Oklahoma is giving up its stronghold on the Cotton Bowl's south end zone, agreeing to allow the home team to decide its half of the stadium seating, beginning next year.
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"But in negotiations, it became a major point," OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said. "We talked through this issue as well as many others."
"The major focus should be on the big picture. Negotiations, extension of the contract, stadium renovation, all of that is to keep the game in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl for the foreseeable future."
For decades, Sooner fans have occupied the south half of the stadium, which features the tunnel entrance onto the playing field for both teams.
Controlling the area all these years, OU fans have seized the opportunity to cheer their own and jeer the Longhorns.
Texas officials had been seeking a change in the seating arrangements, but were previously denied by OU.
But as part of the latest five-year agreement to keep the game in Dallas, the Sooners approved the option.
OU fans will sit in the south end zone this year, and hold the option again in 2008 and 2010. The Longhorns will choose in 2007 and 2009.
• Reggie ailing: Sooner safety Reggie Smith has missed the last two days of practice due to a cut that became infected on his left leg.
Smith expects to return to practice today and said there was "no way" he'd miss Saturday's matchup with Texas.
The cut was the result of a turf burn initially suffered at Oregon.
"I'm missing physical reps, but mentally I think I'm in there, because I'm still in here watching film," Smith said.
"And tomorrow I'll get in there and practice real hard.
"I'll catch up on what I've missed the last two days."
• One more week: Nelson Peterson, Adrian's father, is due to be released from an Oklahoma City halfway house Thursday, but his first live OU game will have to wait a week.
Due to terms of his probation, Nelson Peterson is not allowed to cross state lines to attend Saturday's game in Dallas.
But there are plans for him to attend next week's home game against Iowa State, the first time he'll see his son play in person since being imprisoned nearly seven years ago.
"Unfortunately, he won't be able to make the game," Adrian said.
"I'm pretty sure it's been tough but the past two years he's been watching on TV, so it's not like he's not used to it.
"But it's tough because he's 20 minutes up the road and you can't come down and see your son playing. I'm sure that's a little tougher."
• Scary thought: Texas kicker Greg Johnson has punted and kicked off to several talented returners in recent games, including former USC All-American Reggie Bush and current Ohio State speedster Ted Ginn Jr.
But he knows Adrian Peterson, now returning kickoffs for OU along with Smith, might present a different challenge.
What happens, Johnson was asked, if Peterson breaks through the first wave of Longhorns — and heads toward Johnson?
"That is a pretty frightening thing to think about," Johnson admitted.
"But it's part of what we do."
• Changing the topic: Until last year, Texas coach Mack Brown and players faced questions about a losing streak to OU. That has changed, though.
Monday, Brown was asked, half in jest: "It's been so long since OU won a game (in the series), do you think they'll ever win again?" Brown's reply, also half in jest:
"Another question."
But Brown said he was glad to no longer have to talk about the losing streak.
"You're glad the game is back about two really good teams in the Big 12 South that has national implications, instead of what I've screwed up," he said.
• Iowa State tickets available: Iowa State has returned approximately 350 tickets for its Oct. 14 game at Oklahoma.
Those seats are now on sale from the OU Athletics Ticket Office at $67 each, available online at SoonerSports.com, on the phone at 1-800-456-4668 or in person at the office located on the west side of Memorial Stadium.
Game time has yet to be announced, pending television options.
By John Helsley, Scott Wright and George Schroeder
