Oklahoma AD 'fully' intends to play Nebraska despite reports Huskers want out
Though there are reports that Nebraska is looking for a way out, Oklahoma is still planning for the two programs to square off this fall — the first of a home-and-home series commemorating the 50th anniversary of the “Game of the Century.”
Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione issued a statement on Twitter on Friday insisting that the Sooners “fully intend” to take on Nebraska this fall.
In response to inquiries I’ve received this morning...... pic.twitter.com/t7rVYL0NpJ
— Joe Castiglione (@soonerad) March 12, 2021
“The Oklahoma-Nebraska football series represents one of the most unique traditional rivalries in college football,” Castiglione said in a statement. “It features fierce competition, yet genuine mutual respect between the programs and the fan bases. The planning for this game was intentional as we mark the 50th anniversary of the Game of the Century. We’ve been looking forward to celebrating these two storied programs and have collaborated on various aspects of what promises to be a special weekend.
“We fully intend and expect to play the game as it is scheduled.”
Nebraska reportedly trying to get out of game
According to Stadium’s Brett McMurphy, Nebraska is “trying to get out” of their game against Oklahoma on Sept. 18, and have "contacted other schools" to play them in Lincoln on that date.
Nebraska is trying to get out of playing Oklahoma on Sept. 18, sources told @Stadium. The Cornhuskers have contacted other schools to play in Lincoln on that date, sources said. The game was scheduled to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 "Game of the Century" b/w No. 1 NU & No. 2 OU
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) March 12, 2021
Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos issued a statement later on Friday afternoon, insisting that they are still in for the game — though admitted that they looked around for another home game.
Statement from Athletic Director, Bill Moos. pic.twitter.com/qeATVY0GBC
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) March 12, 2021
"Due to the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to Husker athletics and the local community, our administration did explore the possibility of adding an eighth home game this fall," he said, in part. "That option would have helped us mitigate cost-cutting measures and provide a much-needed boost to our economy.
"Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward with our game at Oklahoma in 2021."
Oklahoma currently leads Nebraska 45-38-3 in their all-time series. The two schools used to meet annually and competed in the Big 12 until Nebraska left for the Big Ten in 2010. They agreed to this home-and-home in 2012 — something done to honor the 50th anniversary of No. 1 Nebraska’s 35-31 win over No. 2 Oklahoma in 1971. The Huskers, after that win, finished the 1971 season by winning their second straight national championship.
The two schools added a second home-and-home series in 2016, set for the 2029 and 2030 seasons.
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