This was a game that Oklahoma had to win and they did. That's the bottom line! We could close the post right here and that would be enough but we need to expound a little on this Bedlam victory.
First and foremost one thing that can't be overlooked is the dominating performance by Oklahoma's offensive line. The Cowboys knew that OU's game plan was going to be to come in a run the ball straight at them, if they didn't know then their coaching situation is even worse than we though, and yet the Sooners ran for 238 yards and three touchdowns.
Oklahoma's offensive line bullied the Cowboys for 5.1 yards per carry capped by Allen Patrick's 65 yard touchdown run on the first play of the second half. They also gave Paul Thompson enough protection to complete 63.6% of his passes (7-11) for 77 yards and a score.
I did get pretty nervous when OU started playing it close to the vest late in the game but they did accomplish what they wanted in running out the clock. They also took care of the ball by not turning it over.
On defense Oklahoma was amazing on the goal line. They forced and recovered one fumble and really should have had two. The bend but don't break defensive performance was nerve racking but was enough to win. You do have to give the Cowboys offense credit for being dangerous. They have been all season and Saturday was no different.
Stillwater is always a tough place to play and again this weekend was no exception. A trip to Kansas City to play in the Big 12 Championship game was on the line for the Sooners adding extra incentive on both sides. A Bedlam escape will always be better than a Bedlam loss!