One of college football's oldest rivalries is getting a slightly new name and a not-so-subtle sponsor.
The schools announced that this year's game will be the first one called the "AT&T Red River Showdown." According to ESPN, the game has previously been called the "Red River Rivalry."
The Red River is part of a natural boundary between Texas and Oklahoma that has been the subject of conflict between the two states, such as the Red River Bridge War of 1931. The University of Texas (UT) Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma (UO) Sooners football teams have played each other once per season for more than a century.
"As a University of Texas alumnus I have long enjoyed the Texas-Oklahoma series and the great tradition it represents for Texas and Oklahoma fans," Steve Patterson, UT athletics director, said in a statement to the Dallas Morning News. "We look forward to working with AT&T representatives and the University of Oklahoma to generate excitement for the new name and brand, and continuing our relationships with the State Fair of Texas."
Prior to the 100th playing of the game in 2005, the annual Texas - Oklahoma game was referred to as the "Red River Shootout." AT&T has actually been a sponsor since 2006.
"The Oklahoma-Texas game played annually at the Cotton Bowl is one of the grandest traditions in all of college football," Joe Castiglione, UO athletic director, said in a statement to the DMN. "We will continue striving to make this contest a truly memorable experience for the student-athletes and fans of both the University of Oklahoma and The University of Texas amidst the unique and colorful atmosphere of the State Fair of Texas."
Former Louisville coach Charlie Strong will get his first taste of the rivalry as he enters his first season as the Longhorn's head football coach. Bob Stoops, on the other hand, is entering his 15th season with the Sooners.
Heading into the 109th meeting between the two teams, Texas leads the all-time series 60-43-5.
