Texas linebacker in heavy demand

The move by Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference is generating plenty of chatter in the Big 12.

University of Texas athletic officials in October told Longhorn football players they had to remain on the field postgame for “The Eyes of Texas” sing-along with fans because donors were upset by athletes protesting the game day tradition, two Longhorn football players told The Texas Tribune. That player asked not to be named, for fear of retribution by the university and donors. He said it was Del Conte who told players that donors were unhappy and threatening to pull financial support. “I never said this nor would I say this to a student-athlete, and I’ve never heard it from any donors or alumni. Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

The Oklahoma freshman threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Drake Stoops in the fourth overtime and the Sooners survived a late rally from No. It was just the second four-OT game in 25 seasons of the Big 12, joining Kansas State's 53-50 victory over Texas A&M in 2011. The Longhorns (2-2, 1-2) also left themselves little hope of playing for a Big 12 title, much less being part of the College Football Playoff conversation. “I was kind of surprised when I came out at first,” said Rattler, who was tied for the Big 12 lead with four interceptions coming in. POLL IMPLICATIONSConsecutive Big 12 losses, the first for Oklahoma since 1998, sent the Sooners tumbling from No.