Oklahoma VS. Kansas State: The Best Football Game Of 1969

Vince Gibson became the K-State coach in 1967 and had slowly improved the Wildcat program. However, in Gibson's first season, K-State went 0-7 in Big 8 play and lost (as usual) to OU, 46-7. The Sooners used the Wildcats as their whipping boys in those days.

In 1969, Oklahoma had their usual powerhouse with Barry Switzer as coach, Jack Mildren at QB and Steve Owens at RB.

Kansas State had a junior quarterback, Lynn Dickey, who was from the small Kansas town of Osawatomie. He later had a superb NFL career with Green Bay.

OU arrived at KSU Stadium with their usual swagger and a collection of red-clad and red-faced and arrogant fans. It was homecoming for K-State, but no one expected much of a game. Kansas State hadn't defeated Oklahoma since 1934.

K-State led at halftime, 28-14. But more than once old-timers had watched K-State play OU close for a half only to be crushed in the second half.

This time was different. In front of an increasingly wild and crazy crowd, the Wildcats mauled the proud and haughty Sooners by an incredible score of 59-21. OU's offense crossed midfield just once in the second half. At that time, it was the most points ever given up by an Oklahoma team.

Dickey completed 28-43 passes for 380 yards and three TDs; that was a Big 8 record for total yards.

I'll never forget the best college football game I've ever watched in person. It seems like it happened just a few days ago.