Texas handed Oklahoma its worst loss in the history of the Red River Showdown with a decisive 49-0 shutout of the 14-time Big 12 champions. Not only was it the Longhorns' biggest victory in the series, it was the first shut out either way since 2006 and the most dominant win by either side since 2003.
The Texas victory marked a breakout moment for quarterback Quinn Ewers, who completed 21 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns in a total evisceration of Oklahoma's secondary. Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson added 130 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
The Sooners started QB Davis Beville for the injured Dillon Gabriel, but things fell apart quickly. Beville completed just 6 of 12 passes for 38 yards and an interception in a miserable effort. OU found some success using the Wildcat to generate offensive yardage with tight end Brayden Willis under center; however, it was never enough to break into the end zone.
Defensively, Texas brought consistent pressure and was credited with 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. Two of the TFLs came from senior defensive tackle Keondre Coburn. Conversely, Oklahoma failed to get any pressure on Ewers with only two credited QB pressures.
Texas had lost six of the prior seven matchups against Oklahoma, including five in the Red River Showdown. This victory for Texas over Oklahoma marked its biggest in the history of the rivalry, overtaking a 45-12 win in 2005. The difference? The Longhorns finished undefeated that season and won the national championship. This year, the 'Horns already have two losses, including one to Texas Tech just two games ago. As such, the 2022 Red River Showdown will live in infamy.
Ewers is legit
Texas' star signal caller played well in his first quarter against No. 1 Alabama before suffering an injury, but the talent was on full display against Oklahoma. Ewers was limitless on Saturday, throwing passes to every corner of the field and sidestepping rushers with ease. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy played a big role in the win, but Ewers used all of his weapons far more effectively than backup Hudson Card. Seven receivers caught at least two passes with tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders and WR Jordan Whittington each nabbing five balls. Playing Ewers allows Texas to open up its full playbook.
Rock bottom for Venables
The Sooners entered the Red River Showdown with two losses and left being shutout for the first time since 1998 (Texas A&M). If that 1998 season keeps coming up as this year progresses, there's a reason. Since Bob Stoops took over the program in 1999, Oklahoma has been a model of consistency. When Lincoln Riley was promoted internally in 2017, little changed.
However, Venables is the first external hire at Oklahoma since 1998, and the team's performance looks like it. The Sooners are 0-3 in conference play under a new coach for the first time in program history. As a further means of comparison, OU had not lost more than two games in any season since 2014. Venables has his work cut out to redefine the Oklahoma program.
New Big 12 contender
With the win, Texas moves to 4-2 with a 2-1 record in Big 12 play. The losses have come by a combined four points. Steve Sarkisian sold a reset when he raided the transfer market and brought Ewers to the 40 Acres. For the first time under Sark, the Longhorns have a truly signature victory to market to fans and recruits.
No. 7 Oklahoma State remains undefeated. No. 17 TCU is as well after edging No. 19 Kansas in a competitive game. However, Texas is in a great position to fight back into the Big 12 title conversation. There are four ranked games remaining -- not even counting Baylor or Iowa State -- but the 'Horns are a different animal with Ewers in the lineup.