On Red River Rivalry weekend, the matchup between Oklahoma and Texas can suck the oxygen out of the entire day. It is not without reason, as the game usually is a thriller that shapes the Big 12 title race. Today was no exception, at least concerning the game itself. Around college football, other jaw-dropping moments held our attention all day long. But of course we shall start at the Cotton Bowl with a certain team back after a little downturn.
Oklahoma Hooks Texas in Red River
Once again, a Red River Rivalry came down to the wire as Nicholas Anderson made his first catch of the day to give No. 12 Oklahoma the game-winning touchdown over No. 3 Texas.
It was a wild matchup in the final meeting between these schools as Big 12 foes, as Oklahoma caused three Texas turnovers. The Longhorns had a big play of their own with a blocked punt for a touchdown. But the play of the day was this goal-line stand as Texas was trying to tie the game:
In no way does this matchup end Texasâ playoff hopes. If this is the Longhornsâ only loss, this would most likely be seen as a quality loss in the eyes of the playoff committee. With the added bonus that this might have been Red River Part 1, if Texas can get even over Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game it would cancel this loss out. But the offense will have to find ways to finish off long drives and not be so sloppy with turnovers.
As for Oklahoma, the question mark this season has never been the defense that has suffocated every opponent so far. Instead, the offense led by Dillon Gabriel was in doubt. While it was not the most explosive offensive attack, it seemed as if the Sooners could move the ball when they absolutely had to. Gabriel, who missed last yearâs Red River game with a concussion, completed 23 of 38 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown, and he also ran for 113 yards and another touchdown. On the final drive, he went 4-for-4 for 58 yards. Gabriel may not match the high-flying offenses of previous Oklahoma passers, but if he can maintain complete control, the Sooners can lean on their stout defense to take them far. After a rough 2022 season for Oklahoma, it looks like the Sooners are back.
UCLAâs Defense Bears Down
UCLA won 25-17 over No. 13 Washington State thanks to a heroic effort from its defense. The Bruins forced two fumbles and two interceptions as they held a potent Cougars offense to 216 total offensive yards. With the game hanging in the balance, they came up with a fourth-and-1 stop to seal the deal:
UCLA won the time of possession battle as well (38:32 to 21:28) thanks to Carson Steele, who churned out 140 yards on 30 carries. The Bruins defense is legit, and Dante Moore continues to flash week by week. If the offense can catch up to the defense, this team could ruin some postseason hopes for the top teams in the Pac-12.
This loss for Washington State comes in the Cougarsâ first real road test. It wonât get any easier as the next trip will be to Oregon. Cameron Ward has been fantastic all season until today, so the team hopes this hiccup is just that. Otherwise, this dream start to the season could come crashing down quickly.
Notre Dame Runs Into the Jaws of Louisville
In prime time, No. 25 Louisville got its first statement win under Jeff Brohm as the Cardinals crushed No. 10 Notre Dame 33-20. It was the Fighting Irishâs first ACC loss since the 2017 beatdown loss at Miami.
The Cardinals defense forced three interceptions and held talented running back Audric Estimé to 20 rushing yards. On the offensive end, the team was led by Jawhar Jordan, who ripped off 143 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. His 45-yard touchdown run in the third quarter put Louisville up 17-10 and it never looked back.
Any last hopes of a playoff berth for Notre Dame are done. With two losses, the Fighting Irish would need miracles upon miracles to sniff the final four.
For the Cardinals, it may be early but this game is proof that the hiring of the Louisville legend Brohm was not just built on nostalgia. In the Cardinalsâ first test, they did not just win; they dominated. A bowl game was expected with a fairly easy non-conference schedule, but now there is a serious chance this team can win the ACC. Difficult conference games left include at Duke, which will most likely be without Riley Leonard when the teams meet, and a road trip to Miami. Otherwise, it is not too much of a leap to see the Cardinals in Charlotte. Not even the most adamant Louisville fan could have seen this coming.
Georgia Tech Stings Miami
It looked to be a done deal for No. 17 Miami. The Hurricanes led Georgia Tech 20-17 and were set to kneel out the clock. Instead, they fumbled the ball and gave it to the Yellow Jackets. A long pass by Haynes King put them on the verge of field goal range. But King did not want to settle for overtime:
Georgia Tech did not attempt the extra point, and after a long last-second lateral play by Miami fell short, the âHail Haynesâ game was sealed.
Once again, a Mario Cristobal-coached team choked in an inexplicable manner. The Hurricanes are no means done in the ACC, but this was a game they simply could not lose. As for Georgia Tech, the team now has three road wins over ranked ACC foes (Pittsburgh and North Carolina last year, this game) under Brent Key. Finally, for King, it is a moment that was long in the making. After struggling at Texas A&M then transferring to Georgia Tech, this finish will be a memory heâll have forever.
Jurassic Park
Just when you think youâve seen it allâŠ
Shoutouts
Shoutout Marvin Harrison Jr. who had a handful of eye-popping catches enroute to a 163-yard, day with a touchdown in No. 4 Ohio Stateâs 37-17 win over a pesky Maryland team. Shoutout to Jayden Daniels, who overcame a hard tackle to the ribs to throw for three touchdowns and run for another with 130 yards on the ground as No. 23 LSU took down undefeated No. 21 Missouri 49-39. Shoutout to Trey Benson who had a career-high 200 yards on only 11 carries, including an 85-yard touchdown â one of two on the day â as No. 5 Florida State held off Virginia Tech 39-17. Shoutout to Drake Maye, who threw for 442 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-7 win against Syracuse, and No. 14 North Carolina, which is 5-0 for the first time since 1997. Shoutout also to Devontez Walker who was finally granted eligibility and caught six passes for 43 yards. Shoutout to Wyoming for upsetting No. 24 Fresno State 24-19 in a gritty game on national television. Shoutout to Brock Bowers, who should be a Heisman finalist. Shoutout to the many Group of Five running backs who just dominated defenses all across the country. Shoutout to Boise State for coming back from a 27-7 deficit to beat San JosĂ© State 35-27.
About the author
Iâm a Washington Huskies fan who is still amazed but not surprised that we didnât have more success under Chris Petersen (I blame Jake Browning). Sports are my life. I know nothing else. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with a degree in Communication. Iâve been a part of a newspaper since 8th grade, including my collegeâs official newspaper where I was co-copy editor.
