NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -The history of the Oklahoma-Nebraska rivalry has featured a ``Game of the Century'' on two separate occasions and all sorts of championship implications.

When the two storied programs meet this Saturday, both will be trying simply to make up ground in the Big 12. Early stumbles have kept the Sooners and Huskers from controlling their own destiny as the season winds down.

Asked Tuesday whether he hoped Nebraska re-emerged to give the Big 12 North a marquee program, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops responded: ``I'd rather they didn't.''

He then spoke highly of the program's tradition and how he has great respect for the Cornhuskers. His friend and former colleague, Bo Pelini, is Nebraska's current coach.