Trip down memory lane, part II

I noticed recently that one of college football's greatest rivalries returns Nov.1 when Nebraska travels to play at Oklahoma. I remember the first time I got to cover this game 14 years ago. I was just a punk high school sportswriter who happened to secure a season-long press pass for all OU home games. That day of the Nebraska game, I arrived and noticed I was sitting on the upper level at the far left end of the press box. Next to me was an older gentleman who was wearing a bright red sport coat. Several people kept walking by, shaking his hand and chatting with him. I was just a kid and had no idea who he was. There was no name tag at his seat, either. But I did notice the national championship ring on his left hand. The game began, and he leaned over and kept pointing out various details he saw. We talked about both teams. Finally, I worked up the courage and introduced myself. He smiled warmly, and extended his hand back.
"Bob Devaney," he said. "Very nice to meet you."
And for a high school kid, it was quite an honor to watch the game with the legendary Nebraska coach.

-Trae Thompson