As important as the big game is between the Sooners and the Cowboys, there's another urgent matter the in-state rivals are working on -- donating blood and saving lives. The American Red Cross, in conjunction with the student governments of both universities, has announced a Bedlam Blood Challenge scheduled for both campuses Friday and Monday.

The blood drive at the University of Oklahoma will be conducted 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Sooner Room of Memorial Student Union and noon to 5 p.m. at the bus on the east side of the Memorial Student Union.

For more information, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or log onto www.bloodisneeded.org.

Bedlam is a football game that both schools want to win, said Ben West, student governments sponsor.

"But donating blood to help patients across Oklahoma makes us all winners," West said. "We need all OU students, faculty and staff to come give blood, save a life and then go support our Sooners."

With the holiday season come fluctuations in the blood supply. The Red Cross is hoping for a strong turnout from both campuses to ensure blood is available when needed.

"The Red Cross is at work each and every day in our community, across our state and our country," said Mariann Lawson, executive director, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter. "Donating blood is just another way to help."

Lawson said Red Cross officials are wondering which school will come out on top of the Bedlam Blood Challenge. "We're just thrilled OU and OSU students are choosing to do their parts to help others in an important but fun way," she said.

Every day more than 38,000 people in this country must have blood to help treat everything from planned surgeries to car accidents. And, regardless of the time of year, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

"The American Red Cross thanks both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma for partnering with us on this blood drive," said Sheila Hanner, donor services director. "It just proves what kind of kids we have in our state. They may have their eyes on the game, but their hearts are on helping patients across Oklahoma."

Donors must be 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds and generally be in good health to donate blood. The American Red Cross reminds those coming to donate to bring a photo ID. OU student ID cards are acceptable identification, officials said.