by Mike Felten

One of my happiest moments was being in Norman, Oklahoma on a Nebraska game day. The Macanudo bus had pulled up and gave away free cigars and beer. Good friends were at hand. The Sooners would win the game without much of a struggle. That game, that memory and tradition vanished Sunday like Johnny Rodgers on that 1971 punt return.

The Big Ten needed another team to help fill it’s coffers and qualify to hold a championship game. Nebraska was miffed about that one second left on the clock last year that put Texas into the NC game (and the new Texas football network). Big Red was ripe for the roses (and the Rose Bowl)

They figure they can whip the best of Big Ten east, survive Ohio State and collect their BCS payout on a regular basis

So instead of Nebraska, Oklahoma will be playing Iowa State. Instead of Oklahoma and Texas, Nebraska fans will try and get excited about Indiana and Northwestern.

We all lose until maybe 2020. The rivalry may be renewed then.

Will anyone remember? Will anyone care?

Mike Felten is an SFC sportswriter fellow.  He is a music industry veteran, a performer, and owner of the Landfill Records, the former Record Emporium, navigating the transitioning areas of intellectual property and musicians rights. Born and raised in Chicago, Mike is a long time Chicago Cubs fan and a Oklahoma Sooners booster.