Offensive woes hamper Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry
Oklahoma fans who have attended many Red River Rivalries know seemingly how often game turns on turnovers, an explosive kicking game play or a big play that alters momentum.
The 2025 version of the rivalry, in which Texas upset sixth-ranked Oklahoma 23-6, was no exception.
The story line was about Sooners QB John Mateer returning to action a mere 17 days after having surgery on his throwing hand
John Mateer threw for 202 yards, but he also threw three interceptions in his return. Mateer completed 20 of 38 passes and said he felt fine physically. The junior transfer quarterback said he just didn’t play good enough for the Sooners (5-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference).
“The pain level was nothing. I mean there’s no excuse,” said Mateer, who was 20-of-38 passing and sacked five times. “I was ready to go physically, but mentally I just didn’t perform.”
After several games where the Sooners’ kick coverage teams have played well, Texas’ Ryan Niblett returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that sealed the Longhorns’ win.
But it was the failure of the Oklahoma offense to sustain consistent drives that put them behind, and ultimately lose the Red River Rivalry for the third time in Coach Brent Venables’ four-year tenure.
This is the third time in four years the Sooners have been unable to score a touchdown against Texas.
The Sooners hope to revenge last year’s 35-9 loss to South Carolina next week when they travel to Columbia for their first SEC conference road trip of the season.
That begins a difficult course for Oklahoma the rest of the season.
“Going in, we had a heck of a team; we’ve done a good job of improving. Through defeat, you learn a lot about yourself. I hurt for them. But you have to be able to carry that weight,” head coach Brent Venables told reporters after the game.
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