Oklahoma Sooners Football: Another High-Stakes Bedlam for the Big 12

OU is 3-2 in its’ last five matchups against the Cowboys, with last year’s blowout win in Stillwater propelling the Sooners into the College Football Playoff. The same stakes are in play this season, and in two weeks the winner of Bedlam will be crowned league champion and at worst earn a berth in a New Year’s Six Bowl game. In OU’s case, a win in Norman on December 3 could mean a trip to a second-straight playoff berth if a few other things fall into place elsewhere in the country.

Oklahoma State, 7-1 in conference play, could’ve entered this season’s Bedlam game unbeaten like its’ in-state rival had things played out a bit differently against Baylor in September, in which case this game would’ve had even bigger national implications. A win for OU means a conference title outright, while an upset by the Pokes would mean the league crown goes to Stillwater by way of head-to-head tiebreaker.

Both Sooner State teams have gained momentum down the stretch of the season, with the Cowboys most recently dismantling TCU on the road yesterday, 31-6, and the Sooners leaving Morgantown with a dominating, statement win over the No. 14 Mountaineers, knocking Dana Holgorsen’s bunch out of contention entirely. The Cowboys and Sooners rank in the top 15 in total offense, and in the top 10 in passing. OSU was missing starting quarterback Mason Rudolph against OU a year ago, and will look to continue the rhythm and productivity his offense has found in recent weeks with the emergence of running back Chris Carson.

The Oklahoma offense also hopes to keep stay in-sync through the Thanksgiving bye week, and looks to avoid a lackluster start that could jeopardize a golden opportunity late in what could’ve been a lost season after a rocky September. Instead, the Sooners find themselves in prime position once more against little brother for a year of bragging rights in the state and the conference, and possibly a chance at much more. Oklahoma is also looking to be the first Big 12 team to go unbeaten in league play since the conference went to 10 teams. It’s now time to enjoy two weeks of hype and holiday to lead us up to what could truly be another Bedlam for the ages.

2015 Bedlam Highlights: