Lincoln Riley on the renewed rivalry with Oklahoma, Nebraska

When Oklahoma and Nebraska face off in Norman on Saturday, one of the most historic rivalries in the history of college football will be alive yet again. The two programs have a long history against each other, and Oklahoma is ready to renew that history on Saturday.

Suffice it to say, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley is very excited for the game.

One of the ‘greatest rivalries in the history of this game’

Oklahoma is currently 2-0 and ranked No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll. The Sooners narrowly defeated Tulane in the opening game, 40-35. In Week Two, Oklahoma dominated Western Carolina, winning 76-0. Riley knows the significance of the rivalry and is ready to do his part to honor it on Saturday.

“It’s an exciting week, I’m really looking forward to this game,” Riley said to reporters on Tuesday. “There’s been a lot of buildup and rightfully so. We’re talking about one of the greatest rivalries in the history of this game, one of the most influential rivalries. To get a chance to bring that game back to life here this year is a great opportunity. We have talked to our team a little bit about the significance of this rivalry, what it means and the history behind it.

“Because we do take a lot of pride in our program and all the players, coaches, everybody that came before us and what they did to build this. We know how significant it is and was to those people throughout the years. We want to do a great job of honoring that by putting our best foot forward, having a great week and being ready to play a good Nebraska team. So, we’re excited for the challenge and looking forward to another home game.”

Oklahoma has recently dominated the series over Nebraska

The Cornhuskers are currently 2-1. Nebraska played in one of the few “week zero” games, where they lost to Illinois 30-22. The Cornhuskers bounced back with a commanding 52-7 win over Fordham in week one. Nebraska dominated Buffalo in week two, winning 28-3.

Oklahoma and Nebraska have faced off 86 times since the introduction of the rivalry in 1912. The Sooners lead the all-time series 45-38-3. The game hasn’t occurred since 2010, so Saturday truly will mark a revival of the history between the two programs. In the eight matchups between the two teams since 2000, Oklahoma has beaten Nebraska six times. Saturday’s game is set to kick off in Norman at 12 noon ET.