Key Takeaways from Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners: Match Player Stats
- The latest Red River Rivalry delivered elite quarterback efficiency, explosive plays, and decisive second-half adjustments.
- Advanced metrics such as yards per play, EPA per dropback, and third-down conversion rate reveal why momentum shifted.
- Impact defenders generated pressure and turnovers that directly influenced win probability.
- Team comparison stats highlight the difference in red zone success and explosive pass plays.
- Historical context shows how this matchup continues to define conference positioning and playoff implications.
Game Overview and Final Score Snapshot
The Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners renewed their historic Red River Rivalry with high stakes and national attention. Played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, the matchup blended explosive offense with pivotal defensive stands.
Final Score: Oklahoma 34, Texas 30
The game featured multiple lead changes, with the decisive touchdown coming in the final two minutes. Both teams surpassed 450 total yards, reflecting offensive execution and tempo-driven play calling.
Scoring by Quarter
TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4TotalTexas7107630Oklahoma01414634
Oklahoma’s third-quarter surge shifted win probability dramatically, fueled by defensive pressure and explosive passing.
Texas Longhorns Player Stats
Quarterback Performance
Quinn Ewers delivered one of his most efficient rivalry performances:
- Passing: 31 for 37
- Yards: 346
- Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 1
- QBR: 92.3
- EPA per dropback: +0.38
Ewers excelled in rhythm passing concepts, particularly on slants and deep over routes. He posted a 78 percent completion rate under clean pocket conditions but dipped below 50 percent when pressured. Oklahoma’s defensive adjustments in the second half reduced his average depth of target from 11.2 yards to 7.4.
Rushing Leaders
- Jonathon Brooks: 22 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD
- CJ Baxter: 8 carries, 32 yards
Texas averaged 5.1 yards per carry in the first half but fell to 3.6 in the second. Oklahoma’s defensive line tightened interior gaps, forcing more perimeter runs and limiting explosive ground plays.
Receiving Standouts
- Xavier Worthy: 8 receptions, 136 yards, 1 TD
- Adonai Mitchell: 6 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TDs
- Ja’Tavion Sanders: 5 receptions, 62 yards
Worthy was the primary vertical threat, averaging over 17 yards per catch. Mitchell dominated in the red zone, using body positioning to secure contested touchdowns.
Defensive Impact Players
- Jaylan Ford: 10 tackles, 1 sack
- T’Vondre Sweat: 1.5 tackles for loss
- Terrance Brooks: 1 interception
Texas generated pressure on 32 percent of Oklahoma pass plays, but missed tackles in space contributed to two explosive scoring drives.
Oklahoma Sooners Player Stats
Quarterback Breakdown
Dillon Gabriel orchestrated the late-game heroics:
- Passing: 23 for 38
- Yards: 285
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing: 14 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD
- EPA per play (rushing): +0.51
Gabriel’s dual-threat ability proved decisive. On designed quarterback runs and scrambles, he averaged over 8 yards per carry. His fourth-quarter touchdown drive increased Oklahoma’s win probability by more than 40 percent, according to advanced tracking data.
Rushing Contributions
- Marcus Major: 19 carries, 45 yards
- Gavin Sawchuk: 5 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD
Although traditional rushing numbers were modest, quarterback mobility effectively replaced a dominant ground attack.
Receiving Leaders
- Nic Anderson: 5 receptions, 105 yards
- Drake Stoops: 7 receptions, 57 yards
- Jalil Farooq: 3 receptions, 38 yards
Anderson averaged 21 yards per catch and stretched the field vertically, opening underneath opportunities for Stoops on third down.
Defensive Playmakers
- Danny Stutsman: 12 tackles
- Billy Bowman Jr.: 1 interception
- Ethan Downs: 2 sacks
Oklahoma recorded four sacks and increased its pressure rate to 41 percent in the second half. That defensive surge limited Texas to just two fourth-quarter scoring drives, both stalling inside the red zone.
Team Stats Comparison
Stat CategoryTexasOklahomaTotal Yards527486Yards per Play6.86.4Third Down %9 of 15 (60%)6 of 12 (50%)Turnovers10Red Zone TD Rate3 of 54 of 4
The decisive statistical edge came in red zone efficiency. Oklahoma converted every red zone opportunity into a touchdown, while Texas settled for field goals in crucial moments.
Turning Points and Win Probability Shifts
Third Quarter Momentum Swing
Oklahoma outscored Texas 14 to 7 in the third quarter. A 44-yard reception by Nic Anderson set up a short touchdown run, cutting Texas’ lead and shifting field position control.
Fourth Quarter Defensive Stop
With under five minutes remaining, Oklahoma’s defensive front produced back-to-back pressures that forced Texas into a long field goal attempt instead of a touchdown opportunity. That sequence changed expected win probability by nearly 18 percent.
Game-Winning Drive
Gabriel’s final drive showcased tempo and spacing concepts. He completed three passes of 15 or more yards before scrambling for a critical third-down conversion. The go-ahead touchdown pass capped a drive that covered over 75 yards in less than two minutes.
Advanced Metrics That Defined the Game
- Explosive Plays (20+ yards): Texas 6, Oklahoma 5
- Pressure Rate: Oklahoma defense 41% in second half
- Missed Tackles: Texas 11, Oklahoma 6
- Average Starting Field Position: Oklahoma own 33-yard line, Texas own 27-yard line
Field position and missed tackles were subtle but critical factors. Oklahoma’s average starting position reduced the required yardage per scoring drive, increasing offensive efficiency despite lower total yardage.
Historical Context: Red River Rivalry Trends
This matchup added another close finish to a rivalry defined by one-possession games. Over the past decade, more than half of Texas vs Oklahoma meetings have been decided by eight points or fewer.
Both programs entered the matchup ranked inside the national top tier, amplifying Big 12 title and College Football Playoff implications. Individual performances in this game often influence All-Conference honors and Heisman discussions, particularly for quarterbacks.
Standout Performances and MVP Discussion
Offensive MVP: Dillon Gabriel for dual-threat production and late-game poise.
Texas Offensive Highlight: Quinn Ewers for high completion rate and red zone accuracy.
Defensive MVP: Ethan Downs for second-half sacks and pressure impact.
The statistical duel between quarterbacks underscored the evolution of the rivalry into a modern offensive showcase, while defensive adjustments ultimately determined the outcome.
Season Implications
Beyond the box score, the Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners match player stats reflect bigger themes. Oklahoma demonstrated situational efficiency, particularly in red zone execution and closing drives. Texas showcased offensive balance and explosive capability but will look to improve late-game containment and defensive consistency.
In a rivalry where individual performances become legacy moments, this edition reinforced why advanced metrics and situational breakdowns provide deeper insight than raw totals alone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas vs. Oklahoma Match Player Stats
What was the final score of the Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners game?
The final score was Oklahoma 34, Texas 30. The Sooners scored the game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes after multiple lead changes.
Who were the standout quarterbacks in the Red River Rivalry?
You saw Quinn Ewers excel as a passer for Texas with 346 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Dillon Gabriel led Oklahoma with 285 passing yards, 113 rushing yards, and 2 total touchdowns, earning offensive MVP honors.
Which stats explain why Oklahoma beat Texas?
You can point to red zone touchdown rate and turnovers. Oklahoma went 4-for-4 on red zone touchdowns and had zero turnovers, while Texas went 3-for-5 in the red zone and threw one interception.
How did advanced metrics like EPA and pressure rate affect the game?
You can see impact in Dillon Gabriel’s positive EPA on designed runs and scrambles, which boosted Oklahoma’s scoring chances, and in Oklahoma’s 41% second-half pressure rate, which lowered Quinn Ewers’ efficiency and shifted momentum.
Who were the key offensive and defensive playmakers in this matchup?
On offense, you would highlight Dillon Gabriel for Oklahoma and Quinn Ewers, Xavier Worthy, and Adonai Mitchell for Texas. On defense, Ethan Downs and Danny Stutsman stood out for Oklahoma, while Jaylan Ford and Terrance Brooks led key plays for Texas.
Why is this Red River Rivalry game important for the season outlook?
You can view this game as a major marker for conference title races and playoff hopes. Close results and strong quarterback stats from this rivalry often shape All-Conference picks and Heisman discussions.
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