Where Charles Tapper is from, state fairs aren't as prominent as the one in Dallas.
Naturally, neither is the Red River Showdown.
The senior defensive end grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where college football isn't on everyone's mind in October - let alone Oklahoma and Texas' annual rivalry game.
"In Baltimore, all you hear about is high school (football)," Tapper said. "My high school had a big rivalry. It’s called the City-Poly Football Game. That’s the biggest football game in Baltimore, I think. That’s all you really hear about.”
Tapper is entering his final game against Texas Saturday, however. And the senior recalls gazing at the half-split collection of crimson and orange in awe.
Tapper said walking down the ramp with 92,000 fans waiting at the end is simply an amazing feeling. And it may be an emotional one in his final Red River outing.
"I wish everyone could walk down the ramp with us and see that atmosphere and see the trash talk that goes on walking beside us in Texas," Tapper said. "It’s crazy.
"This experience is one I would die for. After this year, I can never get this back. And I know probably after the game, I’ll let a few tears go.”
Oklahoma is a big favorite against Texas this year. The Longhorns are 1-4 after suffering losses to four ranked teams, but Texas did beat Oklahoma two seasons ago as an underdog.
Despite Texas' record, OU is treating the Longhorns as if the roles were reversed.
“You always take Texas serious," Tapper said. "Especially this year, they have nothing to lose. We have a lot to lose. We’re looking at this as we need to go out there and dominate no matter what. So right now, we’re looking at them as they’re 4-0 and we’re 0-4."
And for Tapper, a loss would deny him his long-awaited Red River senior moment.
He is a senior defensive lineman. Which means if OU wins, he'll have the honors of taking OU's large crimson flag and planting it at the 50 yard line.
"That game means a lot for us, it means a lot to the fans, and we need to go out there and win," Tapper said. "We need to be the ones stabbing the OU flag in the middle of the field. That’s what you come here for. That’s what I paid my four years of dues just to get to wave that flag and stab it in the ground.”
Oklahoma and Texas will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday. ABC will carry the broadcast from the Cotton Bowl.
