Posted: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 7:00 pm
During practice this week, video of past Nebraska-Oklahoma games, particularly the 1971 Game of the Century, has been shown on the big screens at Memorial Stadium, complete with audio.
“We’re just continuing to educate our players on the rivalry and the tradition of this game and the importance of it,” Husker coach Bill Callahan said after Wednesday’s two-hour workout. “We want to give them a clear understanding of all of the players who have played in this classic game and what it meant to them and what it means to us now.
“We’re trying to really bridge a link to the past and really try to draw upon that and get our players to really feel and understand what this game’s all about.”
Nebraska (5-2, 2-2 Big 12) plays Oklahoma (4-3, 3-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium, the 82nd meeting of the two tradition-rich programs.
Callahan said the video is played during parts of the practice when it doesn’t distract players — for instance, during breaks and stretching.
Nebraska coaches also want the players to know about respect the Huskers have always had for the Sooners, Callahan said.
BOWMAN BLACKSHIRT: Add Zackary Bowman to the list of Nebraska players wearing black practice jerseys. The junior cornerback on Wednesday was honored with the jersey, a symbol of first-string status on the Husker defense since former NU defensive line coach George Kelly instituted the policy in the 1960s. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Bowman, of Anchorage, Alaska, has been a regular in Nebraska’s three-man corner rotation since the start of the season. He has 16 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups for a unit that ranks 25th nationally in total defense. “He’s certainly earned it,” Callahan said. “He’s played considerably and been an outstanding contributor to what we’re doing on defense.”
SON’S SUCCESS: Callahan, to a certain extent, gets to share in the excitement generated by UCLA’s 7-0 record. The coach’s son, Brian Callahan, is a backup quarterback for the Bruins. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Callahan, a junior, hasn’t attempted a pass in his college career, but has been as high as third string. “They’ve worked hard to get to where they’re at,” the elder Callahan said, singling out UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell for praise. “My hat goes off to them, and I wish them continued success.” Does coach Callahan get to talk to his son much? “Yeah, he’s my son — I talk to him all of the time,” Callahan said with a chuckle. “I call to see how he’s doing as my son first, to see how he’s doing in school and how his life’s going and make sure everything’s OK. If football enters the conversation, then so be it, but it’s not why we communicate.”
HOPING FOR BEST: Oklahoma All-American tailback Adrian Peterson has been slowed by an ankle injury for the past month and sat out last week’s game against Baylor. It’s unclear how much the 6-foot-2, 218-pound sophomore will be able to play this week, assuming he plays at all. But Husker weakside linebacker Bo Ruud is crossing his fingers — in hopes that Peterson does play. “You never not want to get a team’s best shot,” Ruud said. “He’s their best player, their marquee guy. You always want to play against those guys.” In last year’s game against Nebraska, Peterson was held to 58 yards on 15 attempts in the Sooners’ 30-3 triumph.
— Steven M. Sipple