**Missouri–Oklahoma Football Rivalry**
**Definition**
The Missouri–Oklahoma football rivalry is a historic college football rivalry between the University of Missouri Tigers and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The rivalry, marked by intense competition and regional pride, has featured numerous memorable games since its inception in the early 20th century.
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# Missouri–Oklahoma Football Rivalry
The Missouri–Oklahoma football rivalry is a longstanding and competitive series between two prominent collegiate football programs in the United States: the Missouri Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners. Both teams have rich football traditions and have competed against each other regularly, particularly during their shared tenure in the Big Eight Conference and later the Big 12 Conference. The rivalry is characterized by its regional significance, competitive balance in various eras, and the passionate fan bases of both universities.
## Historical Background
### Origins of the Rivalry
The Missouri Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners first met on the football field in 1902. Over the decades, the rivalry grew as both programs developed into nationally recognized teams. The geographic proximity of Missouri and Oklahoma, along with their shared conference affiliations for much of the 20th century, helped foster a natural competitive spirit between the two schools.
### Conference Affiliations
Missouri and Oklahoma were both founding members of the Big Eight Conference, which was established in 1960, although their meetings predate this conference. The Big Eight was a major collegiate athletic conference in the Midwest and South Central United States. When the Big Eight merged with four teams from the Southwest Conference to form the Big 12 Conference in 1996, Missouri and Oklahoma continued their rivalry as conference opponents.
Missouri’s departure from the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2012 effectively ended the annual meetings between the two teams, though the rivalry remains a significant part of both schools’ football histories.
## Series Overview
### Overall Record
As of the last meeting, Oklahoma leads the series with a significant margin. The Sooners have historically been one of the most successful programs in college football, while Missouri has had periods of strong competitiveness, especially in the mid-20th century and the early 2000s.
### Notable Games
Several games in the Missouri–Oklahoma rivalry stand out for their impact on conference standings, national rankings, and memorable moments:
– **1940s and 1950s:** During this era, the rivalry was particularly intense as both teams were often ranked and competing for conference titles. Oklahoma’s dominance under coach Bud Wilkinson began in the late 1940s, but Missouri was competitive and occasionally upset the Sooners.
– **1960s and 1970s:** The rivalry continued to be a highlight of the Big Eight schedule. Missouri’s 1960s teams, led by coach Dan Devine, were nationally prominent, and games against Oklahoma often had conference title implications.
– **2007 Big 12 Championship Game:** One of the most significant recent meetings was the 2007 Big 12 Championship Game, where Oklahoma defeated Missouri 38–17 to claim the conference title and secure a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. This game underscored the rivalry’s importance in the modern era.
## Cultural and Regional Significance
### Fan Engagement
The Missouri–Oklahoma rivalry has been marked by passionate fan bases on both sides. Tailgating, travel to away games, and spirited support in stadiums have been hallmarks of the rivalry. The games often draw large crowds and significant media attention, reflecting the importance of college football in both states.
### Impact on Recruiting and Regional Pride
The rivalry has also played a role in recruiting battles between the two programs, particularly in the Midwest and South Central regions. Success in the rivalry has been a point of pride for players, coaches, and fans alike, contributing to the identity and tradition of both football programs.
## Decline and Current Status
### Missouri’s Move to the SEC
In 2012, Missouri left the Big 12 Conference to join the Southeastern Conference. This move ended the annual football meetings between Missouri and Oklahoma, as the teams no longer shared a conference schedule. Since then, the rivalry has been largely dormant, with only occasional non-conference matchups possible.
### Future Prospects
While the rivalry is currently inactive, there remains interest among fans and alumni in renewing the series. Non-conference scheduling or bowl game matchups could potentially revive the rivalry in the future, but as of now, no regular meetings are scheduled.
## Legacy
The Missouri–Oklahoma football rivalry remains an important chapter in the history of both programs. It reflects the competitive spirit of college football in the Midwest and South Central United States and has contributed to the traditions and identities of both schools. Despite its current dormancy, the rivalry is remembered for its intense games, significant moments, and the passionate support of both fan bases.
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**Meta Description:**
The Missouri–Oklahoma football rivalry is a historic college football series between the University of Missouri and the University of Oklahoma, known for its competitive games and regional significance. The rivalry has been a key part of both programs’ histories, especially during their time in the Big Eight and Big 12 Conferences.