In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season, the Texas Longhorns take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Red River Showdown often times pits two highly-ranked Longhorns and Sooners’ teams together with massive conference championship implications.
But why is it called the Red River Showdown?
Texas vs. Oklahoma: Why is it Called the Red River Showdown?
On top of all the stakes that ride on this game, this matchup has always been a rivalry. The game has been dubbed the Red River Showdown, but many don’t know why.
The Red River acts as the border between Oklahoma and Texas. The fact that the teams are so close together has created a long-lasting rivalry that started in 1900.
Formerly known as the Red River Shootout, the name changed in 2005 to avoid connotations around gun violence. It was known as the Red River Rivalry until 2014, when the term Showdown replaced Rivalry.
Who Leads the Red River Rivalry
As of 2023, the Longhorns lead the all-time series with 63 wins compared to Oklahoma’s 50. However, in the more recent past, the Sooners have been dominant.
In the past 10 years, the Sooners are 7-3. That said, the Longhorns dominated the Sooners 49-0 in 2022.
What Was the Biggest Win in the Red River Showdown?
The largest margin of victory in the Red River Showdown was a 65-13 Sooners victory. At the time, the Sooners were the No. 1 team in the nation, and it showed with this beating. The Longhorns were ranked No. 11, but they stood no chance.
Vince Young was the quarterback for the Longhorns at the time, but Jason White was the star of the night. White threw for an incredible 290 passing yards, four interceptions, and zero interceptions.
That said, the Longhorns had the second-biggest win in 2022.
Phenomenal performances from Bijan Robinson and Quinn Ewers fueled the 49-0 shutout. Robinson ran roughshod over the Sooners with 130 yards and two touchdowns. Ewers showed out as well, throwing for 289 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.