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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Tyler Lauletta

Double-OT Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway Far More Interesting Than Big 12 Title Game Itself

Saturday’s showdown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, had everyone one could want from a sporting contest—high stakes, referee drama and double overtime.

No, we’re not talking about the Big 12 championship game between No. 7 Texas and No. 18 Oklahoma State—a game that felt mostly settled as the Longhorns took a 35-14 lead into halftime.

We’re talking about the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway that occurred during the break.

Two students were pitted against each other with the goal of tossing footballs into giant Dr Pepper cans, with the winner earning $100,000 toward college tuition.

On Saturday, contestants Ryan and Gavin tied in the first round, sending the contest to overtime at 10-10.

The drama must be seen to be believed.

The first overtime was a period of just 15 seconds, and it came with a bit of controversy. It appeared Ryan accidentally was awarded an extra point due to a miscue from the scorekeeper, a questionable move that pushed the contest to double overtime at 16-16. Ryan won on the first toss of the do-or-die shootout.

Fans online loved the drama of the shootout, bringing plenty of jokes, but they also demanded justice for Gavin, who might have been the rightful win if there had been better officiating.

Shortly afterward, Dr Pepper announced it would award $100,000 each to Ryan and Gavin because of the controversy.

Thanks to both contestants for providing the only drama of the Big 12 championship game.

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