HuskerBob, (7/9/2008 8:02:09 PM)

I admire the Sooners sportsmanship. Up here most all of us were sorry about Callahan, his comments and how everything got out of hand. One thing Mr. Sittler, I do not recall Callahans "profanity laced" performance. One word in one classless comment does not make a "profanity laced" performance. I am in no way a fan of Callahan but be fair in your commentary...unless you happen to have more than just the "F" bomb from him.

Again, much admiration to my Sooner friends and best of luck in your season.

Roy, Lakewood (7/9/2008 9:46:35 PM)

I admire the "mission" that the AD is taking. I was introduced to seeing OU-NU live in Memorial Stadium in '59 when we upset the mightly Wilkinson machine. Ever since, the Sooner fans have alwys been classy and good sports. I respect your football program very much. What a contrast to the MU and CU contingents!

Husker

pbesquire, (7/9/2008 10:00:32 PM)

Shame on Bill Callahan for damaging what used to be (and can be again) one of the greatest rivalries in college football. Although we love to hate each other, we also respect each other. We have been through too many classic wars to not have mutual respect. And all those magical moments! Greg Pruitt, Elvis Peacock, Thomas Lott, Buster Rhymes, Billy Simms, Spencer Tillman, the Boz, Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, IM Hipp, Jarvis Redwine, Brodrick Thomas, and on and on.

Go Big Red(s)!

Scott in Peace River, Alberta, Peace River, Alberta, Canada (7/10/2008 12:43:13 AM)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Nebraska and Oklahoma play in the 2006 Big XII Champonship Game in KC. So we have played each since 2005. Sooners won 21-7. I believe the game was actually quite close until a late OU TD sealed the win.

Anyhow my first football memory was listening to the "71 game with my father and grandfather while we fixed fence in the sandhills of Western Nebraska.

No football season ever seemed complete until the OU game at the end.

I'm sure alot of Huskers fans would agree that we would much rather play OU at the end of every year than the "manufactured" rivalary with Colorado.

Ahusker1, (7/10/2008 5:50:23 AM)

We applaud your actions. OU-NU games were always played with class, on and off the field. Until Callahan got involved. He definitely changed our program. Husker Nation thanks you for forgiving what one IDIOT (Callahan) can do to tarnish such a great tradition. The game should be played on Thanksgiving. Thats what college fans want to see.

Fan from Sioux Falls, (7/10/2008 6:09:42 AM)

First, I think the Game of the Century reunion is a great idea and will make for a great half time show to this year's game. I appreciate the rivalry between OU and NU and the way that I was treated by OU Fans during my two trips to Norman for OU - NU games. Second, I would like to include some other items that tarnished this rivalry. While I will not defend coach Callahan for an ill-advised comment or for ignoring tradition, I don't think he deserves all of the blame for unfortunate incidents at the last game in Norman. I believe Coach Stoops called a time out late in the 4th quarter of this game while leading 28-0 to attempt to get more points--probably for BCS standings. While that is his right, I do not believe Coaches Switzer, Gibbs, Osborne or Solich would have made that same call. I also remember that some OU fans booed the Nebraska field goal after the NU defense held OU on fourth down and a fullback made a long run on a play that was probably intended to kill the clock. The field goal ruined OU's shutout that they probably would have kept without the timeout that Coach Stoops called. Regardless, I expect the half time event to be an impressive gathering of great athletes from both programs and the tradition / rivalry to improve this year.

big8tob12, (7/10/2008 10:01:54 AM)

I was ashamed of coach calley in so many ways. Glad to see that OU is above the actions of one foolish man. OU has always had more class than the average program, this is just another example of it. Born Husker Red, but I always pull for Stoops and the Sooners when not playing NU.

I have never missed an OU vs. Nebr Game in my life time and God willing I never will.

Good Luck OU on your Nat Title run this year.

GBR

Husker 82, (7/10/2008 10:07:55 AM)

BILL CALLAHAN WAS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE A CORNHUSKER!!!!!!!!

WE ASK THAT THE SOONER NATION STRIKE THE LAST FOUR YEARS FROM THE RECORD OF THIS GREAT RIVALRY!

THIS GREAT ANNUAL RIVAL MATCHUP SHOULD BE RESTORED!!!!

AP, (7/10/2008 11:09:14 AM)

Husker 82, Sooner fans will probably want to strike years 1995-1999 if you get to strike four years too.

NZ Husker, (7/10/2008 11:15:02 AM)

Greatest College Football Rivalry! I agree both programs have some years (In the past 15) in which they wish to forget but now is a great time to remember the past and re-new a great rivalry in college fooball. Especially with the friendship of Pelini and Stoops.

Great Article and what a classy gesture by OU's AD.

Who's Callahan???

soonerguy, (7/10/2008 11:39:51 AM)

Wow, what a strong response from dedicated Nebraska fans, and every one classy and sincere. There is definitely something different about this rivalry, and that is evident in these posts. Can't wait to see Nebraska football return to its former power with Bo Pelini, hopefully in the near future. Nebraska should be the perennial Big 12 North power.

See you in November!

azhuskers, Chandler (7/10/2008 1:25:02 PM)

There were no fences to be mended. A few rare instances: one from a rouge, unpopular coach, and the other from a couple of fired up students/kids. There will always be the mutual respect and admiration for eachother's programs.

I grew up in the 80's watching these teams battle and hated OU with a passion but I always respected them. I acn honestly say that OU has an additional few million fans cheering for them in the Red River Shootout.

You stay classy, OU! (Go Big Red!)

Husker 82, (7/10/2008 2:13:05 PM)

Most of us Husker fans always felt horrible for what OU went through in the down years....I guess I always hoped that OU fans kinda looked with empathy on us as well during the past four years.....

I can't say enough about how much I've enjoyed watching Stoops bring the Pride and Tradition back to OU.

Here's hoping BO can do the same for us!!!

Lets start a new tradition of meeting in the Big Xll Championship every year!

schlinnigan, Collinsville (7/10/2008 3:33:42 PM)

While I hate to have to sit here and "sort of" defend Callacan't I do have to point out one more slight error in the article. The sooner fans weren't just throwing oranges "onto the field"...they were throwing them AT NU players and coaches. I know this because my longtime OU buddy was one of them doing it and hit an NU player right in the head. So...while Callacan't use of words was innappropriate he had very very good reason to be angered.

Furthermore...yes I understand the throwing oranges "tradition" however in my opinion this tradition should be reserved for when the orange bowl is actually "locked up". After this game OU still had 2 games left to win before an Orange Bowl bid, and in 00 I personally witnessed oranges flood the field after the NU game with half a season left. This is not "tradition" this is people being arrogant and obnoxious.

Props to Castiglione for the celebration though! That's a start.

Husker 82, (7/10/2008 4:03:04 PM)

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A FEW IDIOTS THAT WILL RUIN A GOOD THING!

I SAT IN THE OU SECTION OF THE BIG Xll CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THE YEAR K-STATE TOOK THEM BEHIND THE WOOD SHED, AND I WAS IMPRESSED BY THEIR SPORTSMANSHIP, DESPITE WHAT WAS HAPPENING ON THE FIELD.

CU FANS ARE THE ONLY ONES I'VE EVER HAD AN OVER ALL NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE WITH.....

HECK EVEN THE USC FANS I MET LAST YEAR WERE GREAT.....AND WE ALL KNOW HOW US MID-WESTENERS FEEL ABOUT CALIFORNIANS...HA..HA...

GOD I LOVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL.....ONLY 7 WEEKS LEFT!!!!!!!!!

HuskerSkier, dillon (7/10/2008 8:23:13 PM)

Could I say a few words - class class class class class class. Sheesh, I think there were only two posts that didn't have that word in it. Have we had enough patting each other on the back for being good fans yet? I can't wait till this rivalry starts getting competative so we can stop missing hating each other and start hating each other again.

Stay classy OU

NU71, (7/10/2008 9:10:26 PM)

As a card-carrying NU fan and alum, I look forward to re-establishing the relationship that the Huskers and Sooners used to enjoy. We really didn't hate the Sooners, and we didn't fear 'em, but we sure as hell RESPECTED them. Oklahoma had its period of struggle, and Nebraska is in the midst of theirs. Once we get back to playing representative football, perhaps the rivalry will decide some conference championships or more.

TX Husker Girl, Dallas (7/11/2008 9:50:14 AM)

Were any of you at that game in 2004? I was personally horrified by all of the bad things that happened. The adult OK
fans may respect our rivalry but the student section could care less. I went with a large bus of fans to the game. Walking from the parking lot to the stadium we had corn cobs and beer thrown at us. They were yelling at us to go back to the cornfields.
I know some NE fans whose tires were slashed and some buses had rocks stuck in the tail pipes. It was brutal. I lost a lot of respect for Ok after that.
As far as Callahan goes, don't worry, he called Nebraskans a bunch of hillbillies also.

misplaced Michigan Husker, (7/12/2008 7:10:16 PM)

Ok, I was born three months before the "Game of the Century"... Don't remember that game but boy do I remember the late 70's early 80's - I remember different radio shows talking about the Barry "Sweatshirt" programs, etc. I miss those days when there was a GREAT rivalry between two teams - those were fun times. As I have gotten older, I have a greater appriciation for the game and, a greater appriciation for other teams. I want to tip my hat to you, Oklahoma. You are showing that you are a top-notch organization that can recognize a great game, regardless of the outcome.

Now, TX HuskerGirl... You too make a great point, however.... Hopefully, no matter how bad it can get at those games, at least we don't experience that "Neaderthal" behavior that apparently is exhibited during the Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry... From talking to my misguided Michigan (fans) friends, that is a horrific experience.

respectOU, (7/13/2008 12:16:35 PM)

This is a great idea and sweet to hear for a throwback fan.

By throwback I mean I was taught young to be a Cornhusker fan first, a Sooner fan second.

"Always root for Oklahoma when they're not playing Nebraska. We do this because Oklahoma deserves respect."

Will always remember my dad hearing me root against OU 'because they beat us last year' and educating me on why that was inappropriate. Lesson learned.

That '71 game was played before I was born but I've seen the playbacks of the game with Husker/Sooner voiceover and I don't think you get any classier than Jack Mildren. And what a competitor.

2curious, (7/14/2008 10:49:56 AM)

Fell in love with college football that day in 1971. Haven't missed a OU v. NU game since. LOVE the posts here...because you're all exactly right. OU has many rivals...and nearly all are respectful rivalries. But, the Huskers ALWAYS have our respect.

I've seen some youngsters who have grown up in this "gotta hate you because you root for a different team" era...and have tried to set them straight about just what a true rivalry is really like. This is one of the best. There are some teams that just don't get it (K-State come to mind??? Ie; "white trash that won the lottery!").

We (OU) need to do our part to help restore the good feelings between the schools. Castiglione has hit the bulls eye with this one. Way to go, Joe.

And...we're glad to see Bo Pelini up there in Lincoln. Gotta say, we didn't like Callahan much down here either. The Big Red Huskers will be back bigger than ever...and it'll be fun to watch how quickly you'll forget Billy boy.

Somehow...I seem to remember (way back there in the dark recesses of my memory somewhere) that we had a few coaches that caused some suffering in Sooner land. :-)

BlackshirtJM, Smithville (7/14/2008 7:57:48 PM)

I've been a Husker fan all my life; but all this recent talk of bad relations between OU and NU is a bunch of hooey. Real NU fans love OU, and that has never changed. All the "bad blood" is between kids who weren't raised right, a guy from California who just wasn't a good fit, and others who don't know squat about NU/OU.

When NU isn't playing in a major bowl, I always root for OU, and I have a powerful lot of OU friends who do the reverse. That's the way its been for more years than most of you reading this have been alive. And that's the way it's gonna stay.

Jack Mildren was a great guy. I may not be an Oklahoman, but he was a true sportsman. Back prior to the '71 OU/NU "Game of the Century", I was OU totally wipe out either Kansas or K-State. Mr. Mildren must've thrown for like a bazillion yards, and ran like a gazelle all day long. That was the greatest College QB I had ever seen, better even than Tommy Frazier or Vince Young.

'Course, it might just be childhood memories, but I seem to recall young Jack being like, oh, twelve feet tall or thereabouts, and facial expressions that just said "OKLAHOMA IS OK" all over it. When I think about all the great players I've seen through the decades, Mr. Mildren was always right at or near the very top.

So this nonsense about NU hating OU really is nonsense. An OU fan might not like a particular NU fan or player, but these clowns don't speak for the rest of us. You want to see NU and OU do something great? Restore the annual game; regular conference games when scheduled, and pre-season games when not.

Bo's back, and the order is on the way to full restoration. Someone remarked that we'd forget "Billy boy". Bill who? Y'know, it's like that Bobby Ewing thing; it was all a verrrry baaaaad dream......time to wake up...Bo never left....never left....never left....

You just watch. NU-OU. It'll be another ratings sweep, kicking the ratings pants out of American Idol...again. Bad blood? Hooey.

BlackshirtJM, Smithville (7/14/2008 8:09:43 PM)

2curious, you sound like me...root for OU when not playing NU. Guess that makes me a throwback too, but I'll wear that shirt with pride.

BlackshirtJM, Smithville (7/14/2008 8:14:01 PM)

About Callahan's "hillbilly" remarks; apparently, he was never keen on Geography, because that remark pretty much alienated us all, everyone who lives in what the Californians call "Flyover country". OU fans were understandably upset, but for Husker fans, well, that was the first day of The End. He just wasn't Nebraska.

OldHusker, (7/15/2008 11:30:48 AM)

OldHusker

I love it, I love it, I love it. I'm so happy there are still class people around like Joe Castiglione and of course our beloved Tom Osborne. In the name of sportsmanship, respect, great rivalries, history, the good of college football; EVERYTHING is right about the proposed events of Nov 1 in Norman. Thanks, Joe.

I'm a NU alum, letterman and fan and was a student at the '59 upset of Bud's Sooners in Lincoln (still have a mug fashioned out of a piece of one of the uprights) and will never forget yelling and screaming in a living room full of Huskers on Thanksgiving Day in '71. God, I love college football so much that reading the remarks from all the NU and OU fans brought tears to my eyes.

I going to be in Norman on Nov 1 whether I have a ticket or not!