3 takeaways from Oklahoma's win in the Red River Showdown
It was another classic in the Red River Showdown Saturday. Texas and Oklahoma battled each other as both walked into the matchup undefeated.
Only one team could walk out of the Cotton Bowl victorious, and that team was Oklahoma in a 34-30 win. The Sooners kept things rolling as Brent Venables has his team at 6-0.
Another great chapter in the rivalry has been written. Oklahoma faces Big 12 foe UCF next, but before then here are some takeaways from the game.
Dillon Gabriel looks composed in a big game
Dillon Gabriel won the starting quarterback job last season and showed why that was Saturday. Gabriel made the plays he needed to in order for the Sooners to pull off the victory. He even used his legs to make multiple plays.
Gabriel scored Oklahoma’s first touchdown of the game by running through the middle of the Texas defense. His only passing touchdown of the afternoon was easily that most important of the game.
Do it yourself, DG ?#OUDNA | ? ABC pic.twitter.com/conFKqYaRd
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 7, 2023
The veteran transfer from UCF looked poised and focused at the Cotton Bowl.
Oklahoma wins turnover battle on way to Red River Showdown win
Winning the turnover battle can do a team plenty of favors. The Sooner defense forced Quinn Ewers into three turnovers, with two interceptions and a lost fumble.
Quinn Ewers has THREE turnovers today vs Oklahoma ?
– Interception
– Interception
– Fumble— PointsBet: A Fanatics Experience (@PointsBetFBG) October 7, 2023
Oklahoma wasn’t able to get points off of all the turnovers Texas lost, but it always helps when the other offense struggles in that area. It’s important to make sure you win the turnover battle in big time games like the Red River Showdown.
The defense for Oklahoma as a whole sealed the win with plays like the goal line stand in the fourth quarter.
Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony have arrived
Oklahoma two of its top targets in the passing game to the 2023 NFL Draft. Marvin Mims and Brayden Willis are now at the pro level.
Jalil Farooq and Andrel Anthony have stepped in and done a great job of stepping up in the receiver room. Farooq was on the team last year, but Anthony transferred in from Michigan.
Farooq finished the game with 100+ yards receiving. Anthony was not able make as many plays as Farooq, but was leading the Sooners in receiving yards coming into the game.
Come for this tremendous catch Oklahoma WR Jalil Farooq made. Stay for the CeeDee Lamb celly. pic.twitter.com/5u1qieHWTR
— RJ Young (@RJ_Young) October 7, 2023
This rivalry always comes down to the wire, and Oklahoma made enough plays to emerge victorious.