Football History

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The Ohio State-Oklahoma football rivalry, a storied clash between two college football titans, has been marked by numerous memorable games. One such encounter, played on September 24, 1977, stands out as a classic thriller that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of the sport.

The game began with Oklahoma storming out to a commanding 20-0 lead in the second quarter. The Sooners' high-powered offense, led by quarterback Steve Davis, seemed poised to cruise to an easy victory. However, Ohio State, known for its resilient defense and clutch performances, refused to back down.

The Buckeyes staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring Oklahoma 28-0 in the second half. Quarterback Rod Gerald led the charge, effectively directing the offense and finding his receivers in stride. Ohio State's defense also tightened up, limiting Oklahoma's scoring opportunities.

With the game on the line, Oklahoma managed to regain the lead with Elvis Peacock's 2-yard touchdown run, making the score 28-26 with 1:29 remaining. However, the Sooners' failed two-point conversion attempt left the door open for Ohio State to steal the victory.

That's when Uwe von Schamann, Oklahoma's kicker, stepped up to the plate. Von Schamann, a German-born player who had become a fan favorite in Norman, first successfully executed an onside kick, giving the Sooners a chance to regain possession. Then, with the clock winding down, he drilled a 41-yard field goal through the uprights, securing Oklahoma's dramatic 29-28 win.

The September 24, 1977 game between Ohio State and Oklahoma will be remembered as one of the greatest college football contests of all time. It showcased the resilience of both teams, the brilliance of individual players, and the sheer excitement of the sport. The game's thrilling finish, capped by von Schamann's clutch field goal, left a lasting impression on fans and solidified the rivalry between these two legendary programs.

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The 1977 matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Ohio State Buckeyes was a clash of titans that lived up to the hype. It was the first meeting between these two traditional football powers, and it didn't disappoint.

The Sooners came out firing, racing to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Tom Stafford, seemed unstoppable. However, the Buckeyes, known for their tough defense, were not to be outdone. They rallied in the second half, scoring 28 unanswered points to take a 28-20 lead.

With the clock ticking down, the game entered its final minutes. The Sooners managed to score a touchdown with just over a minute left, but their two-point conversion attempt failed. The Buckeyes had a chance to seal the victory, but their subsequent kickoff was recovered by Oklahoma.

Enter Uwe von Schamann, the Sooners' kicker. He first executed a successful onside kick, giving his team another chance. Then, with the pressure mounting, he drilled a 41-yard field goal through the uprights, giving Oklahoma the stunning 29-28 victory.

The game was a classic, a testament to the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. It will be remembered as one of the greatest college football matchups of all time, a game that showcased the thrilling nature of the sport.

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More than just a mascot, the Oklahoma Sooners' Sooner Schooner is a rolling emblem of history, spirit, and a dash of prairie whimsy. It's a relic of a bygone era, a horse-drawn wagon that thunders onto Owen Field, carrying both tradition and the hopes of thousands of crimson-clad fans.

Its origins lie in the early 20th century, when Oklahoma adopted the "Sooner" moniker, celebrating those who rushed into newly opened Oklahoma Territory. To embody this spirit, students in 1923 built a replica covered wagon, pulled by two spirited ponies. Thus, the Sooner Schooner was born.

It wasn't just a wagon; it was a spectacle. Fireworks erupting from its wooden frame, students dressed in pioneer garb, and the booming "Boomer Sooner" fight song resonating through the stadium: the Schooner's arrival became a pre-game ritual as exhilarating as any touchdown.

But the Schooner wasn't just for show. It symbolized resilience, weathering the ups and downs of Sooner football, from national championships to heartbreaking losses. It witnessed Barry Switzer's dynasty, watched Heisman winners like Billy Sims and Baker Mayfield shine, and rumbled through the mud and snow for countless victories.

The Schooner, however, isn't static. It evolves with the times. Its wheels roll on astroturf instead of grass, its ponies wear protective gear, and its pyrotechnics have grown even more elaborate. Yet, through the changes, the core remains: a tribute to the spirit of the Sooner, a beacon of unity for the crimson horde, and a reminder that in Oklahoma, history and tradition gallop hand-in-hand. There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Oklahoma Sooners football history.

The University of Oklahoma's identity is deeply woven with the spirit of the American pioneer and the resilience of its state's founding. This connection is evident in both the adoption of their "Sooners" nickname and the iconic Sooner Schooner mascot.

Early on, OU athletic teams lacked a unifying moniker. They were known as the "Rough Riders" or "Boomers" for a decade. "Boomer" referenced the rapid growth Oklahoma experienced, but it wasn't until 1908 that "Sooner" emerged. This term originated from the Land Run of 1889, where settlers staked claims on unassigned territories before the official starting gun. These individuals, known as "Sooners," embodied a pioneering spirit – ambitious, determined, and perhaps a touch rebellious. The university, embracing the complexity of its heritage, saw this as a fitting representation of its student body and adopted "Sooners" as its official nickname.

For decades, OU lacked a single, consistent mascot. A beloved dog named Mex held the role from 1915 to 1928, followed by an "Indian dancer" named Little Red in the 40s. However, the need for a mascot that transcended individual personalities became clear. 1964 the Sooner Schooner, a Conestoga wagon reminiscent of those used in the Land Run, was introduced. Pulled by a team of white ponies, it symbolized the pioneering spirit that gave the Sooners their name. The Schooner's popularity soared; by 1980, it was officially designated the mascot.

The story doesn't end there. Recognizing the limitations of a non-human mascot for wider representation, the university introduced costumed mascots, Boomer and Sooner, in 2005. These energetic ponies mirrored the Schooner's team and further solidified the connection between mascot and nickname.

Today, the University of Oklahoma's identity is deeply intertwined with the Sooner's moniker and the Sooner Schooner tradition. It's a testament to the university's heritage, celebrating both the pioneers' determination and its students' vibrant spirit.


There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Oklahoma Sooners football history.

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The 1988 Oklahoma State Cowboys versus Oklahoma Sooners game, played on November 5th in Stillwater, is etched in the hearts of both fanbases as an epic upset and a turning point in the rivalry. Here's a quick summary:

Setting the Stage:

Both teams entered ranked: #8 Oklahoma and #12 Oklahoma State.
OSU, led by Barry Sanders, the Heisman Trophy frontrunner, hadn't beaten OU since 1976.
The matchup was highly anticipated, dubbed "Bedlam" due to the intense rivalry.
The Game:

A defensive slugfest early on, both teams struggled to move the ball.
OSU struck first with a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.
OU countered with 21 unanswered points before halftime, seemingly taking control.
But the second half belonged to the Cowboys.
Barry Sanders exploded, running for two touchdowns and showcasing his Heisman-caliber talent.
OSU's defense held firm, shutting down OU's offense in the clutch.
The Cowboys mounted a 28-7 second-half comeback, culminating in a thrilling 31-28 victory.

The legendary Coach Steve Owen has his football life preserved in this presentation post from The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture on the legendary Billy Vessels