I wrote a bit about the great Oklahoma football tradition in the Friday paper. But unfortunately, one of their great symbols -- the Sooner Schooner covered wagon -- did not make the trip to Seattle.

And if "Oklahoma!" and "Boomer Sooner" is played, it will be by a pep band, as the full marching band also did not take the long trip.

However, a lot of very good football players did. Here's a quick preview:

NO. 3 OKLAHOMA (2-0)
AT WASHINGTON (0-2)
Kickoff:: 4:45 p.m., Husky Stadium
Television: ESPN. Radio: 950-AM.

The series: The teams have split two previous meetings. UW won in the 1985 Orange Bowl, 28-17. The Sooners won, 37-20, in September 2006 at Norman, Okla.

What to watch: The Oklahoma offense provides pressure with a lot of no-huddle offense, and the defense blitzes more than previous UW opponents. … Tailback DeMarco Murray needs 24 yards to become the 67th Sooner to rush for 1,000 yards in his career. … Two UW true freshmen may start for the first time today: tailback David Freeman and safety Johri Fogerson. … The Washington defense hasn't recorded a sack yet this season, while the Sooners have eight. … Today's officiating crew will be watched closely from all angles. The last time they visited a Pacific-10 Conference stadium, the Sooners believe they were robbed in a 2006 loss at Oregon. Meanwhile, the Huskies feel they were unjustly penalized at a crucial moment last week when Jake Locker scored with two seconds left in a 28-27 loss to Brigham Young.

What's at stake: The Sooners believe they can bring the school's eighth national title to Norman, Okla., but any stumbles along the way could sink that goal. The Huskies want to avoid an 0-3 start heading into what would be a very long bye week and leading up to what would suddenly become a crucial Sept. 27 game against Stanford. Both teams want to look good for ESPN's national audience.

Free tailgate: There also will be a free tailgate for fans. Sponsored by Safeway, it is called "the largest tailgate at the game and will feature an assortment of free food and beverages served in the on-site living room and lounges." The Safeway news release goes on to say:

"In addition, guests can try their hand at old school video games or watch pre-game shows on one of the event’s wide-screen, plasma televisions. The tailgate starts at 12:30 p.m. and goes until 4:30 p.m. (kick off is at 4:45 p.m.) and is located in the Southeast section of the University of Washington’s Montlake parking lot (just north of Husky Stadium).

"Why throw your own tailgate party when you can celebrate college football season in ‘Safeway Style.’ Football fans can come and enjoy all of their favorite pre-game football necessities and activities courtesy of Safeway: Free food and beverages; Big screen TVs, video and interactive game with prizes; Special “Sports Bar” lounge.

I'm honored to be taking part again this year in today's KJR Groz-with-Gas-a-Thon.

The timing is usually pretty flexible, but I'm presently scheduled for the 3 o'clock hour.

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Post script: I actually went on a little early. But it was a fun event for good causes, as always. And side from me predicting that Quincy Pondexter could be the difference-maker in the football game tomorrow with Oklahoma -- (I misunderstood the question) -- all went well.