Bob McCarty Writes

The Oklahoma Sooners went into the locker room at halftime, leading the Texas Longhorns 21-20.  Soon after the second half began, Bob Stoops’ club continued to battle the same 11 players and game officials as they did in the first half.

Replays clearly show two personal foul calls against Oklahoma linebacker Travis Lewis should not have been called, but were only because they took place along the Texas sideline.  A third call denied Oklahoma a third-down interception in the end zone despite, once again, video replay evidence clearly showing the ball was intercepted by Oklahoma linebacker Travis Robinson.  As a result, Texas was able to kick a field goal.

Despite battling the Longhorns’ “enhanced” roster, the Sooners scored on their first possession of the second half, going 51 yards to paydirt.  Texas matched the score with an 89-yard drive of its own.

The Sooners punted on their next possession.  Texas got the field goal on the controversial ensuing possession.

On Oklahoma’s next possession, it looked like a three-and-out drive, but a roughing the kicker penalty — admittedly with some great acting by punter Micah Knall — allowed the Sooners drive to continue.  Fortunately, the Sooners were able to score on this drive, culminated by quarterback Sam Bradford’s fifth touchdown pass of the game — a 14-yard pass to Manuel Johnson.  With the extra point attempt, the sooners lead 35-30.

With nearly 12 minutes remaining in the game, it’s up to the Oklahoma defense to stifle the Texas offense led by Colt McCoy.

An 8-play, 74-yard drive — highlighted by a 37-yard pass from McCoy to Shipley on third-and-eight — was capped with a one-yard dive by Cody Johnson.  With a two-point conversion, Texas leads Oklahoma 38-35.  Seven and a half minutes to go.  This one’s a barn-burner, folks!

DeMarco Murray returned the kickoff to the Sooners’ 37-yard line, giving Bradford and the Oklahoma offense good field position.  Unfortunately, the Sooners went three and out — or did they?  Yes.  Instead of faking a punt like they did — unsuccessfully, I might add — on their second possession of the second half, they actually punted this time.

Texas has six and a half minutes to control the ball and keep it out of Bradford’s capable hands.  Can they do it?  They’re starting on their own 20-yard line.

Uh, oh.  A 62-yard run by Texas’ star running back Chris Ogbonnaya.  Touchdown two plays later on a Johnson dive.  That hurts!  It’s 45-35.  Four minutes to go.

OU took the kickoff out to the 40 and have advanced nearly 20 yards in two plays.  Second and ten at the Texas 42.  Uh oh, Bradford’s sacked six yards back!  Timeout Oklahoma with 3:12 to go.

Bradford scrambles for half of what he needed, leaving 4th and 8 at the Texas 40.  Pass incomplete.  Texas takes over on downs.  Ouch!

Two and a half minutes to go.  Texas appears to have adopted a slow-mo offense, trying to burn up remaining time on the clock.

Sadly for me, the Horns are doing a good job of milking the clock.

Texas punted.  Oklahoma tried to find a miracle.  Didn’t happen.

Texas defeats top-ranked Oklahoma, 45-35.  Final!

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See also:  Oklahoma State Pops Missouri, 28-23, in Columbia!