Oklahoma Shocks Texas With Biggest-Ever Red River Comeback Win After Benching Rattler

Freshman quarterback Caleb Williams entered the game for Spencer Rattler and led the Sooners to a 21-point comeback in an instant classic.

In an epic 55-48 Red River Showdown that will go down in Cotton Bowl history, No. 6 Oklahoma came back from down 21 against Texas to complete the biggest comeback win in the rivalry's storied history. 

Tied at 48 and looking to set up a better chance at a game-winning field goal, Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks took a direct snap with nine seconds left and instead paraded to the end zone for a 33-yard game-winning touchdown. 

INSTANT CLASSIC. BOOMER SOONER. BALLGAME 🤯

(via @CFBONFOX)pic.twitter.com/EeP4Da9BT8

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 9, 2021

The Sooners completed the comeback by outscoring No. 21 Texas 24–7 in the final quarter. Everything changed for Oklahoma after benching quarterback Spencer Rattler in the second quarter when Texas had charged out to an early lead.

With eight minutes left in the first half and Texas leading 35-20, five-star recruit Caleb Williams entered the game for Rattler after the sophomore fumbled for his second turnover of the afternoon. 

Three plays later, Texas scored its fifth touchdown of the half. The Longhorns' 38 first-half points were the most they have ever scored in a half against Oklahoma.

Rattler left the game having completed eight of 15 passes for 111 yards with an interception along with minus-9 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The preseason Heisman contender has dealt with boos and chants from Oklahoma fans for Williams to replace him throughout the season.

"I don’t worry about that all," Rattler told ESPN in his postgame interview after a 16-13 win against West Virginia on Sept. 26. "I don’t listen to them. They’re not on the field."

Earlier in the game, Williams ran for a 66-yard touchdown as cameras caught Rattler with a seemingly less-than-pleased reaction. After Williams settled in, he threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown. But it was Brooks who played the hero with his 217 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including the last-second winner.