Battle Of The Big Reds: Oklahoma-Nebraska Rivalry Officially Renewed

The Oklahoma Sooners have had a long standing rivalry with the Nebraska Cornhuskers that reached a pinnacle during the 1970's and 1980's. However, with conference realignment shifting the college football landscape in dramatic fashion, Nebraska went packing as they moved to the Big 10.

"Our rivalry with Oklahoma has been one of the great traditional matchups in the history of college football," Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne said. "The games between the two schools were generally to decide a conference championship, and many times helped determine the national champion. Those matchups were always played with great intensity on the field, but with a great deal of respect from both sides and among the fan bases. - Nebraska Athletic Department

As mentioned above, the final matchup with both schools in the Big XII played out once again with a Big XII Championship on the line in 2010. This time, the Sooners came up with a 23-20 victory after trailing early.

The rivalry will be renewed starting in 2021 with a home-and-home contract being signed today. This 2021 game will be hosted in Norman (2022 will be hosted in Lincoln) and will commemorate the most famous game of this series in the 1971 "Game of the Century."

The Game of the Century started a run of NU-OU games from 1971 to 1988 in which both teams were ranked in the top 11 of the Associated Press Poll in 17 of 19 meetings. Overall, at least one team has been ranked in the top 10 nationally in 48 of the games, with two top 10 teams 18 times. Since the Associated Press Poll began, the "Battle of the Big Reds" has featured at least one ranked team in 60 of 70 games. - Nebraska Athletic Department

Needless to say, this game will most likely top many fans wishlists with the history between the two schools. While 2021 is a ways off, recruiting and conference realignment could continue to shift as these two teams morph into different monsters. However, here is to hoping we see a top 10 matchup once again in the Battle of the Big Reds!