By Michael Kinney
Oklahoma went into the 119th Red River Rivalry carrying a chip on its shoulders. After being lambasted 49-0 the year before, getting revenge against Texas had been on the team’s mind for a full year.
So, when they got their chance for redemption Saturday, they didn’t let the opportunity slip away. It took a touchdown catch by Nic Anderson with 15 seconds left on the clock for the Sooners to secure the 34-30 come-from-behind victory at the Cotton Bowl.
“This is what we’ve worked for,” OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel said. “In the offseason, in training, … with (Venables) pushing us, this is a team effort. I’ve always said there’s no throw without a block and there’s no pitch without a catch. So, just seeing everyone make plays and find a way to win, that’s it. That’s all that matters.”
The game-winning touchdown was set up after the Longhorns came back from trailing by 10 points to take a 30-27 lead on Bert Auburn’s 45-yard field goal with 1:17 left on the game clock.
However, that proved to be too much time for Gabriel and the OU offense who moved down the field in quick procession.
It took the Sooners only for plays to go 72 yards to set up Anderson’s heroics. On the play, Gabriel avoided being sacked and stood in the pocket before delivering a pass to to a wide-open Anderson in the back of the endzone.
Anderson, a redshirt freshman, immediately turned around to stare down the exuberant OU fans and cheerleaders before he was mobbed by teammates.
Texas had 13 seconds left for a miracle. They got in position for a Hail Mary attempt, but the ball was batted down in the endzone to end the game and start the celebration.
“I’m just really thankful for them and happy for them,” OU coach Brent Venables said motioning to his players. “They get a chance to get their pride back because that was a tough moment a year ago. I’m really happy for them that they could have a moment like that because they deserve it, they’ve worked for it and it’s just a moment. Celebrate hard, don’t celebrate long. We’ve got to get back to work, but really just proud of all the people that have been a part of that.”
Gabriel completed 23 of 38 passes for 285 yards and ran 14 times for 113 yards and a score.
“He’s the calmest guy I’ve ever been around at the quarterback position,” Venables said. “He was fearless. I don’t put any limits on what Dillon can do. He’s playing as confident as anybody on our team right now.”
The victory moved Oklahoma to 6-0 on the season and 3-0 in the Big 12. They also rocketed up the rankings from No. 12 to No. 5 in the latest Associated Press polls. The Sooners do not play again until Sept. 21 when they host the University of Central Florida.
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