Longhorns take top spot after Red River Rivalry

The University of Texas Longhorn football team was awarded the number one ranking by both national polls Oct. 12, a recognition they had not received in the regular season in 24 years.

With a 45-35 victory over the University of Oklahoma Sooners, the Longhorns jumped five teams to claim the number one ranking and became the fourth team this season to be ranked number one.

The two Big 12 powers collided at the Cotton Bowl where they hold the annual Red River Rivalry. The Cotton Bowl, located 197 miles from Austin and 190 miles from Norman, Okla., has its seats divided right down the middle-half red, half orange.

The game was dominated by both teams versatile quarterbacks-the Longhorns Colt McCoy and the Sooners' Sam Bradford-who each utilized their athleticism as well as their effective passing ability.

McCoy's 277 passing yards and an 80 percent completion rate not only propelled his team to a win, but launched him to the front of the Heisman Trophy race.
By scoring a combined 80 points, this was the highest scoring game in the history of the Red River Rivalry.

While this win was a statement with national title implications, the Longhorns' upcoming schedule gives them no room to relax. Next week they face the Missouri Tigers in Austin, who were a top three team before a loss to Oklahoma State University Oct. 11.

The match-up in Austin will mark the first time since 1977 that the Longhorns have defended a number one ranking on their home field.

Following the match-up with Missouri, the Longhorns will take on the No. 8 OSU Cowboys at the Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, but must travel to the University of Kansas and Texas Tech University for two tests on the road in the next five weeks.

The Jayhawks(5-1) are currently ranked 16th in the Associated Press poll and have gained national respect for the strides the program has made in recent years.

The Red Raiders may prove to be the toughest test of all for the Longhorns, as their high-octane offense has led them to a number seven national ranking.

While upsetting the top team in the country was a historic achievement for the Longhorns, beating four top-20 ranked teams in five games would solidify their spot as the nations number one team.