In 1977, Barry Switzer’s Sooners were ranked No. 2 in the country by the Associated Press, Big Eight champions for the fifth consecutive season and headed to the Orange Bowl to face sixth-ranked Arkansas, coached by Lou Holtz.
Oklahoma’s only loss that season prior to its Orange Bowl date with Arkansas was a 13-6 decision to then-No. 2 Texas. The Longhorns were also playing on New Year’s Day that year and had entered postseason play as the nation’s top-ranked team.
Several hours before the Sooners took the field at the Orange Bowl, Texas and Heisman winning running back Earl Campbell were beaten fairly handily by No.