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Friday, December 13, 2002
No. 1 Nebraska at No. 2 Oklahoma
BCSfootball.com
Nebraska and Oklahoma fans will be out in full force this weekend, recalling the days of Johnny Rodgers, Billy Sims, Tom Osborne, and Barry Switzer, as the No. 1 Huskers and No. 2 Sooners (in the BCS) resurrect one of the most intense rivalries in college football (ABC, 12 p.m. ET).
"If you're human, and you put No. 1 against No. 2 together, it's got to be something special," says Nebraska head coach Frank Solich.
Saturday's contest between the Nebraska and Oklahoma not only evokes memories of past glory, but has severe implications on this postseason. As ESPN's Chris Fowler writes, the rivalry will never be as great as it was 30 years ago, but its rebirth and current significance is enough. ABC's Jack Arute calls the game a prelude to the FedEx Orange Bowl.
|  | | Barry Switzer is carried off after an Oklahoma victory. |
One of the more interesting aspects of the game is the contrasting styles of the two teams. Nebraska is the master of the triple option, while Oklahoma has succeeded with the spread offense. ABC's Gary Danielson writes that the QB who wins this game takes a giant leap toward claiming the Heisman. Former OU quarterback J.C. Watts says the new offense is like Communism to a wishbone quarterback, but is happy to see the Sooners winning again. Indeed, Oklahoma is enjoying its transition from the wishbone to its wide-open attack.
The stylistic contrast brings forth several interesting matchups. While Oklahoma's spread offense will put heat on rover Joe Walker and Nebraska's secondary, the Huskers' devastating option attack will test the mettle of the Sooners' linebacking corps, featuring the tandem of Rocky Calmus and Torrance Marshall.
As ABC's Brent Musburger writes, Nebraska-Oklahoma is one of many on a docket of must-see games this weekend. Indeed, the media has swarmed Norman, just a couple years after people avoided covering the Sooners.
A number of players had a chance to chat with users on BCSfootball.com and ESPN.com. Russ Hochstein, a Nebraska native, said the game means much more than beating a big rival.
Heisman quarterbacks Eric Crouch and Josh Heupel also stopped by to answer user questions.
The game has also brought back memories of previous heroes for Oklahoma and Nebraska. Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers recalls the best game ever in the series -- the epic 1971 battle.
Other Nebraska-Oklahoma legends:
Marcus Dupree: Those damn knees
Dave Rimington: Nebraska's best lineman
Dean Steinkuhler: Recalling the fumblerooski
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 Jack Mildren connects with Jon Harrison.
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Johnny Rodgers returns punt for a touchdown.
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Jack Mildren decides to keep the the ball on the option.
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Joe Wiley gets the first down.
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 Oklahoma's Andre Woolfolk doesn't want lose this Saturday to Nebraska.
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Oklahoma's Josh Norman comments on his teams attitude heading into Saturday's game against Nebraska.
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Frank Solich will be looking to control the Sooner offense.
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Eric Crouch is expecting a physical game with Oklahoma.
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