By Scott Cooper
Staff Writer

NORMAN -- Everybody knew it was coming down. Huddled security officers and pepper spray couldn't save it.

It was just too much after beating No. 1 Nebraska at home -- euphoric fans set their sights on the goal post. "Please do not attempt to tear down the post," a public address voice boomed out. "Cameras are on. You will be prosecuted."

A few seconds later, the yellow post was engulfed in a sea of red.

Saturday's 31-14 win over the Cornhuskers wasn't just a victory for Sooner fans. It was the key that finally unlocked years of pent-up frustration to let the country know Oklahoma football is back.

"I've never experienced a win like this," said Cindy Webber, screaming her heart out while sitting on top of her husband's shoulders. "Never, never, never!"

Cindy and Kevin Webber were among the fans swarming the field seconds after the final guns sounded.

"It's been so long," Kevin said.

Ten years to be exact, the last time Oklahoma defeated Nebraska.

As the final seconds ticked down, oranges pummeled the field and victory cigars lit the air. The winner of Saturday's game took a big step toward a national championship in the Orange Bowl.

"We're No. 1," could be heard from Lindsey Street to Boyd Avenue.

The game drew 75,989 -- a record for Oklahoma Memorial Stadium under its current configuration.

As the fourth quarter began, Cornhusker supporter Bill Goodwin tried to console his son Sam that things would turn around. Trailing by 17 points, Nebraska was on the move when OU recovered a fumble.

"Yeah, it's been exciting," said a discouraged Goodwin trying to stay positive. "Both teams have a lot of class."

Nebraska fans are known for their loyalty when the team travels. Cornhusker faithful travel like wolves, showing unity and strength to opposing fans.

"I'm helping the Oklahoma economy," Goodwin said. "I brought my three sons with me, so we're spending money."

A few rows below Goodwin, Pierrette Lopes was spending all of her energy cheering as Sooner wideout Josh Norman scampered for six.

Thumping her chest, Lopes looked to the crowd shouting, "That's my boy!"

She later clarified.

"They're all my boys," she said of her Sooners. "This is the most exciting thing I've ever seen. I've been here five years, but nothing like this."

It was evident before the game that fans were ready for something special. Steve Davis strolled around campus with camcorder in hand a few hours before kickoff, wanting to capture everything the day offered.

"This is incredible," Davis said as row after row of fans passed by on Jenkins Avenue.

For those trying to make money off the game, the going amount started at $200 for a single ticket or $350 for a pair.

But several fans had hopes dashed after learning at the gate they had fake tickets.

"We've had lots of problems with counterfeit tickets," stadium security officer Randy Robinson said. "The picture on the front is what gives it away."

As for the goalpost, Robinson said a plan was in place to protect the goals. But only to a certain point.

"If OU wins the game, the plan goes out the door. It's every man for themselves."

At first, several white-shirt security guards circled the posts on one knee to stave off any attempt. But as the mob crept closer, there were no white shirts to be found.

A few guards used pepper spray to thwart the attack, but commanding officers quickly called off the spray. Sooner fans had waited too long to let anyone douse their celebration.