The Oklahoma Sooners (6-0) dismantled the Texas Longhorns (5-1) in the Cotton Bowl. Texas is no longer in the top spot in our Week 7 power rankings.
Oklahoma’s 34-30 win was nightmarish from the get-go. Sooners defensive back Gentry Williams, who has emerged as a true impact player for his team, intercepted Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on the game’s second play. From there, save for a blocked punt for a touchdown, Oklahoma dominated the first quarter. It wasn’t the last period of dominance for the team.
The Sooners made nearly all the critical plays. It held Texas out of the end zone on four tries by the goal line. It prevented Texas from getting a first down with the game tied at 27 with just over a minute left. Finally, the Sooners drove down the field in five plays after being given the ball with 1:17 left.
While they possess a lower ceiling than the Longhorns, Oklahoma is maximizing its talent while Texas lags ever-so-slightly behind. The Sooners’ maximization helped them make the winning plays. They move up in our rankings.
Let’s look at how the rest of the Big 12 field ranks after a wild day of college football.