Oklahoma scored its first points of the Red River Rivalry in the most unconventional way.
But with the way the Sooners’ offense was playing, no Oklahoma fan was complaining.
The struggling Sooners didn’t even have a first down yet, but that hardly mattered in the moment on Saturday afternoon at the Cotton Bowl when sophomore defensive lineman Danny Okoye blocked a Texas punt by Mac Chiumento with the top-ranked Longhorns punting from out of their own end zone.
Sophomore defensive back Dakoda Fields made a brilliant play at the back of the end zone, snatching the ball before it could get away. Instead, it was his, and it was a touchdown with 14:11 left in the second quarter that suddenly tied the score at 7-7.
So, more than a quarter into the game, OU was in a tie game with mighty Texas without even having a first down.
Here is the incredible play that brought the Sooner faithful to their feet in Dallas:
Oklahoma finally did get a few first downs after the blocked punt for a touchdown, but it also trailed 14-7. The real point was, if not for that amazing blocked punt and even better recovery for a score, the Sooners would be in real trouble in Saturday’s Red River Rivalry.
With Oklahoma getting some much-needed life (and points), the Sooners suddenly had some momentum in the Red River Rivalry. Here is what the Kalshi market is currently saying about Oklahoma’s chances to maintain that momentum and possibly even pull off a shocker against Texas on Saturday in Dallas:
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
