian stated after the game, "I would love another chance at these guys. Hopefully in December."
One thing is certain: if he does it, there's no telling how it will turn out.
