Good news. Nebraska at Oklahoma 2021 is going to happen after all despite some uncertainty on Friday.
Huskers Athletic Director Bill Moos released a statement Friday afternoon confirming as much.
“The University of Nebraska is looking forward to playing Oklahoma in Norman on September 18th,” Moos said. “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. That option would have helped us mitigate cost-cutting measures and provide a much-needed boost to our local economy.
“Ultimately, the decision was made to move forward with our game at Oklahoma in 2021. We have the utmost respect for the University of Oklahoma, and this storied rivalry, and I know our fans have been excited about this series for a long time. Go Big Red!”
The statement officially confirmed an earlier report from Stadium’s Brett McMurphy that the Huskers had explored replacing the trip to Oklahoma with a road game.
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
McMurphy later reported that MAC schools and Old Dominion were among those Nebraska contacted about the potential for a replacement home game.
Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione released his own statement Friday morning saying:
In response to inquiries I’ve received this morning…… pic.twitter.com/t7rVYL0NpJ
— Joe Castiglione (@soonerad) March 12, 2021
The matchup with Oklahoma was initially announced in 2012 as part of a home-and-home series to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 meeting between the two programs, dubbed the Game of the Century. The No. 1 ranked Huskers played No. 2 Oklahoma in Norman and won 35-31.
Nebraska last played in Norman in 2008, a 62-28 loss in Bo Pelini’s first season as head coach.
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
