2005 Oklahoma Vs. Texas Football Game - Analysis

Analysis

Prior to the game, the Longhorns were ranked second by the Associated Press, and the Sooners were unranked for the first time since 1999, which was also Texas's last victory over OU. Texas was favored by 14 points; they ended up winning the game by 33 points, tying the biggest margin of victory for the Longhorns (a 40–7 victory in 1941) in the 100-game history of the rivalry. The game also marked the sixth time the Longhorns have entered the contest ranked second nationally, and they have won all six times. With the win, Texas started their season 5–0 for the first time since 1983. That also happened to be the last time UT had legitimate national title hopes, ending the regular season 11–0 before losing to Georgia in the Cotton Bowl Classic game. For Mack Brown, beating Oklahoma for the first time in five years allowed him to "get the monkey off his back" and shed his reputation as a coach incapable of winning the most important games.

By breaking the string of five consecutive losses to Oklahoma, Longhorn coach Mack Brown preserved the Longhorns's National Championship hopes. UT Freshman running back Jamaal Charles set a record for rushing yards by a Texas freshman in the series. With his 80-yard scamper, Charles also had the longest touchdown from scrimmage by a Texas running back in the series. Vince Young completed 14 out of 27 passes for 241 yards and also ran for 45 yards.

As a result of the loss, Oklahoma's record changed to 39–56–5 all-time in the Red River Rivalry, while Bob Stoops’ is 5–2 against the Longhorns and 21–6 vs. ranked opponents.