There's been a lot memorable games between Oklahoma and Texas Tech over the last four years. OU's losses in 2005 and 2007 were stunning.
But there was never a game more hyped or electric than last season's OU-Texas Texas Tech at Owen Field.
"I just remember how loud it was," OU running back DeMarco Murray said. "I've never been a part of a game that was that loud ... I thought last year was one of the greatest atmospheres I have ever played in."
Owen Field was a pit of noise throughout a 65-21 victory over the Red Raiders. It was deafening prior to kickoff and still that way in the fourth quarter.
It might have been the Sooners' late season run to catapult past Texas in the BCS standings and into the Big 12 championship game that whipped OU fans into a frenzy. A not-so-subtle nudge by OU coach Bob Stoops helped, too.
It was one of several showdowns OU had with ranked teams during the final month of the regular season. But the one with then No. 2 Texas Tech stood out above all others.
"That crowd was different," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "Our team always plays well at home, but outside of playing well, that was the most unique crowd experience that I have ever seen in my time here at Oklahoma. It was huge, and our team fed off that."
Won't be any of that for OU to feed off of at 11:30 a.m. Saturday when the Sooners (6-4, 4-2 Big 12) face the Red Raiders (6-4, 3-3) at Jones AT--T Stadium in Lubbock.
No prime time television. No sense that the world is watching. No national championship implications. No Heisman Trophy implications.
Texas Tech coach Mike Leach doesn't see how the last meeting between these teams could have any implications on this game. What happened last season doesn't matter to him anymore.
Red Raider linebacker Bront Bird, however, sees things differently.
"This our chance to basically forget about that game last year and to get a win this year, and that is all we are going to focus on this week," he said. "That was embarrassing and probably the most embarrassing loss I have ever been a part of and I am sure the rest of the team feels the same way. So, like I said, getting a win this week would get that out of our memories and get that sour taste out of our mouths. So, that is what we are working on for this week."
So, will the frenzy that engulfed Texas Tech last season be repaid in Lubbock?
OU isn't expecting to lose, but they're expecting the noise level to get cranked up a few notches.
"I'm sure their fans are going to do something crazy for them and be as loud as they can be come Saturday," Murray said.
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
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