Yay for the Memories, Big XII Conference! OU/TCU, OSU/Texas

The Sooners are leaving for the Southeastern Conference and the Big XII Conference (as we know it) is disappearing like Marty McFly in that crinkled 4×6 picture he carried in front pocket (Back To The Future RULES). Each week of the conference season, YAY DUDE is going to look at some of the best and most exciting Big XII games for OU and OSU. Plus, we’ll try to take a peek into the future, too.

OKLAHOMA STATE

This week’s opponent: Texas

THE PAST

October 4, 1997

Bob Simmons. Tony Lindsay. There have been several blast from the past names in this Big XII look-back series. The names Simmons and Lindsay brought plenty of hope to OSU fans in a time when there hadn’t been much. The Pokes were coming off 8 straight losing seasons. Texas rolled into town reminiscing about steamrolling the Pokes 71-14 in the season prior. However, Simmons, Lindsay and the rest of the Pokes had other plans. The Cowboy defense held the legendary Longhorn, Ricky Williams, to 79 yards. OSU jumped out to a 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back en route to at 42-16 victory. Lindsay ran for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Photo: CowboysRideForFree.com

THE FUTURE

The Pokes are coming off a bye week. They should be well rested and have the gameplan down pat. Just like Tony Lindsay’s legs were the key to the ’97 game – Sanders legs could be the key to this year’s matchup. The Longhorn defense again proved they aren’t top notch by giving up 55 points in the Cotton Bowl last week to the Sooners, but this week will a test of their pride. Sanders mobility, Jaylen Warren as RB1, and a load of dangerous receivers will hopefully test their limits again . Can’t wait!

Photo: CowboysRideForFree.com

OKLAHOMA

This week’s opponent: TCU

THE PAST

December 1, 2012

This late season win earned the Sooners a piece of the Big XII Championship. The trip to Fort Worth paid off in a 24-17 victory. The Sooners were led by the Landry Jones who went 22-40 for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sooner running Damien Williams went over the 100 yard mark for the 4^thtime in the season running for 115 yards. Sooner receivers were led by Jalen Saunders who had his ninth 100 yards game of the season going for 108 and a touchdown.

Photo: The Oklahoman

THE FUTURE

Well…where to start. The oddity that has become this season is based on the expectations that have been created for over 2 years. Media and fans have consistently pointed to 2021. The season which holds the Sooners best chance for a National Championship in years. Thanks to a revamped the defense and thank to the golden armed QB1, Spencer Rattler. Now 6 games in, Rattler (who had been the preseason Heisman favorite) will now back up phenom, Caleb Williams. With Texas in the rear view, how will Caleb perform when a team knows he’s coming? We’ll see.