Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler benched in Red River Showdown again, freshman Caleb Williams in for OU

A few weeks ago against West Virginia, some Oklahoma fans booed Spencer Rattler and asked him to get replaced by backup Caleb Williams.

A few weeks later against Texas, they got their wish.

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Rattler, who entered the season as a Heisman favorite, ceded his job to Williams early on Saturday afternoon after going 8-for-15 with 111 yards, an interception and a fumble in this year’s iteration of the Red River Showdown. 

Williams came in on fourth-and-1 on the first play of the second quarter and for a 66-yard touchdown, his second of the season. The touchdown run was the longest by an Oklahoma QB against Texas since 2018.

Riley continued to entrust the game to Williams, keeping him in to start the second half as well. Riley told ESPN’s Holly Rowe at halftime that Rattler’s benching was “turnover related.” The projected NFL QB has six interceptions in six games this season, compared to just seven in 11 games all of last year.

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It’s the second time in as many years Rattler was benched in the marquee rivalry game due to turnover issues. Last year, Rattler was initially benched in favor of Tanner Mordecai after recording his second turnover of the game in a four overtime 53-45 Oklahoma victory over then-No. 22 Texas. However, Rattler came back in during overtime and ultimately helped lead the Sooners to the victory.

Williams came to Oklahoma as the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the country and was viewed as a five-star prospect by both Rivals and 247. In his three games entering Saturday, he was 6-for-11 with 102 yards passing and had five carries for 62 yards and a touchdown on the ground.