With its commanding victory over rival Oklahoma, Texas handled business at championship level

DALLAS – Before the Red River Rivalry game, Oklahoma coach Brent Venables told local reporters that in all his years coaching at the State Fair of Texas, he had never had a Fletcher’s Corny Dog. If the Sooners won, Venables promised he would make his first attempt after the game.

After No. 1 Texas decimated the No. 18 Sooners 34-3 on Saturday, Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian triumphantly entered the press box, corny dog ​​in hand. Given the destruction Texas has left in its wake, it’s only fitting that Sark literally stole Venables’ lunch.

For the second time in three years, Sarkisian’s team held Oklahoma without a touchdown. Prior to Venables’ arrival in 2022, the Sooners hadn’t gone without an end zone trip since John Blake’s final season in 1998. Before that it was 1977.

In many ways, that’s what made Texas’ two-touchdown line against Oklahoma seem so scary. It’s just not that kind of game. From 2014 to 2022, the Red River Rivalry was decided by an average of 5.8 points per game. Remember, this was the worst time for Texas in decades while Oklahoma was fighting for national titles. Even in the worst-case scenario, Texas struggled.

In the first quarter, Oklahoma seemed up to the challenge, at least defensively. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw an interception on his first drive for the second straight game. The Longhorns failed to record a first down during this period. This time a team of experienced managers was up to the challenge.

“We understand there will be adversity,” Ewers said. “This is something we’ve seen before, and we understand how to get out of this panic.”

Texas finally got its first consistent drive of the game in the second quarter, stringing together a 10-play, 75-yard sequence to get into the end zone and take the lead. Behind two explosive runs from backup running back Tre Wisner, Texas later scored 14 points in 41 seconds to take an 18-point lead into halftime.

Then the defense really took control. The Longhorns sacked Oklahoma rookie Michael Hawkins Jr. five times and recorded 11 tackles for loss while keeping the Sooners out of the end zone. Hawkins had less than 100 yards until well into garbage time. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. had 3.5 tackles for loss alone.

At the end of the game, there wasn’t a spot on the field where Texas didn’t dominate. They outgained OU by nearly 200 yards. They won the turnover battle. They passed and ran for more yards, forced more negative plays and even returned punts better.

“I think we’re a mature team,” Sarkisian said. “I think our team exudes calm and composure. I never felt like going into the game, we were jumping up and down because we were so excited to go into the game. It was more about whether we have the right mental intensity.” Do we have the right focus to stay grounded and clear-headed?

This maturity is, I dare say, championship level. Through six games, the Longhorns were arguably the most formidable team in the country with blowout wins on the road against Michigan and in the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma. It wasn’t always pretty, but finding ways to eliminate weaker opponents is crucial in a championship run.

Both Venables and Sarkisian know what championship grit looks like. Venables was a key assistant for both 2000 Oklahoma and two Clemson teams. Sarkisian coordinated the 2020 Alabama squad and also worked on Pete Carroll’s 2003 team.

“In the first half of the season, I don’t see many teams that have played so well in all three phases,” Venables said. “They have a good team and are good in the right places.”

Texas entered the duel against Oklahoma as No. 1 for the first time since 1984. With so much expectation and control, Texas didn’t let Oklahoma pass. They forced her to submit. For the best teams in the history of this rivalry, who went on to win it all, dominance represents major success. For Texas in 2005 it was a 45-12 victory over Oklahoma. Five years earlier, it was the Sooners who beat the Longhorns 63-14. Both won titles.

Longhorns defenseman Jahdae Barron believes Texas is starting to set the stage for a true championship-caliber team. For him, victories like this are just the beginning.

“To grow into a championship team, you have to develop culturally,” Barron said. “And we continue to grow and build a better bond with each other.”