DALLAS — After what was a slow first half, the Longhorns (4-2) were able to shut down No. 6 Oklahoma (5-1) through complete defensive domination from start to finish, and an impressive performance from quarterback Arch Manning.

Texas kicked the ball off to the Sooners to get the Red River Rivalry going, and after a nine-play, three-minute-long drive, Oklahoma finally settled with a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.

Two drives later, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer made his first true mistake of the game after he threw an errant pass, which was intercepted by the Longhorns’ Malik Muhammad, and gave the Texas offense good field position.

Although the Longhorns were set up at their own 42-yard line, the offense was able to make much happen, and instead went to attempt a 55-yard field goal. However, the attempt was no good, which allowed the Sooners to maintain the lead.

Oklahoma’s offense then responded with a made field goal of its own to extend its lead. It seemed to get the Longhorns’ offense fired up, as it drove 75 yards in 12 plays and responded with a field goal of its own to make it a 6-3 game.

The Texas defense managed to hold as the first half neared its end, though, and was able to force another turnover as Muhammad intercepted another pass from Mateer that was intended for an Oklahoma wide receiver in the end zone as time expired.

The Longhorns then received the ball to open the second half and came out on fire.

The rush attack was working with efficiency, and Manning was hot. After driving all the way down to Oklahoma’s 12-yard line, Manning was able to find wide receiver DeAndre Moore in the end zone for the first touchdown of the day by either team.

After forcing a three-and-out on defense, Texas got the ball back and went to work again. The Longhorns were able to work their way down the field and kick their second field goal to take a 13-6 lead.

Just four plays later, Mateer made his third major mistake of the game as he threw a pass that was tipped in the air and intercepted by Texas freshman cornerback Graceson Littleton, who secured his second interception of the season.

The interception was returned for 11 yards, and it put Texas in great field position. However, a three-and-out forced the Longhorns to attempt a 56-yard field goal, but it resulted in the Longhorns’ second missed field goal of the day.

It didn’t matter much, though, as Oklahoma lost eight yards in three plays and was forced to punt to Texas’ Ryan Niblett.

He caught the ball on the left sideline and began his return. As he sprinted down the field, hugging the sideline, he worked his way around defenders until he found open space and returned the punt for a 75-yard touchdown.

The big play put the Longhorns up 20-6 and gave them huge momentum. The defense stayed hot and didn’t fold, eventually forcing a fourth-and-22 situation for the Sooners, which they attempted to convert, but failed.

Texas then steadily controlled the ball and took about two and a half minutes off the clock before kicking a field goal to extend its lead to 23-6, leaving the Sooners down by 17 points with three minutes left in the game.

The Texas defense held strong for yet another drive and forced another turnover on downs, which gave the Longhorns the ball back with a minute left and allowed Manning to kneel the ball and run the clock out to win the game 23-6.

Manning finished the game throwing 21-27 for 166 yards and a touchdown, while running back Tre Wisner carried the ball 22 times for 94 yards. The duo controlled the game the entire time and led the Longhorns to a bounce-back win.

Texas will now shift its focus to Kentucky, which it will be traveling to face next week.