Arch Manning's Two Picks Doom No. 1 Texas In Stunning Oklahoma Loss

DALLAS - Texas football entered Saturday's Red River Rivalry ranked No. 1 in the nation. It left the Cotton Bowl with its first loss of the season and some serious questions about whether the Longhorns deserved that distinction.

Oklahoma stunned Texas 27-24 on a last-second field goal from Tate Sandell, completing a second-half comeback fueled by two costly interceptions from quarterback Arch Manning, special teams mistakes and an offense that disappeared when the Longhorns needed it most.

MORE: Oklahoma Stuns No. 1 Texas 27-24 On Last-Second Field Goal

For Steve Sarkisian's team, this wasn't simply a rivalry loss. It was a collapse that exposed problems Texas had managed to overcome during its undefeated start.

The Longhorns appeared to have control after building a 17-7 halftime advantage. Manning threw two first-half touchdown passes, and Oklahoma struggled to establish any consistent offensive rhythm.

But the second half told a completely different story.

Texas failed to score in the third quarter, while Oklahoma chipped away at the deficit with a 53-yard Sandell field goal.

Then everything unraveled.

Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen intercepted Manning in the fourth quarter and returned the football 42 yards for a touchdown, helping the Sooners erase Texas' advantage.

Oklahoma eventually moved ahead 24-17 before Manning responded with a touchdown pass to Jermaine Bishop, tying the game with another opportunity to escape.

Instead, the Longhorns squandered their final chances.

Texas kicker Gianni Spetic missed a 53-yard field goal that could have given the Longhorns the lead with less than two minutes remaining.

After the Texas defense forced another Oklahoma punt, Manning threw his second interception with 19 seconds remaining. Courtland Guillory made the play, giving the Sooners possession near midfield.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer completed two critical passes to Isaiah Sategna III, advancing the ball into field-goal range.

Sandell then connected from 47 yards as time expired, sealing Oklahoma's biggest victory of the season.

Manning finished 19-of-31 passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns, but his two interceptions proved devastating.

The numbers reflected an afternoon of extremes.

Texas managed just 41 yards and one first down during a disastrous stretch of seven second-half possessions, repeatedly leaving its defense on the field.

A blocked punt recovered by Oklahoma for a touchdown earlier in the game added to the Longhorns' problems.

Texas entered Saturday with victories over Ohio State and Tennessee, but its offensive inconsistencies had already raised concerns despite the unbeaten record.

Those weaknesses finally caught up with the Longhorns against their biggest rival.

Now 4-1, Texas must regroup before returning to SEC play against Florida.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, improved to 3-2 and delivered a signature victory for head coach Brent Venables.

For Texas, the loss raises an uncomfortable question.

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Was this really the nation's best football team, or simply a talented roster whose flaws had been hidden by winning?

Saturday's performance suggests the Longhorns have considerable work ahead before they can make another convincing claim to the No. 1 ranking.