Scott Frost’s Attempt to Cancel Oklahoma Game Highlights Nebraska’s Lingering Rivalry Tensions
There’s no denying the history between Nebraska and Oklahoma. It’s one of college football’s classic rivalries, built on decades of high-stakes matchups and legendary names.
But in recent years, that tradition has been overshadowed by something else: hesitation. And now, thanks to a new revelation from former Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos, we’re getting a clearer picture of just how deep that hesitation ran - especially during the Scott Frost era.
In Moos’ newly released book, one particular story has grabbed the spotlight: Frost, then Nebraska’s head coach, reportedly tried to get out of the Cornhuskers’ scheduled nonconference clash with Oklahoma in 2021. The story gained even more traction after longtime Nebraska reporter Steve Sipple confirmed it during a segment on 93.7 The Ticket.
Sipple didn’t mince words. He said Frost called him - not once, but twice - asking if he’d support the idea of canceling the game.
“Hey, what do you think if I cancel the Oklahoma game?” Frost asked, according to Sipple.
The first time, Sipple thought he was joking. He wasn’t.
Frost followed up a few weeks later, still hoping for a change of heart. But Sipple stood firm: “You’re not going to be able to do this.”
Let’s pause for a moment. This wasn’t just about avoiding a tough opponent.
This was a head coach, already under pressure, looking to sidestep a marquee matchup that could’ve - and eventually did - define his tenure. Oklahoma wasn’t just another nonconference opponent.
It was the opponent. A measuring stick.
A chance to prove something. And Frost, it seems, didn’t want any part of it.
Ultimately, the game went on as scheduled. Nebraska traveled to Norman in 2021 and played the Sooners tough, falling 23-16 in a competitive contest.
But the rematch in Lincoln the following year? That one never came under Frost’s watch.
He was fired before the Sooners rolled into town and handed the Huskers a 49-14 loss.
Enter Matt Rhule, who took over the program and is now heading into his fourth season. But even Rhule hasn’t exactly embraced the idea of beefing up Nebraska’s nonconference slate.
Last summer, he voiced his concerns to Husker Online, pointing out the Big Ten’s nine-game conference schedule compared to the SEC’s eight-game format. His argument?
That extra Power Five game makes it harder to reach bowl eligibility.
“You look at two years ago, we were 5-7,” Rhule said. “And you think about the years with Scott Frost where he was 5-7.
Now you add in one more Group of Five team, take out one more Big Ten, and actually now you’re 6-6. This year you’re 6-6, now you’re 7-5.
You’re just adding another win in.”
It’s a practical argument, sure. But when it comes to a rivalry like Nebraska-Oklahoma, practicality only gets you so far.
Fans don’t remember the sixth win that got you to the Quick Lane Bowl. They remember the big games - the ones that mean something more.
As of now, the Sooners and Cornhuskers are scheduled to renew the rivalry again in 2029 in Norman and 2030 in Lincoln. But given recent history, it’s fair to wonder if those matchups will actually happen - or if someone in Lincoln will once again try to quietly pull the plug.
Oklahoma has won the last three meetings, and the gap between the programs hasn’t exactly narrowed. Whether it’s Frost, Rhule, or whoever takes the reins next, Nebraska’s leadership will have to decide whether they want to lean into the legacy of this rivalry - or keep looking for ways around it.
Because if there’s one thing that’s clear from this latest chapter, it’s that the ghosts of Oklahoma still loom large in Lincoln.