Nebraska-Oklahaoma game still on after Huskers explore other possibilities

Game on.

Hours after a report that Nebraska was trying to back out of the game at Oklahoma this fall, NU Athletic Director Bill Moos confirmed that the game is still happening.

“The University of Nebraska is looking forward to playing Oklahoma in Norman on September 18th,” Moos said in a statement. “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.”

The statement from Moos came six hours after the report and three hours after a statement from Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione saying the Sooners “fully intend and expect to play the game as it is scheduled.”

Trying to find ways to cut costs and maximize revenue makes sense.

The Nebraska Athletic Department, just like all parts of the world economy, has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuts and furloughs were made last year. Projects were put on hold.

But replacing Oklahoma in a game set to mark the 50th anniversary of the Game of the Century with Old Dominion or a MAC opponent?

The fact that such an idea was explored to the point of calling other schools shows a shortsightedness beyond taking Husker football off Black Friday or giving perennial fodder to the Hawkeye fanbase by saying you “had to evaluate where Iowa was”.

Nebraska was the butt of jokes by national media and fans all fall for first wanting to play and then by underperforming. The optics of attempting to “duck” a national power is not something that was needed in Lincoln, and the worst part is it was entirely avoidable.

So, as of now, Nebraska will play in Norman this fall.