Do Oklahomans Say Hook 'em or Roll Tide?

Originally Published: Jan 7, 2010 4:53 PM CDT

Katie den Daas
Special Contributor to Oklahoma Sports

As Texas and Alabama face off in the BCS Championship tonight, Sooner fans are facing tough choice. Do they put their crimson and cream pride aside, and cheer for the enemy in support of the Big 12; or do they stay true to Sooner Nation, and cheer on anyone facing off against the Longhorns, including SEC powerhouse Alabama?

Realizing the debate was already heating up online, Oklahoma Sports turned to Sooner fans on Facebook.

One fan wrote on her profile, it is a "moral quandary: root for the Big 12 or for a Texas defeat?"

One argument for abandoning the Big 12 ship in favor for the Crimson Tide; a Texas loss could put the two schools on equal recruiting ground.

"We have to recruit against Texas every year. It is illogical to hope they win, giving them another selling point for recruits...No-brainer, Roll Tide," Sooner fan Ryan Collins said.

The OU Athletic Department seems to agree.

"As for recruiting, any time a competitor does well, it heightens the challenge," Kenny Mossman, OU Senior Associate Athletic Director said.

But for others, an Alabama win is about staying true to a long-standing Red River Rivalry.

"I want a big 12 team to win, but I'd rather see Texas suffer. It might just mask the pain from the Sooners season letdown," OU fan Trevor Jennings said.

"While Oklahoma has frozen over, Hell has not. Therefore, Roll Tide." David Proctor wrote.

As for the few Sooner fans choosing to root for Texas, it will not be easy.

"I hate to admit it but I think I'm pulling for Texas tonight," Courtney Clevenger wrote.