IRVING, Texas — All the hoopla surrounding the farewell to Texas Stadium was supposed to fire up the Dallas Cowboys. Well, it got to the Baltimore Ravens, too.

Feeling like they were a hand-picked foe set up for failure, the Ravens refused to play the stooge.

Matt Stover, who sold programs outside the stadium as a kid growing up in the area, kicked four field goals to wipe out an early deficit, then Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain ripped off long, record runs each time the Cowboys got close in the final minutes, sending Baltimore to a 33-24 victory last night and a step closer to the playoffs.

"It wasn't a homecoming game. It was more like a mock funeral," McGahee said. "We spoiled their day. It was probably the best concert ever in Irving, Texas."

Tony Romo tried to add one last memory to the long list of great games played under the hole in the roof, throwing touchdowns to Terrell Owens and Jason Witten in the final 3:50. Each score got the Cowboys within two points, but the Ravens refused to buckle.

On Baltimore's first snap after T.O.'s touchdown, McGahee broke through a line bunched up to stop the run and ran 77 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest of his career and it tied the longest ever by an opponent at Texas Stadium. McLain broke that record on the Ravens' next snap, going 82 yards for the longest touchdown of his career.

"We wanted to be party crashers," linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "I hope they enjoyed their little ceremony. I guess we were kind of like the dynamite."

The Ravens (10-5) bounced back from a controversial last-minute loss to Pittsburgh to win for the fourth time in five games. With only the AFC's sixth seed up for grabs, Baltimore is guaranteed of getting in with a victory over Jacksonville at home next weekend.

In addition to the homecoming theme, the Ravens also were motivated by Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett opting to remain with the Cowboys after interviewing to become Baltimore's coach last offseason.

"I wonder what team he wishes he was coaching tonight?" Suggs said.

The Cowboys (9-6) lost for the second time in three weeks, rekindling talk of their December disasters. While they can still get an NFC wild-card berth, this loss makes it tougher. They'll go to Philadelphia next Sunday needing a win and, perhaps, some help. Dallas' loss clinched a playoff spot for the Carolina Panthers.

"We've got to come back next week, try to win 10 games and see what happens," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said.

Only about half the crowd of 63,800 remained for the ceremony that featured introductions of about 100 former players, including 12 members of the Ring of Honor. Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach and Jerry Jones were among the speakers.

The Cowboys finished 213-100 in regular-season and postseason games at the home they moved into in 1971, going 6-2 this season.

NOTES

Raiders: Oakland receiver and former University of Hawai'i alum Ashley Lelie will miss the final two games of the season because of a calf injury. The team activated tight end Darrell Strong from the practice squad yesterday. Lelie had 11 catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns before injuring his calf last week against New England.

Panthers: Carolina has placed right guard Keydrick Vincent on injured reserve, ending the starter's season because of a groin injury from a week ago. The Panthers yesterday promoted defensive tackle Nick Hayden from the practice squad. Hayden will provide insurance because tackle and Kahuku High alum Maake Kemoeatu has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for today's game at the New York Giants.

Seahawks: Seattle has lost its fifth starter on the offensive line by placing tackle Sean Locklear on injured reserve yesterday. Locklear's season was over because of the toe he dislocated last weekend at St. Louis.

Colts: Crews imploded the Indianapolis Colts' former home yesterday by setting off 800 charges to bring down the RCA Dome's upper floors in about 25 seconds. The Colts moved into the new Lucas Oil Stadium this season. The team moved to Indianapolis in 1984.