(Photo: USA Today)
The Longhorns entered this year’s Red River Showdown as the favored team for the first time in what seems like forever against Oklahoma. This is in large part due to the fact that the Sooners were reeling off of losses to Kansas State and TCU, and were looking to bounce back with a win over their arch rival. However, unfortunately for Oklahoma, Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns had other plans as they dismantled the Sooners in a dominant 49-0 victory at the Cotton Bowl – snapping the team’s four game losing streak against Oklahoma.
Prior to the game, it was uncertain how much rust redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers would have to shake in his first start since the Alabama game a few weeks ago. Besides a few misfires and a poor interception, Ewers was on his A-game for most of Saturday as he tore up the Sooners defense, passing for 280 yards and four touchdowns. Furthermore, the quarterback’s rapport with tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was once again on display as the pair connected on two touchdown passes.
Along with a solid performance from Ewers and Texas’s receiving core as a whole, Bijan Robinson also put his stamp on the game, somehow quietly rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. In addition to Bijan, Keilan Robinson and Roschon Johnson also played a large role in Texas’s win as they stepped up in big moments and kept the team’s foot on the gas pedal. In what was already evident entering this season, the Longhorns running back room has been a unit that the team has been able to lean on when in need of some magic.
While the offense did their job against the Sooners, some applause must also be given to the Longhorns defense which, at times, bended but certainly never broke. Texas defensive backs Jahdae Barron and D’Shawn Jamison were both able to capitalize on Oklahoma’s inexperience at quarterback – as typical starter Dillon Gabriel was a pregame scratch due to an injury which he suffered against TCU – with interceptions. In fact, Jahdae Barron’s interception came off of Sooners senior running back Eric Gray, who attempted a jump pass from the wildcat position which was easily picked off.
It was clear that Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby did not have much faith in backup quarterback Davis Beville, and opted to utilize the wildcat for much of the Red River Showdown. In contrast to Quinn Ewers’ play at the quarterback position for the Longhorns, Beville was only able to pass for 38 yards and had a handful of inaccurate passes which inhibited the Sooners offense from getting into any sort of rhythm. Due to the combination of Texas’s firepower on offense, coupled with Oklahoma’s utter lack of confidence on their own offensive side of the ball, the Longhorns were able to secure the Golden Hat with ease – for the first time since 2018.
Next weekend, the Longhorns will look to extend their winning streak to three games with a win against the Iowa State Cyclones. Moreover, kickoff at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is set for 11 A.M (CT).
Game Stats:
- QB Quinn Ewers: 21/31, 289 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT
- RB Bijan Robinson: 22 carries, 130 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- WR Jordan Whittington: 5 receptions, 97 receiving yards
- TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: 5 receptions, 71 receiving yards, 2 TDs
- DB Jahdae Barron: 6 tackles, 1 INT
- DB D’Shawn Jamison: 3 tackles, 1 INT
