There's something special about the first week in October - yes, the leaves start to change colors and the blazing hot weather cools a tad, but one event is paramount over all others this time of the year:
The annual Red River matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns.
70 years ago when the Big 12 was just a "Big 6," fans looked forward to this game. Fans once had to "pay-per-view" to see the game if they weren't in Dallas. Others tried to manipulate the system to receive student tickets. Five years ago, fans just wanted to end another losing streak (which turned out to be the start of five, and counting, winning streak).
Then again, football has always been a major part of OU and Oklahoma lifestyle. Take 40 years ago, for example. The dedication of Lake Thunderbird - dedicated by a visiting Navy officer, in town to lead his team against the first matchup between the Sooners and Navy. 15 years ago, current OSU head football coach Mike Gundy was already showing his OSU ties, despite his brother's ties to OU. During the Coach John Blake era, a student streaked across the field in boxers trying to rally the team.
So take a trip back in time with this historical week. They call it "Red October" in this state for a reason.
Five years ago: OU hopes to snap streak
10 years ago: OU fan bares briefs at CU game
20 years ago: OU-Texas televised?
25 years ago: Stanford's Elway tips game balance
30 years ago: Thirty Texas tickets' distribution planned
35 years ago: Divided they stood
40 years ago: Lake Thunderbird Reservoir dedicated
45 years ago: 'Pride' plans Sooner Salute
50 years ago: Everyone's going to Dallas... to see Texas get stomped
55 years ago: OU Coeds Rated Prettiest Anywhere by Dress Expert
65 years ago: Team gets send-off
70 years ago: Big Six teams to try power on new fields
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