The Red River Rivalry: Tensions Flare as Oklahoma and Texas Face Off
The historic rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns erupted in fresh intensity during their 2024 matchup at the Cotton Bowl. Before the game even began, players from both teams clashed in the end zone, requiring staff members and referees to separate them in a display that perfectly encapsulated the passion of this long-standing college football feud. The sixth-ranked Sooners entered the contest undefeated, while Texas was looking to redeem themselves after an upset loss to Florida. Despite the Longhorns already carrying two losses into the game, both teams clearly understood what was at stake in this storied rivalry, with emotions running high from the opening moments.
The quarterback matchup featured Oklahoma’s John Mateer, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate who had returned to the starting lineup after missing a game due to a hand injury. Mateer had been impressive through the season, accumulating 1,215 passing yards while adding another 190 yards on the ground with his dual-threat capabilities. On the Texas sideline, Arch Manning was having a somewhat disappointing debut season as the Longhorns’ full-time starter. Despite his famous football lineage and high expectations, Manning had struggled with consistency, throwing for 1,151 yards with 11 touchdowns but also 5 interceptions through his first games. His performance in Texas’ season-opening loss to Ohio State had been particularly underwhelming, with just 170 passing yards, setting a tone of unfulfilled potential for the highly recruited quarterback.
The historical significance of this matchup adds another layer to the intensity between these two programs. Texas entered the 2024 edition of the Red River Rivalry with a commanding 64-41-5 all-time series lead, representing decades of competition between these border-state universities. However, recent history had favored the Sooners, who had won seven of the previous ten matchups, shifting momentum in the rivalry toward Oklahoma. This year’s contest continued in the tradition of close, hard-fought battles, with Oklahoma holding a narrow 6-3 lead at halftime, suggesting that neither team would easily dominate the other despite their different trajectories entering the game.
The Red River Rivalry transcends the typical college football game, representing more than just another conference matchup on the schedule. This annual meeting at the Cotton Bowl, situated halfway between the two universities during the Texas State Fair, has become one of college football’s most anticipated traditions. The rivalry divides families, friends, and communities along state lines, with the burnt orange of Texas squaring off against the crimson and cream of Oklahoma. The pregame skirmish witnessed this year was merely the latest chapter in a contentious relationship that has featured numerous memorable moments, last-second victories, and stunning upsets that have shaped the landscape of college football for generations.
What makes this rivalry particularly compelling in 2024 is the contrast in program trajectories. Oklahoma entered the game with championship aspirations, their undefeated record positioning them as contenders in the expanded College Football Playoff picture. The Sooners’ success has been built around Mateer’s dynamic playmaking ability and a defense that had shown significant improvement. Texas, meanwhile, was experiencing growing pains with Manning at quarterback, trying to find their footing after high preseason expectations had given way to disappointing early-season results. This dynamic created a classic “nothing to lose” scenario for the Longhorns, who could salvage much of their season with a victory over their hated rival regardless of their record.
As the game unfolded with Oklahoma holding a slim halftime advantage, both fan bases recognized that regardless of the final outcome, the Red River Rivalry would continue to be one of college football’s greatest traditions. The tension between these programs has only intensified with their recent move to the Southeastern Conference, ensuring that this border battle will remain nationally relevant for years to come. While the players and coaches change over time, the passion, intensity, and significance of this matchup endures through generations. Whether separated by three points or thirty, Oklahoma and Texas continue to demonstrate why their annual showdown remains a cornerstone of the college football experience—a game where records and rankings often matter less than the simple fact that it’s Oklahoma versus Texas, a rivalry that continues to captivate the college football world year after year.
