OU vs. Nebraska Gameday Blog

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10:22 p.m. | Final Score: OU 62, NU 28
Thanks again for following along. Stay tuned to SoonerSports.com for complete postgame coverage.

Recap | Stats | Notes | Quotes |

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10:18 p.m. | The Bugeaters
We're winding down here on the sideline just trying to fend off the bugs. Speaking of bugs, did you know that Nebraska's first nickname was the Bugeaters? Props to boss-man Matheson for continuing the traditional "Mascot Trivia" entry this week.

10:11 p.m. | Big Game Bradford
Sam Bradford's five touchdown passes tonight marks the 11th time that a Sooner QB has thrown for at least five touchdowns in a game. Bradford holds the OU record with six five-touchdown performances. Jason White threw for five TDs on three occasions while Josh Heupel did it twice.

10:01 p.m. | Returning the Favor
Dian Rowan, who donated the online auction experience she won for the Cincinnati game earlier this year (remember Kiki Calton?), is in attendance tonight and received VIP treatment from the Oklahoma Athletics Department before the game. Rowan, whose father just so happened to be the PA announcer for the Sooners while he was a student at OU in the 1920s, was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the press box and had the opportunity to go down on the sideline prior to the game.

9:55 p.m. | Another Sellout
Tonight's attendance was just announced at 85,212, the 61st consecutive sellout and fourth-largest crowd ever to see a game at Memorial Stadium. Thanks again for being the greatest fans in college football.

9:48 p.m. | Murray Matches AD
From media relations graduate assistant Phillip Rogers up in the press box: "DeMarco Murray now has 29 career touchdowns, tying Adrian Peterson for the most TDs by a Sooner in his first two years."

9:43 p.m. | Props for Volleyball
Between quarters, the OU volleyball team, which knocked off No. 3 Texas, 3-2, Wednesday night in Austin, was recognized on the field. The Sooners host Baylor at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Field House.

9:39 p.m. | Murray Again and Again and Again
That's Murray's third touchdown of the evening and second consecutive game with at least three scores. Murray has punched in nine touchdowns in the last three games.

9:31 p.m. | Lull in the Game Video
Assistant Media Relations Director David Bassity checks in with his weekly "Lull in the Game" video: Sam Bradford has a rocket much like whoever threw the money bottle in this video:

Dude, Watch Out for the Money Bottle

9:20 p.m. | Fireworks
OU Assistant Marketing Director (and Nebraska grad) Ashley Gloystein informed us that due to Oklahoma's prodigious scoring, our gameday staff has been forced to cut down on the amount of fireworks exploded after each Sooner touchdown. Perhaps Gloystein will have some backup sparklers for the fourth quarter.

9:13 p.m. | Gresham's Legal
Junior tight end Jermaine Gresham powered in for his second score of the night and 21st of his Sooner career. Gresham's 21 career scores ties Malcolm Kelly for second all-time (Mark Clayton, 31). You can keep up with Gresham every week at SoonerSports.com:

Jermaine Gresham Weekly Video Series

9:09 p.m. | Taste of the Town
Assistant A.D. for Development Matt Roberts just checked in to inform us of ESPN analyst Todd Blackledge's "Taste of the Town" choice in Norman. Blackledge enjoyed ribs, sliced brisket and a pulled pork sandwich at Van's Pig Stand. Good choice Todd.

8:55 p.m. | Traditions of Excellence
A great note on the history between OU and Nebraska from NU's weekly release: "Since 1948, at least one of the two teams has been ranked in all but three meetings." That's 60 years of great football in one of the most storied rivalries in the land.

8:43 p.m. | Halftime Entertainment
Today's halftime entertainment is highlighted by the 1971 Game of the Century reunion. Another classy act by our A.D., Joe Castiglione, for inviting former players back from both sides. Last night, we collected some video at the Game of the Century reunion over at the Switzer Center. Click the links below if you haven't already.

Pruitt, Rodgers Friends Through the Years

Coach Fairbanks Reflects on the 1971 Game

8:31 p.m. | King of the Gridiron
Sooner legend and current Dallas Cowboys' safety Roy Williams is this week's Jani-King "King of the Gridiron". SoonerVision just played the feature on the video board. We'll post it on our King of the Gridiron archive page later this week.

8:27 p.m. | From Halfway Around the World
"I am following gametracker of the OU vs. Nebraska game from Nanjing, China. It is 9:15 a.m. here. I was at the 1971 "Game of the Century" sitting high in the NW corner of the stadium. I was living in Yukon, OK at that time. I may have left Oklahoma but my football loyalty is still there. Thank God for the technology advances that allow us to enjoy our favorite sports events when we are halfway around the world. Go Sooners! - George, Phoenix."

Another great fan email. Keep 'em coming!

8:21 p.m. | Sideline Celebs
Boss-man Jason Matheson checks in with his weekly sideline celebrity sightings: former OU center Vince Carter, running back Jacob Gutierrez, receiver and aptly-named Josh Norman, plus Dewey Selmon and his son Zac, who was a tight end at Wake Forrest. Perennial supporters Jim "J.R." Ross, Toby Keith and "The King" Barry Switzer are also in attendance.

8:17 p.m. | Unprecedented Half vs. Huskers
Oklahoma's 49 first-half points against Nebraska are its most-ever in a half against the Cornhuskers. The Sooners previous best against NU was 34 in the second half of the 1954 contest.

8:12 p.m. | Street Cred for Nebraska?
We're wondering if Husker mascot "Lil' Red's" backwards hat qualifies as street cred in Nebraska. Not sure, but here's an entertaining video from YouTube to help better acquaint you with Nebraska's inflatable spirit ambassador.

8:01 p.m. | First Quarter Notes
A few notes from the media relations staff in regards to OU's offensive output in the first quarter:

• Oklahoma's 35 first-quarter points ties its most-ever against a Big 12 opponent. The Sooners also scored 35 in the second quarter against Texas A&M in 2003.

• OU's 97-yard touchdown drive for the final score of the quarter was its longest of the year. The Sooners previous long was 92 yards against Baylor.

• With his first-quarter 48-yard completion to Quentin Chaney, Bradford set an OU career record for pass completions for 40 or more yards with 30. He breaks the old mark of 29 previously held by Jason White.

7:56 p.m. | No, Thank You
We received the following message in our fan email inbox following the K-State game last week:

"We are Sooners living in the Pacific NW. We watched today's game on Fox Sports, and listened to the OU announcers call the game on Sirius Radio. During commercial breaks I would check out what you were saying on the blog. It's really great to be able to check this blog and read the reports from the side line before and during the game. It's a nice supplement to what we see on TV and hear on the radio broadcast. Keep up the good work! - Pam, OU '81"

We just want to say thanks again to everyone out there following along. We're happy to do it.

7:41 p.m. | Quarter Pounders
OU associate media relations director Jared Thompson just relayed a note from our resident stat guru Mike Brooks in the press box. Oklahoma's 35 points in the opening period mark the third time this season that OU has scored 28 or more points in the first quarter, a school record: Nebraska (35), K-State (28) and Baylor (28).

7:34 p.m. | Sooner TE Flashbacks
Jermaine Gresham nabs his eighth touchdown reception, fourth-straight game with a score and 20th TD catch of his career. Do you think Nebraska will have flashbacks to another Sooner tight end?

Keith Jackson vs. Huskers in 1985 | Jackson vs. NU in 1986

7:29 p.m. | Long Distance Call
With his first-quarter 48-yard completion to Quentin Chaney, Bradford set an OU career record for pass completions for 40 or more yards with 30. He breaks the old mark of 29 previously held by Jason White.

7:24 p.m. | Three Drives, Three Turnovers
Nebraska has two interceptions and a fumble on their first three drives of the game. It was Lendy's fourth interception of the season. Franks and Holmes have combined for four interceptions in Oklahoma's past three games.

7:22 p.m. | Need a Break?
Has ESPN had time to break for a commercial? Nebraska probably hopes one is coming up soon. Oklahoma comes out firing on both sides of the ball and has a 21-0 lead with 10:31 left in the first quarter. Night games in Norman seem to have more energy. Energy or not, OU is 59-2 under Stoops here at Owen Field.

7:17 p.m. | Taking it Away
That was a jarring hit delivered by Keenan Clayton to force the fumble. Auston English fell on the ball. OU's defense has forced turnovers in both Nebraska possessions.

7:15 p.m. | Sooners Up
Here behind OU's bench, the Sooner players appear especially fired up for this game. Perhaps it's the way it has started but we have players jumping on top of equipment trunks hopping up the crowd.

7:11 p.m. | Shock and Awe
OU's offense scores before Nebraska's offense has a chance at the ball and the defense scores before Nebraska's offense can complete a play. Franks takes the INT in for the score -- it's his third interception of the year and the first returned for a touchdown by the Sooners this season.

7:08 p.m. | Flash and Power
Perfect example of Murray showing his flash to set up the drive and Chris Brown coming in for the dirty work to punch the ball in for the touchdown. Both help Oklahoma to score again on its opening drive. It's the eighth time that's happened in OU's nine games this season. OU is all about the early strike.

7:05 p.m. | More Murray
A note from OU's crack sports information staff up in the press box: DeMarco Murray's 62-yard kickoff return to start the game was his longest since recording a 91 yarder for a touchdown against Baylor last season. It also marked his longest play of the season since recording a 49-yard run against UT-Chattanooga in OU's season opener.

7:03 p.m. | DeMarco is Back
Does it seem like DeMarco got a new set of Duracells? Oklahoma opens with some pop as Murray takes the opening kickoff into Nebraska territory. Nice to see a big special teams play for OU.

6:59 p.m. | Teams Take the Field
Both teams have taken the field and the crowd is thundering "Boomer" and "Sooner" back and forth. Nearly an incident as OU took the field at the conclusion of the intro video: a couple Nebraska players were slow to follow their teammates and crossed paths with the Sooner players. Both wisely pulled up and waited for the crimson stream to pass before continuing to their sideline.

6:52 p.m. | Whiter Horses?
We've noticed that Boomer and Sooner pulling the Schooner appear to be whiter than the last home game. We also noted that the pair are good at sprinting the straightaways but are still working out the kinks on making the turn at midfield.

6:41 p.m. | Pride Taking the Field
We're officially underway with OU's pre-game festivities as the Pride of Oklahoma marches onto the field. The stadium appears full. Nebraska has a sizable contingent of fans in the southeast and south stands. The national anthem is up next.

6:39 p.m. | Fuzzy Forecast
Anyone else notice that Gary England's pre-game forecast shown on the video board prior to the game has become much more generic? That freak storm that hit the stadium in the season-opener caught most everyone by surprise.

6:31 p.m. | Skycam Makes First Appearance
TV viewers will enjoy a first from Owen Field this evening. ESPN will utilize Skycam during the game providing zooming views just above the players' heads on the field. Technicians installed the wire suspension system on the four light poles in each corner of the stadium earlier this week. The camera package weighs less than 30 pounds and can travel at speeds up to 30 mph. This is the first time Skycam has been used at an OU home game.

6:17 p.m. | Pre-Game Observations
Oklahoma Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione is chatting with ESPN's sideline reporter, Holly Rowe, here in front of OU's bench. Gary Barnett, former Colorado coach and current BCS and FOX commentator, just walked by and shook Joe's hand. We've also noted several Fiesta Bowl representatives watching OU warm up -- how could you miss their pale yellow sports coats?

6:12 p.m. | Nebraska Announces Presence
The Nebraska band opened its first fanfare of the evening here in the stadium as Husker players jogged down the ramp and headed to the north side of the field to begin warmups. It's going to be difficult to distinguish Nebraska fans from OU's sea of crimson.

6:06 p.m. | Lights on at Owen Field
We're roughly an hour from kickoff here in Norman, the gates are open and fans are streaming into the stadium. This sun is setting and the press box shadow is already creeping into the upper deck on the east side. The lights are on, ready for the main event here this evening beginning shortly after 7 p.m.

3:04 p.m. | Remember the Food Drive
Remember that volunteers will be stationed outside the stadium gates as you enter the game today for the eighth annual 14 Foundation Holiday Food Drive collection. The event, founded by Josh Heupel's 14 Foundation, will assist 750 families in seven communities across Oklahoma. Families have been chosen in Ada, Enid, Kingfisher, Norman, Oklahoma City, Sand Springs, and Stillwater to help this Thanksgiving. More Info...

12:12 p.m. | OU-Nebraska Perspectives
From the Lincoln Journal Star: "Leave it to Oklahoma and Nebraska to do something unique," he said, "and still try to build something on class and dignity and respect for each other."

From the Grand Island Independent: "But a single game, however dramatic and memorable, doesn't make a rivalry. There's more to Nebraska-Oklahoma than Thanksgiving Day 1971, much more."

From the Tulsa World: "Amid the storytelling, backslapping and gut-busting that was the "Game of the Century" reunion Friday night, Barry Switzer said it best, as he typically does..."

From the Oklahoman: "This is incredible," said Joe Wylie, an OU halfback in 1971. "This has got to be a unique event, to invite the opposing team down when you lose." But that's the magic of..."

11:56 a.m. | First Look at Men's Hoops
Head coach Jeff Capel will hold a free intrasquad scrimmage inside the McCasland Field House just to the north of the stadium today. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the team will participate in individual drills starting at 3 p.m. before competing in two 15-minute periods beginning at 3:30. Read More...

For 2008-09 ticket information, fans may call the OU Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 456-4668 or click here.

9:16 a.m. | Quick Scan of Headlines
Scan headlines this morning from newspapers in both Oklahoma and Nebraska as the Sooners prepare to host the Huskers tonight:
Tulsa | OKC | Norman | Lincoln | Omaha | Grand Island

8:51 a.m. | Game of the Century Reunion
OU hosted Sooner and Husker coaches and players from the 1971 Game of the Century last night at Memorial Stadium:

Greg Pruitt, Johnny Rodgers Friends Through the Years

Chuck Fairbanks Reflects on the 1971 OU-Nebraska Game

1971 Game of the Century
The showdown between No. 1 and No. 2 will forever be remembered as just that... | More video

2000 OU-Nebraska Full Game
View the complete game, which fans voted the fourth greatest win of the 2000s... | More video

8:21 a.m. | No. 4 Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Welcome to the SoonerSports.com Gameday Blog. Throughout the day, you can view commentary from our staff, observations from the sideline at Owen Field, notes from the media relations staff in the press box plus fan emails and reaction during the game.

The No. 4 Sooners host the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman on Saturday. ESPN has the national telecast beginning at 7 p.m. Central.

Sooner Gameday Central | Boomer Bytes | OU Football Video Library

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