AP Was There: Huskers beat Sooners in '71 'Game of Century'

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 1971, file photo, Nebraska's Jeff Kinney (35) gets a block from fullback Maury Damkroger (46) as he scores against Oklahoma from the two-yard line with 1:38 left in a college football game in Norman, Okla., on Thanksgiving Day. The game on Thanksgiving 50 years ago is back in the spotlight as Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Tulsa World via AP, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 1971, file photo, Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers (20) hugs an assistant coach on the sideline after his punt return for a touchdown against Oklahoma in the first quarter of college football game in Norman, Okla., on Thanksgiving Day. The game on Thanksgiving 50 years ago is back in the spotlight as Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 27, 2012, file photo, a new award to honor college football's top return specialist is announced by 1972 Nebraska Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers at a news conference in Omaha, Neb. The Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers Award is named for Rodgers, who is widely regarded as one of the top punt and kick returners in college football history. Rodgers’ electrifying 72-yard punt return for a touchdown was the signature play of a rare game that lived up to “Game of the Century” billing, helping No. 1 Nebraska defeat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in the 1971 classic. Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 1971, file photo, Nebraska's Rich Glover (79) brings down Oklahoma quarterback Jack Mildren (11) as Nebraska defenders Bob Terrio (45) and Dave Mason (25) close in during a college football game in Norman, Okla., on Thanksgiving Day. The game on Thanksgiving 50 years ago is back in the spotlight as Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

FILE - In this Thanksgiving Day 1971 file photo, Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers (20) returns a punt for a touchdown as teammate Joe Blahak (27) delivers a block in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Norman, Okla. The game, which Nebraska won 35-31, is widely remembered as "The Game of the Century." Fifty years later, Rodgers still gets asked about the play. (Bob Gorham/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 1971, file photo, Nebraska head coach Bob Devaney is carried off the field by his victorious players after they defeated Oklahoma 35-31 in an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., on Thanksgiving Day. The game on Thanksgiving 50 years ago is back in the spotlight as Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 1971, file photo, Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers (20) celebrates in the end zone after his long punt return against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., on Thanksgiving Day. The game on Thanksgiving 50 years ago is back in the spotlight as Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)