Dr Pepper awards grand prize to both contestants due to technical error in Big 12 Tuition Giveaway

For as exciting as the Big 12 championship game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma State Cowboys, arguably the most intense and action-packed moment happened during halftime. At halftime, Dr. Pepper held its Tuition Giveaway between two students in a matchup that required double overtime to declare the victor. But with all great stories, a bit of controversy has been revealed after the fact.

According to a social media post from Dr. Pepper, there was a technical error that resulted in an inaccurate accounting of one of the player’s scores. And instead of going back and adjusting the results, the soft drink company took a different approach that all parties are likely in favor of.

“And a dramatic double OT Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway during the Big 12 championship game, and on-field technical error resulted in an inaccurate accounting of the double tie break. As such, Dr. Pepper will recognize both finalists as grand prize winners, with both receiving the $100K award in tuition,” announced Dr. Pepper in their statement.

In most head competitions, somebody has to win, and someone has to lose, such as in Texas’s 49-21 victory over Oklahoma State in the 12 Big Championship game. However, Dr. Pepper flipped that notion on its head, rewarding both individuals for their valiant efforts in the Tuition Giveaway. And that is an ending that all fans in attendance can rally behind and support.

Texas defeats Oklahoma State, wins first Big 12 championship since 2009

It’s been 14 years since Texas could say it was a conference champion. That was 2009, when Vince Young led the Longhorns to a Big 12 Championship victory over Nebraska en route to a national championship appearance.

That drought ended Saturday as Quinn Ewers took the Longhorns past Oklahoma State 49-21. Now, with one final Big 12 title before heading to the SEC next year, Texas will await its fate when the College Football Playoff rankings come out on Sunday.

Ewers had a record-setting day for the Longhorns, completing 35 of 46 passes for 452 yards and touchdowns to lead the charge. It was a day full of trick plays for Steve Sarkisian, who drew up both a flea flicker and a big-man touchdown to T’Vondre Sweat in the first half — both of which resulted in touchdowns.

It’s been quite the year for the Longhorns, whose 12-1 record is the program’s best since that 2009 season. Sarkisian’s third season as head coach has been a special one, and it could continue into the CFP depending on what the committee decides to do on Selection Sunday.