“I think it’s a big game for both teams,” Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said. “We’re both battling, fighting, competing. It’s a huge, huge game. Both teams not being ranked, I don’t think that factors into how their kids are preparing and how our players are preparing for this game.”

The Sooners (4-3, 3-1 Big 12) are fighting to become eligible and finish the season the best way possible. The Huskers (5-2, 2-2) still have hopes of winning the Big 12 North and reaching the Big 12 Championship Game.

Those aren’t the stakes that built the rivalry into one of the best in college football. But for now, it’s more than enough.

“They’re going to be a really good team and come play hard and it’s the same with us,” Dvoracek said. “More than anything, it’s going to be really good football and it’s going to be fun.”

John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com