See, now it goes beyond family lines. Ah, but such is the way with in-state rivalries.

Time, as well as working in these parts for several years, may have healed some of my general dislike for the colors crimson and cream. Back in the day, I'd probably have hoped for a 75-0 result for the Sooners' opponent every week. Now I just hope for a good game where nobody gets hurt, and the Sooners only lose by a field goal.

In fact, it's probably in our best interests, professionally and financially in Norman, for the Sooners to be winning. It gets more people in a better mood, eager to spend money, some of which might be going to pay my salary and keep my kids' presents -- they want OU stuff, imagine that -- rolling in.

Then again, it has been kind of fun coming into work some of these recent years after an OSU win in this game. I already know the comments are coming from coworkers and friends.

COWORKER 1: "I'd sure be mad if I was an OSU fan that they didn't play like that all year."

COWORKER 2: "Those referees screwed us two weeks in a row!"

JAMES TYREE: "Which bowl game are you going to again?"

Ah, Bedlam. Such a time of camaraderie, of friendship, of pure desire to see one's foe humiliated and crying on the floor. Let the fun begin.