OU top 25 games of last 25 seasons, Nos. 4, 3: A double-block for the ages

You could debate for hours and hours about the greatest OU games of the last 25 seasons. So, um, why don’t we?

As we head into the 2025 season under head coach Brent Venables, we’re going to take look back at the previous 25 seasons (2000-2024).

A trip down the memory lane if ever there was one. And let’s rank them. Take one game per season, give it a number (from 25 for No. 1 to 1 for No. 25), and let’s see which OU games have stood the test of time.

From Nebraska in 2000 to “Jump Around” vs. Texas Tech in 2008 and everywhere in between, let’s go. Where do some of the biggest Red River Rivalry and Bedlam wins stack up? There are no wrong answers.

Included are the individual scores from SoonerScoop’s Josh McCuistion, Bob Przybylo, Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia.

The top 25 OU games of the last 25 seasons

No. 4: 2013 – 45-31 vs. Alabama – 80 points

McCuistion: 21
Przybylo: 24
Radosevich: 18
Stoia: 17

The game

You might remember this one as the game where everybody thought Bama would stomp the ever-living bejesus out of the Sooners. It was a laughable Sugar Bowl matchup.

Except, of course, it wasn’t. The Trevor Knight out-of-body experience game. Never that good before that night in New Orleans. Never that good after, but he was unstoppable against the Crimson Tide.

Another huge game from Sterling Shepard as well, and then capped with another incredible moment.

With OU up 38-31, it was a chance for Bama quarterback A.J. McCarron to play hero. Instead, it was a strip-sack by Eric Striker, recovered by Geneo Grissom for the game-sealing touchdown.

The party was on in New Orleans.

Historical impact

Not as much as everybody hoped. This was supposed to springboard OU into a national championship run in 2014. That didn’t happen.

But it did give head coach Bob Stoops a victory in all the top BCS bowls, and it was a jolt for the program after some were wondering if OU was starting to lose a step.

Honorable mention: at Notre Dame (35-21); at OSU (33-24).

No. 3: 2023 – 34-30 vs. Texas – 83 points

McCuistion: 23
Przybylo: 19
Radosevich: 21
Stoia: 20

The game

The biggest win of the Brent Venables era. No ifs, ands, buts, qualifiers, nothing. Everybody would agree. There are two all-time Texas blowouts in the wrong direction sandwiched between this gem.

It started with a bang and the Gentry Williams interception. And ended with one of the all-time great plays in the Red River Rivalry. Dillon Gabriel-to-Nic Anderson, touchdown. And a double-block for OU lore by offensive tackle Walter Rouse, who blocked two guys on that play.

Nobody will forget the goal line stand, Texas cannot get it in from the 1 yard line time and time again.

From 49-0 one year to 34-30, the one that had everybody believing in what Venables is/was trying to do in Norman.

Historical impact

Being undefeated after Texas usually means you’re on your way to something big. But the second half was rough. OU had a tough time handling its own success, having to fight in every game.

The Sooners dropped a couple of games and ended up losing in the Alamo Bowl. It does stand as the lone 10-win season for Venables, at least to this point.

Honorable mention: None.

Parts I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII

No. 25: 2022 – 28-13 vs. OSU – 11 points

McCuistion: 3
Przybylo: 2
Radosevich: 2
Stoia: 4

The game

You might remember the first quarter blitz. It had you thinking this could be one of the all-time Bedlam blowouts. OU scored all 28 points in the first quarter.

And had it kept up that way? It would have been way up in the list. Instead, the Sooners offense went into a funk, even confusing by time management standards in the second half.

The OU defense had four interceptions and earned win No. 6 for the Sooners to become bowl eligible under Venables.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.

Historical impact

As strange as it is to say, we don’t know when there will be another Bedlam. So, yea, this is the last Bedlam victory for OU at this point.

It was also incredibly pivotal for Venables as OU had fallen from 5-3 to 5-5 and in danger of missing a bowl game in his initial season.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 24: 2005 – 37-30 2OT vs. Baylor – 16 points

McCuistion: 2
Przybylo: 1
Radosevich: 6
Stoia: 7

The game

Does the name Jacob Gutierrez mean anything to anybody? With Adrian Peterson hurt and Kejuan Jones suspended, this was the night for Gutierrez.

He rushed for 173 yards on 30 attempts with two touchdowns, as OU played in its first-ever double overtime game.

Quarterback Rhett Bomar hit freshman wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias for the game-winning touchdown in double overtime.

Historical impact

The rare overtime game in Norman, to begin with. This game made sure OU remained undefeated against Baylor to that point.

A little sign of things to come. Not too much was known about Iglesias at this juncture, but we know what a career he would go on and have for the crimson and cream.

OU was finally over .500 for the season at 4-3 and would begin to get back on track the rest of the way.

Honorable mention: vs. Oregon (17-14).

No. 23: 2009 – 27-0 vs. OSU – 19 points

McCuistion: 4
Przybylo: 4
Radosevich: 1
Stoia: 10

The game

OSU came into Norman as the one to watch, at 9-2 and ranked No. 12 in the country. What transpired, though, was a complete beatdown by the 6-5 Sooners.

It wasn’t a big numerical game for running back DeMarco Murray, but he did rush for two touchdowns.

OSU was limited to 109 total yards of offense, an incredible effort by the OU defense.

And the play everybody remembers is Norman’s own Ryan Broyles. An 87-yard punt return for a touchdown to stamp this Bedlam victory. Broyles also had nine catches for 103 yards.

Historical impact

Oh, not much, probably why it doesn’t rank higher. It hasn’t been often where OSU came into Norman as the higher-ranked squad. Probably gave the crowd a little juice, and OU delivered a stellar performance on a Saturday afternoon.

Honorable mention: vs. Stanford (31-27).

No. 22: 2016 – 35-19 vs. Auburn – 22 points

McCuistion: 6
Przybylo: 11
Radosevich: 3
Stoia: 2

The game

OU head coach Bob Stoops, of course, wasn’t afraid to talk about playing the SEC. A lot of SEC fans were hoping the Tigers could shut up the Sooners in the Sugar Bowl.

Nope. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Joe Mixon rushed for a couple of scores. Auburn was up 7-0 at one point, but it was 35-13 until Auburn scored a meaningless touchdown as time expired.

OU went from 1-2 to 11-2 and everybody was fired up for the 2017 season.

Historical impact

A couple of massive notes here. Nobody had any clue at all this would end up being the final official game coached by Stoops. He would step in, obviously, in 2021 for OU vs. Oregon in the Alamo Bowl, but this Sugar Bowl was it.

Then you had running back Samaje Perine. He rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, he became the all-time leading rusher in OU’s illustrious history.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (45-40)

No. 21: 2014 – 44-7 vs. KU – 22 points

McCuistion: 1
Przybylo: 5
Radosevich: 15
Stoia: 1

The game

Quick, who was the starting quarterback for OU? You might win some money on that one. Yes, this was one of the only Cody Thomas starts with the Sooners.

Thomas completed three passes for 39 yards because you might remember the rushing attack for this one.

On a dreary, wet, rainy Saturday afternoon, freshman running back Samaje Perine went bonkers.

All said and done, 34 carries for 427 yards and five touchdowns. The 427 yards set the single-game record in FBS that still stands today.

Historical impact

Not often you see history made like that. This season was one of such incredible high hopes that got dashed repeatedly.

It was not the 2014 everybody hoped for, but this was Perine’s day.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 20: 2006 – 21-7 vs. Nebraska – 28 points

McCuistion: 7
Przybylo: 3
Radosevich: 7
Stoia: 11

The game

The redemption story for quarterback Paul Thompson. After losing the job to Rhett Bomar, Thompson became the 2006 savior after Bomar was kicked off the team before the season.

Thompson threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns. And you might remember the 99-yard drive in the third quarter to put this one away.

Wide receiver Malcom Kelly had 10 catches for 142 yards and both of the touchdowns. OU picked off Zac Taylor three times on a cold night in Kansas City.

Historical impact

Another Big 12 championship is always nice. Game gets lost a bit in the shuffle because the Boise State game was right after this.

And, of course, you have the legendary Kelly rap after the game that is still recited by OU players today, nearly 20 years later.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 19: 2024 – 24-3 vs. Alabama – 31 points

McCuistion: 5
Przybylo: 12
Radosevich: 11
Stoia: 3

The game

A defensive masterpiece. Not sure if there is any other way to describe it. Anticipating the Crimson Tide walking into Norman and nailing the season’s coffin shut. Instead, it was the Sooners destroying Alabama.

The defense just taking over in the second half. Three interceptions, punctuated by another Kip-Six from linebacker Kip Lewis. Eli Bowen getting it all started and having everyone believe this could actually happen.

The party was on in Norman. Taking out a season’s worth of frustration for one magical night in Norman.

Historical impact

To be fair, this remains to be seen. What we actually know? This was the game that made OU bowl eligible because it wasn’t looking pretty after the Missouri collapse.

And flip it over to the Crimson Tide side, this was the inexcusable loss that kept Bama from making the college football playoff.

The first field storming in 24 years as well.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 18: 2010 – 47-41 at OSU – 34 points

McCuistion: 9
Przybylo: 6
Radosevich: 4
Stoia: 15

The game

If you say the names Cameron Kenney or James Hanna to an OU fan, then everybody knows what game we’re about to talk about.

It was 33-24 for OU with five minutes to left, and then we just went crazy. Big play after big play, but the Sooners coming out on top.

Quarterback Landry Jones threw for 468 yards and four touchdowns. OU picked off Brandon Weeden three times (Quinton Carter 2, Austin Box).

An 86-yard touchdown pass to Kenney and a 76-yard one to Hanna in the final minutes as the two teams combined for 40 points in the fourth.

Historical impact

Just an insane final few minutes of that fourth quarter. Not sure there has been anything that has lived on for years and years since, though.

Always nice to win in Stillwater.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (28-20).

No. 17: 2007 – 28-21 vs. Texas – 36 points

McCuistion: 14
Przybylo: 7
Radosevich: 9
Stoia: 6

The game

A fun one and a game OU had to have after suffering a head-scratching loss earlier in the season.

This was the only victory for Sam Bradford against the Longhorns, but he certainly showed out on this Saturday.

Bradford threw 244 yards and three touchdowns, and DeMarco Murray added a 65-yard touchdown run in the second half.

Historical impact

Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy never paired up in a bad game. And you add in the hurdle from DeMarco Murray, that’s some good stuff.

This was key for OU in terms of breaking the two-game losing streak against the Longhorns, which was short-lived as Texas would win the next two after as well.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 16: 2002 – 37-27 vs. Alabama – 41 points

McCuistion: 12
Przybylo: 10
Radosevich: 10
Stoia: 9

The game

It looked like OU was about rout the visiting Crimson Tide, up 23-3. One dramatic injury and near-collapse later, and it was game on.

Running back Renaldo Works was huge with OU trailing 24-23, showing his ability to run after the catch. And safety Eric Bassey had one of the best ‘look what I found’ fumble return touchdowns you’ll ever see in the final minute.

Another ‘what could have been’ season in Norman.

Historical impact

Outside of Jason White tearing his ACL in a non-contact injury for the second time around, maybe not too much here.

Personal note: This was my first-ever OU game in person as a freshman. For that reason, well, this will always hold that historical value.

Honorable mention: Washington State (34-14).

No. 15: 2004 – 42-35 at A&M – 42 points

McCuistion: 15
Przybylo: 14
Radosevich: 8
Stoia: 5

The game

A ridiculous start by the Aggies, who were seemingly up by 14 points at all times during the first half. But quarterback Jason White would not be denied.

Five touchdown passes in College Station to lead a dramatic comeback. The last one a brilliant ball to Mark Bradley. OU had to answer numerous punches from the Aggies but always had the answer.

A&M had a fake punt, fake field goal touchdown – threw everything and the kitchen sink in this road classic.

Historical impact

A year removed from 77-0, here was 77 points almost distributed evenly as possible. The game that brought Jason White back into the Heisman consideration to win it again.

Also, the final game of a ridiculous streak by Adrian Peterson of rushing for over 100 yards in every game to start his career.

Just an absolute fun comeback victory in College Station.

Honorable mention: at OSU (38-35).

No. 14: 2012 – 50-49 at WVU – 45 points

McCuistion: 10
Przybylo: 8
Radosevich: 14
Stoia: 13

The game

Let’s attempt to not relive any bit at all of what Tavon Austin did in this game. Agreed? OK, because Austin overshadowed a legendary outing from quarterback Landry Jones.

Jones threw for 554 yards and six touchdowns. And again, if you want clutch? Here was clutch. Jones found Kenny Stills with a 5-yard touchdown connection with 24 seconds left.

OU had 662 yards of offense, pretty impressive. The Mountaineers? A whopping 778 yards, a ridiculous initial trip to Morgantown.

Historical impact

Maybe for the wrong reasons, right? This was the game, which became the first of many, where OU fans stopped believing in Mike Stoops as the defensive answer.

But if you’re looking for that clutch Landry Jones moment or believe there aren’t that many – this is the one to point toward every time. He was nails when it mattered most.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (63-21); vs. OSU (51-48 OT).

No. 13: 2011 – 23-13 at FSU – 50 points

McCuistion: 13
Przybylo: 9
Radosevich: 16
Stoia: 12

The game

You could call this the Javon Harris game. In a hostile environment in the first weeks of the season, Harris had two of the three interceptions OU would earn in Tallahassee. If you can believe it, Tom Wort had the other pick.

This was a top-five showdown and tied in the fourth quarter. Landry Jones finding Kenny Stills for the oh-so clutch touchdown to give the Sooners the momentum.

OU able to stay at No. 1 after a hard-fought battle.

Historical impact

It sure felt like it was going to be. OU entered the season as the No. 1-ranked team. And you get a win like this on the road? That was supposed to be the stuff of legends.

Didn’t exactly work out that way. OU would lose three times in the regular season, and any championship aspirations went out the window when Ryan Broyles tore his ACL in a win vs. Texas A&M.

It was another example of OU being uber-aggressive in the non-conference and coming up big because of it.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (55-17).

No. 12: 2003 – 52-9 vs. OSU – 51 points

McCuistion: 19
Przybylo: 13
Radosevich: 5
Stoia: 14

The game

An absolute blitz by the Sooners. OU was clearly fired up for this one, and it showed in every way possible.

It was 24-0, and then even as the lead kept growing, the defense refused to let the Pokes get mop-up duty touchdowns.

The play is a Mark Bradley touchdown pass to Mark Clayton as OU toyed with OSU in this one. Also, a top-notch goal line stand when it wouldn’t have mattered if OSU scored. The Sooners were determined.

Historical impact

Oh, the 2003 team. The greatest team to never win anything? Not a Big 12 and not a national championship. But there will always be moments like this.

You have to love Les Miles – that type of confidence, arrogance, call it what you will. “Let ‘er rip.”

After losing to OSU in back-to-back seasons, what a way to get Bedlam things back on track for OU.

Honorable mention: vs. A&M (77-0)

No. 11: 2019 – 34-31 at Baylor – 66 points

McCuistion: 11
Przybylo: 17
Radosevich: 17
Stoia: 21

The game

Oh, my. Down 28-3 without CeeDee Lamb, was it even worth staying in Waco for the second half? If you ducked out early, you missed one for the ages.

The Jalen Hurts game. Four touchdown passes, combining for more than 400 yards of total offense. He would not be denied.

Gabe Brkic with the game-winning field goal in the final minutes. And Nik Bonitto wrapped it up with an interception. An absolute unreal evening on the Brazos between the two best teams in the Big 12. OU outscored Baylor 24-0 in the second half.

Historical impact

Doesn’t get much more historical than the biggest comeback in OU history, right? You can still go back and watch the second half with a smile.

Obviously, the Sooners don’t make the college football playoff for the third season in a row without this epic come-from-behind victory.

And we’d get to know the name Nik Bonitto a lot more in the years to come.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (34-27); vs. Baylor (30-23 OT).

No. 10: 2020 – 53-45 4OT vs. Texas – 67 points

McCuistion: 17
Przybylo: 15
Radosevich: 13
Stoia: 22

The game

The twists and turns of the Red River Rivalry. From quarterback Spencer Rattler being benched to OU blowing a 14-point lead in the final minutes, this game had it all.

And then it went to that next level with the four overtimes. Sam Ehlinger attempting to will the Longhorns to a win.

Drake Stoops playing hero in the fourth overtime, and Tre Brown sealing the deal with the interception in the end zone.

Historical impact

The COVID-19 addition of the Red River Rivalry. Still might feel weird watching it, but a game that felt like it got louder as it kept going.

You obviously make history here by going four overtimes. And if you remember, OU was 0-2 in conference play going into this.

What did OU do after? Run the table and earn the conference title once again.

Honorable mention: vs. Iowa State (27-21)

No. 9: 2018 – 39-27 vs. Texas – 69 points

McCuistion: 18
Przybylo: 21
Radosevich: 12
Stoia: 18

The game

Calling it Kyler Murray’s revenge is not the right term, but man did Murray want this game after the regular season loss.

Murray was sensational in this one. He threw for 379 yards and three touchdowns. OU was up 27-14 before the Horns tied it.

Few will forget the safety by Tre Brown, smacking Ehlinger in the end zone. And even fewer will forget Murray finding Grant Calacaterra for the one-handed touchdown to seal the deal.

Historical impact

They played a classic in Dallas, won by Texas, but OU had a chance to right the wrong. This game basically put OU into the college football playoff and stamped Murray’s Heisman-winning campaign.

You like to say the winner of OU-Texas usually won the Big 12. But this time, well, it actually wasn’t just a suggestion. It was legit, and it was the Sooners.

Honorable mention: vs. OSU (48-47); at WVU (59-56).

No. 8: 2017 – 31-16 at Ohio State – 73 points

McCuistion: 24
Przybylo: 18
Radosevich: 23
Stoia: 8

The game

OU did everything right in the first half, but it was just 3-3 at halftime. Missed opportunities or was OU about to figure it out?

Just ask Baker Mayfield. The OU quarterback went nuts in the second half on his way to throwing for 386 yards and three touchdowns.

Parnell Motley had a huge interception, and what a way to start the Lincoln Riley era for the Sooners. The win at The Shoe.

Historical impact

Well, you might remember the flag plant by Mayfield. Just a tad. Mayfield taking the OU flag and planting it in Columbus became so talked about.

The Buckeyes toyed with OU in Norman in 2016, and the Sooners were able to get it back in Columbus on their way to a berth in the college football playoff.

Honorable mention: vs. Texas (29-24); at OSU (62-52); vs. Georgia (54-48 2OT).

No. 7: 2021 – 55-48 vs. Texas – 74 points

McCuistion: 8
Przybylo: 20
Radosevich: 22
Stoia: 24

The game

The biggest comeback in OU history in the Red River Rivalry. Whew. The only reason this isn’t ranked higher, you’d have to believe, is because of the connection to Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams.

OU trailed 28-7 before Williams, a true freshman, stole the show. If you were there, you’ll never forget it.

But it took a while because it was still 41-23 for Texas in the third quarter before Williams really just went to a level that Spencer Rattler did not have in him.

Heroes galore from Caleb Kelly to Marvin Mims to, of course, Kennedy Brooks. The game-winning touchdown with :03 left. Insanity.

Historical impact

Again, it’s the biggest comeback. Might be one of the best rewatches in OU history, if you can get over the Riley and Williams factor.

OU was 9-0 this season before finishing 10-2, and we all know what happened the day after the Bedlam loss. Still, this was something to witness live.

Honorable mention: None.

No. 6: 2015 – 31-24 2OT at Tennessee – 75 points

McCuistion: 20
Przybylo: 16
Radosevich: 20
Stoia: 19

The game

Um, maybe OU made the wrong call with Baker Mayfield and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley. Sure was the feeling with OU down 17-3 in the fourth quarter.

And then Mayfield became that guy. Leading the comeback, showing the moxie, the start of the legend, no?

Wide receiver Sterling Shepard had the game-tying touchdown in the final minute. And then scored the game-winning touchdown in the second overtime.

Defensive back Zack Sanchez had an interception in the second extra session to end a wild one in Knoxville.

Historical impact

C’mon, what would have happened with Riley and Mayfield without that fourth quarter and overtimes? Who knows, but we’ll never have to speculate.

Another monster non-conference victory for the Sooners to help catapult them to the four-team college football playoff.

And Mayfield, well, we know how the rest of his OU career went from that point on.

Honorable mention: at Baylor (44-34).

No. 5: 2001 – 14-3 vs. Texas – 79 points

McCuistion: 22
Przybylo: 22
Radosevich: 19
Stoia: 16

The game

Remember when games were 14-3 and considered great? Seems like a lifetime ago and maybe it was since it was 24 years ago.

The days when you knew you could count on the OU defense to stand tall and deliver. A mere 7-3 game in the final two minutes when history was made.

Of course, time for Superman. Time for Teddy Lehman and Roy Williams to do what they did. But what in the world was Texas star Nathan Vasher thinking catching the punt at the goal line?

An all-time classic.

Historical impact

Maybe the moment OU fans thought a back-to-back national championship was going to happen.

One play, though, perhaps the most iconic play in OU history. Williams and Lehman will always be linked together.

Honorable mention: None.