After all these years, the stars have aligned themselves again and the universe sets its sights on two of the greatest football traditions battling for supremacy and the right to be called "Big Red." It was Boomer Sooner versus the Red Machine; Tom Osborne against Barry Switzer. Now Frank Solich and Bob Stoops hold center stage for all of college football to watch. What a clash of differences on offense: the Huskers overwhelming option attack that chews up defenses with its relentless pressure of power running backs, quarterback keepers, and timely play action passes vs. the all-out aerial assault of the Sooner squadron that has yet to be grounded.

	Oklahoma chose wisely in naming Bob Stoops as its head coach two years ago.

This game will be a classic battle for control of the football. The ball must be in your possession to win this game. Give it away or fail to take it back and you are bound to lose the game and the No. 1 ranking. Every week there is a showcase game, but this week may prove to be the best of the year. To really enjoy the game, make note of the following the similarities and differences.

Oklahoma and Nebraska have always won with terrific athletes who play beyond themselves when the occasion demands it. Linemen, defensive backs, tight ends, you name it -- every position has a quality player who knows what is expected of him. When the Big 12 was formed, the Sooners and Huskers agreed to forego their annual rivalry game to allow OU to play in the South Division with the likes of Texas and Texas A&M. It was a big mistake to lose this game with its buildup and fanfare. Since they've played in the Big 12, Nebraska has quite easily had the upper hand as Oklahoma was changing coaches and trying to determine its identity. Nebraska has won two of the first four titles, and Oklahoma has yet to get a sniff of the championship game. That will change this year.

Do you believe in a solid running game that eats up the clock and methodically grinds up opponents? Or do you favor the new-age offense that scores from anywhere on the field and within the blink of an eyelash?

The Huskers have not wavered one bit from their recipe for success: they dominate at the line of scrimmage and their option offense is the best college football has seen. It is not really a triple option attack, since the ball carrier is already known when the huddle is broken, but defenses must defend it like it is a triple option because they do not know whose number is called. Add to the dilemma the fact that quarterback Eric Crouch can audible at the line and get away from overloaded line stacks, and not only do the Huskers have a physical advantage with their beefy line, they also call plays to get a numerical advantage. It's almost unfair!

While employing the vaunted Wishbone offense, Oklahoma football was something to behold. As times changed and offenses moved into the 21st century, the Sooners kept searching for an offense that would give them the same glitter. Gary Gibbs put the program on the right track, but never received the support to follow through with the plan. Howard Schnellenberger lasted only one year, and John Blake suffered from the changing moods of alumni and fans who became indignant with the lack of progress. Enter Bob Stoops, a defensive wizard, who promised to liven up the offense and make it a formidable part of the team. Little did he know how dramatic the change would be north of the Red River.

No. 3 Oklahoma

Game Plan: No. 3 Oklahoma

Offense: Heupel must get good start, great protection. Big line splits to create running lanes for those quick-hitting backs. Go deep early and often. Defense: Must stop fullback plays up the middle. Take Crouch out of option by stacking line. Always key tight end blocking and release for play action passes. Kicking: Kick away from Bobby Newcombe. Return every kick off past 30 yard line. 100 percent protection for punter and kicker. Players: Prepare for a very physical, high contact game. Do not panic if NU offense moves early. Substitutes ready to play in this game. Coaches: Get many players involved early in game. Not too fancy, stick with your best plans. Emphasize getting turnovers from Huskers.

The Sooners are much more than the offensive circus that draws attention with its gaudy numbers and big play scenarios. Sure, the offense is passing for 327.3 yards per game while averaging an amazing 9.0 yards per pass attempt. Josh Heupel has set more records than the press guide had even recorded prior to his arrival, and no team uses all its receivers better than OU with their multiple formations and movements. An opposing defense cannot set out to stop a single OU receiver because two or three others will light it up before day's end. When too much attention is given to the pass defense, the Sooner backs can run it with speed, averaging 145.5 yards a game. And Heupel is also a threat to run, especially when they get inside the opponent's 20 yard line. Heupel is a timing passer who needs to get started right away with his receivers. OU will take a deep throw to loosen things up, then they will work diligently to establish the solid throws underneath which build the framework for the day's work.

Never overlook the speed and balance of this defense. Stoops hired his brother Mike to work with him, and they can scheme with the best coaches in the country. They will enjoy the challenge of going head to head with Nebraska again. Both had their chances while coordinating defenses at Kansas State, so both have a score or two to settle. The Sooners boast one of the best linebacker groups in the country and they build their attacking defense around their versatility and quickness. But the key to this game plan will be the use of the safeties and their willingness to take on the gigantic offensive linemen of Nebraska as they roll downfield in front of Crouch. Taking those hits can take its toll on a smaller players -- watch how many tackles the safeties can make in the first half compared to the second half.

No. 1 Nebraska

Game Plan: No. 1 Nebraska

Offense: No penetration on running plays. Get in front of Crouch and knock people down. Wide receivers must come through on third down. Defense: Mix the zone and man coverages. Front four must get pressure on Heupel (3 sacks). Hold OU rushing game under 75 yards. Kicking: Perfect protection and coverage. Handle all punts and get positive yardage. All kick off returns past 30 yard line. Players: Stick to your business, play with poise. Respect this OU team -- they could beat you. Deliver the knock out when you have the chance. Coaches: Get the ball in several players hands early. Break tendencies with formations. Don't gamble, but take some chances.

As they did last year, the Big Red Machine started the season slowly and has gradually tuned up the engine at mid-year for the grueling part of the season. Last year the Huskers made a mistake by losing to Texas while fumbling the ball away in the scoring zone. Although they were the best team in the country at the end of the season, the BCS did not give them a spot in the national championship game. Have they learned their lesson? Frank Solich became a good head coach last year while handling the various distractions that surrounded the team; he is clearly in control and making his imprint on Husker football.

No offense in college football depends on one player more than Nebraska depends on Eric Crouch. He is the entire package, and Solich calls his number in every tight situation. With such powerful and dominating running backs, one wonders why Crouch has to handle so much of the tough duty. The answer is simple -- Crouch gets the job done. There is one cause for Husker concern: Crouch has taken some extra hits this year and has been nursing injuries that, if aggravated, may make him less effective. If Crouch goes out of the game or is hampered, look for Oklahoma to tee off on the Husker offense and attack with everything possible in the way of blitzes and pressure. The big Nebraska offensive line must take the challenge and knock those red shirts on the ground. If Crouch and company can meet their average of 6.2 yards a carry and 379.7 yards rushing a game, Oklahoma won't be able to run up the score because they'll never have the ball.

The famed "Blackshirts" have had their problems the past couple of years. First, it was their pass defense giving up too many big plays. This year, teams have run the ball on Nebraska to the tune of 158.3 yards per game, almost three times more than the usual amount. Oklahoma may actually be wishing they were a running team. The Huskers must stop OU's offense when they run on first down to allow some clever coverage schemes on long yardage situations. Single man matchups will favor the Sooners, so the safeties and linebackers will have to make key stops on third downs.