For many of our younger fans (me included) who weren't around for the Oklahoma games, Colorado/Missouri were the only rivals we knew. So you guys that got to experience the OU games saying that Colorado was forced upon you after Oklahoma bailed and it was never a true rivalry game, it may feel like that to you, but not everyone.
Just an FYI, not trying to be a smartass or anything, but Oklahoma didn't bail on the rivalry. Texass didn't allow it to continue when the Big 12 started so they could fabricate that thier rivalry was bigger with OU. Before the Big 12 started it was just a nice OOC game that OU usually dominated, but it never meant anything until Texass was allowed to join and take over the conference due to thier $$$$$.
FYI Oklahoma was given a chance to play Nebraska every year as a designated game, but they turned it down. If i remember it right the coach for Oklahoma said it would be unfair to have to play both Texas and Nebraska every year.
Also have to remember that the Big twelve was formed in the 90's and Nebraska was the big dog and Oklahoma was in a down decade.