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 Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway (chest pass) contest went to DOUBLE OVERTIME at the Big 12 Championship. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/2vo0DZOVla
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 2, 2023
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.
It’s very funny that Dr Pepper hires a full crew of actual NCAA football refs to administer the tuition toss and they somewhat regularly award the wrong winner https://t.co/gRrvu0LQV1
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) December 2, 2023
“Dad, what was the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway at the 2023 Big 12 Championship like?”pic.twitter.com/lsTckUkeQR
— Money Mainville (@RyanMainville) December 2, 2023
Are these Big 12 refs? The Dr. Pepper Halftime toss - watch the guy on the left get credit for 6 after only nailing 5. pic.twitter.com/fYwUoElxOv
— Marc Istook (@MarcIstook) December 2, 2023
best sporting event i have ever watched
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) December 2, 2023
Gavin vs. Ryan in the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway pic.twitter.com/QcmG9X4ZTQ
— Molly (@FSUmollz) December 2, 2023
On replay review, it is CLEAR that Gavin actually won the first overtime 6-5. It should never have gone to double overtime. We may need an appeal to @drpepper HQ.
— Dan Lust, Esq. ???? (@SportsLawLust) December 2, 2023
There will be lawyers…pic.twitter.com/UshLdGHPmm
controversy in the dr. pepper tuition giveaway — did ryan get the game-tying shot off in the first OT? @Stewhog thinks not pic.twitter.com/U9snERGjkv
— Christina Long (@christinalong00) December 2, 2023
Pay them both @drpepper
— Jason Kirk (buy my novel) (@JasonKirk_fyi) December 2, 2023
THE MOST ELECTRIC DR. PEPPER TUITION GIVEAWAY IN HISTORY
— Ross Bolen (@WRBolen) December 2, 2023
I’m offering to provide legal representation to the Dr. Pepper Tuition Challenge contestant who lost in overtime after his opponent tied him with a throw after the buzzer
— Paternity Riley (@lesterfreamon) December 2, 2023
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.
