The Longhorns can't buy a break...
OU Beats Texas in Rivalry Tie-In
October 11, 2004 – On the same weekend that Oklahoma and Texas battled it out on the gridiron, OU and UT staged a rugby rivalry match that was every bit as exciting, if higher-scoring than the Sooners' 12-0 shutout in the football version.
In this case, it was another OU win as the #14 Sooners cruised past the Longhorns 39-20 in a Friday Night Lights showdown in Dallas. OU scored early and often, starting with a powerful try by first year sensation wing Ryan Nichols. Nichols put in another big performance this week, notching two tries to make it 10 on the season, and was dangerous every time he touched the ball. The Oklahoma back three punished Texas time and again from the kick. Adam Stewart fielded the ball well and put wings Merritt Johnson and Nichols into space to attack.
But truly the game was won in the trenches though with hard running and tackling by the pack. The big men Upton and Folau pounded the Horns continuously to open up the wide attack. Sione delivered a bone crushing blow into a Texas defender in the first half that really lit up the Sooner fans. Travis Gatewood and Matt Zimmerman led the Sooner defense that tackled very well all night with numerous stops behind the gain line. Philip Hobbs played through injury providing some decisive play and scored a nice try.
The half backs were also composed with Zac Clark delivering nice ball and Roger Gassett running a smooth backline. The passion of the rivalry in the atmosphere of Friday’s match had the pro of great defense and the con of some anxious knockons. Despite the anxiety, Gassett rose above it and quietly made Texas pay for numerous penalties by nailing four penalty kicks and converting 2 of 4 tries for 16 points on the night. Gassett’s poise and captaincy was critical as he kept OU in control all night.
Texas did respond late with two tries to narrow the score and competed until the final whistle. The Horns did not have a lot of ball and made the most of what they did get. This is a classic Texas team that competes until the end and has the fast strike capability to beat anyone.
Oklahoma has extended its streak against Texas to three in a row and is 5-0 against collegiate competition this season.
