Picture this: a fierce rivalry ignited anew as Texas unleashes a savage social media takedown on Oklahoma right after clinching a dominant victory in the iconic Red River Rivalry game. It's the kind of drama that has fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if this cheeky jab will escalate things even further between these long-standing foes. But here's where it gets controversial—does this playful trolling keep the spirit of competition alive, or does it cross into unsportsmanlike territory? Stick around as we dive into the details of this electrifying showdown, and you might start questioning your own take on rivalry banter.
Despite not being swayed by the national rankings, Texas pulled off an unforgettable win. The Longhorns took to X (formerly Twitter) with a hilarious post that had everyone laughing, sharing a screenshot where they cheekily reported Oklahoma Football's Instagram account for pretending to be a solid football squad. It's a lighthearted roast that perfectly captured the mood after their commanding 23-6 triumph over the sixth-ranked Sooners in the annual clash on Saturday afternoon.
To help beginners understand, the Red River Rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football, pitting the University of Texas Longhorns against the University of Oklahoma Sooners. For context, these teams have been battling it out since 1900, with bragging rights on the line in front of massive crowds. This year, Texas (now 4-2) secured their standout victory of the season in a packed Cotton Bowl in Dallas, drawing 92,100 fans and national TV viewers. They not only defeated the previously unbeaten Oklahoma (5-1), but they absolutely dominated them, turning a potential upset into a one-sided affair.
The mighty Sooners, who typically light up the scoreboard with an average of 33.8 points per game, were silenced on this day—they didn't manage a single touchdown. Oklahoma held a slim lead at halftime thanks to two field goals, but they went completely quiet in the second half, failing to score again. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about the final score; it was how Texas flipped the script and exposed vulnerabilities in a team that's been riding high.
Quarterback Arch Manning, who has faced high expectations due to his famous family legacy—like his grandfather Peyton and father Eli, both NFL legends—had a pivotal role here. Despite some struggles earlier in the season, he bounced back strongly, completing 21 of his 27 passes for 166 yards and kicking off the comeback with a crucial touchdown pass right at the start of the second half. From that moment, Texas never trailed again.
The game clincher came in the fourth quarter when Texas was up 13-6. Special teams star Ryan Niblett seized the opportunity, taking a punt return all the way for a 75-yard touchdown that sealed the deal. It was the kind of play that reminds us why special teams can sometimes steal the spotlight in football.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian summed it up perfectly after the game, saying, 'We learned how to fight today. We saw the true character of the men in that locker room.' Those words highlight the resilience and team spirit that pulled Texas through, especially after a tough loss to Florida that had dropped them out of the top 25 rankings. Originally preseason No. 1, they were hungry to rebound, and this win against a top rival was just the ticket.
But wait, there's more controversy brewing here. As Texas delivered that final playful jab on social media, it raises questions about the line between fun rivalry and outright taunting. Some fans might see it as harmless humor in the heat of competition, while others could argue it's disrespectful to the losing team. For instance, is this kind of post-sport trolling a modern way to keep traditions alive, or does it add unnecessary fuel to an already heated rivalry that has seen violence in the past? Think about it—does celebrating a win this way build stronger rivalries or risk turning them toxic?
Looking ahead, Texas aims to build on this momentum when they travel to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats on October 18. It's a chance to show if this victory was a fluke or the start of a winning streak.
So, what do you think? Is Texas's social media trolling after this big win just good-natured fun, or does it go too far in the world of college football rivalries? Do you have stories of other rivalries that got out of hand? Share your opinions and counterpoints in the comments—we'd love to hear if you're on Team Texas or siding with the Sooners!
