Brent Venables' Oklahoma Sooners welcomed Texas to Norman, Oklahoma in a rivalry game the College GameDay crew didn't expect them to win. Texas added fuel to the fire before the game as they stole a prized recruit from the Sooners and took an early lead.

Oklahoma's special teams unit struck back early in the second quarter, taking matters into their own hands with a blocked punt that led to six points.

SPECIAL TEAMS SCORE 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eUXLASnUXs

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 10, 2026

Texas opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Arch Manning to Cam Coleman that included an extra point from Gianni Spetic. Texas punter Mac Chiumento's kick was blocked by Danny Okoye of the Sooners and recovered by Dakoda Fields for the game-tying touchdown.

A little over minute minutes later, Manning found receiver Ryan Wingo for a 34-yard touchdown that led to another Spetic extra point and a 14-7 Longhorns lead headed toward halftime.

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Oklahoma and QB John Mateer came into the game with a lot to prove after losing last year. The former Heisman candidate was outshined by the current Heisman candidate Manning but quieted some critics with an efficient 9-of-12, 59 yard passing day early in the first half. Mateer, known as a dangerous runner, had five carries for -8 yards and was sacked two times by the ferocious Texas defense as the game continued.

Venables' Sooners kept their upset hopes alive with the blocked punt, but needed more from their offense as the game headed toward halftime. Special teams plays can turn the tide in a hurry, but Mateer and company knew they needed to do more to stave off a Manning-led team with national championship aspirations.