The anticipation is at an all-time high as the 2024 Red River Showdown approaches—a game steeped in tradition and fierce rivalry. This year’s matchup carries extra weight as Texas and Oklahoma prepare to leave the Big 12, with future Red River Rivalry games set to be contested as SEC battles. For the final time as Big 12 rivals, two unbeaten, top-12 teams will clash at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, setting the stage for one of college football’s most exciting showdowns. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 12 at 2:30 PM because this is one rivalry you don’t want to miss.

The Red River Showdown isn’t just a game; it’s a spectacle of passion, pride, and fierce competition that dates back over a century. Every year, fans flood Dallas for this iconic showdown, celebrating a rivalry filled with unforgettable moments. From last-minute touchdowns to game-changing plays, this matchup has become a defining part of college football history. While Texas and Oklahoma first met on the field in 1900, the Red River Rivalry as we know it today didn’t officially begin until 1929. This year marks the 120th consecutive meeting between these two powerhouses, and it promises to be another chapter in the storied rivalry.

Looking back at last year’s thriller, Oklahoma took revenge for their 2022 humiliation. On October 7, 2023, the Sooners edged out Texas in a heart-stopping 34-30 victory. With just 15 seconds left on the clock, OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel orchestrated a breathtaking 75-yard drive that ended with a game-winning 3-yard touchdown pass to Nic Anderson. It was a moment of redemption after Texas had crushed Oklahoma 49-0 the year before, a performance many thought the Sooners wouldn’t recover from. But Gabriel’s dual-threat capabilities proved too much for Texas, and Oklahoma walked away with a thrilling win.

Red River Rivalry’s nitty-gritty

First of all, the Red River, which forms part of the Oklahoma and Texas border, is the reference point for the name of the rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. Now, looking back at the series history, you can see the Longhorns lead the series all-time 63-51-5. However, from 2000 onward, OU has crushed Texas 17-8. In addition, the Sooners have triumphed in five of their previous six meetings, including their season-ending 34-30 victory against the Longhorns. Who will triumph this year now?

With a 51.5-point total for the game, FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines have Texas as a 14-point favorite over Oklahoma. However, the most current spread consensus predictions suggest that most bettors believe Oklahoma will force a game. Sixty-two percent of bettors think the Sooners will either beat the Longhorns in an upset or play close, scoring two touchdowns or fewer. But you comprehend that nothing is predictable. So please be patient as we explore what transpired.