The annual football rivalry known as Bedlam may be making a comeback, stirring excitement among fans and analysts alike. This matchup, historically one of the most thrilling in college football, saw the Oklahoma State Cowboys face off against the Oklahoma Sooners each year. However, the rivalry was put on hold following the 2023 season when Oklahoma departed for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) without the Bedlam Trophy. Recent developments suggest that the game could return, as the mayors of Stillwater and Norman have collaborated on legislation aimed at mandating annual matchups between the two schools.
While the proposed legislation has yet to be finalized, the revival of the Bedlam game could have significant implications for Oklahoma State. Reintroducing the Sooners to their nonconference schedule would not only reignite one of the Cowboys” most anticipated games but could also play a crucial role in their postseason aspirations, particularly under the new College Football Playoff (CFP) format.
Last season, only one team from the Big 12 made it to the College Football Playoff, as the selection committee deemed that only Texas Tech had the credentials to compete for a national title. Although Oklahoma State may still be a few years away from contending for a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff, a victory against an SEC opponent like Oklahoma would bolster their chances significantly. In the previous season, the Sooners secured an eighth seed and participated in the College Football Playoff, ultimately falling to Alabama in the first round, but they gained valuable experience in the new postseason landscape.
A matchup against Oklahoma would not hinder Oklahoma State”s playoff chances. A win in the Bedlam game would enhance their resume before they even enter Big 12 play, while a loss could provide critical insights into areas needing improvement. Presently, OSU”s nonconference schedule includes Tulsa, Oregon, and Murray State. They face a solid challenge with Oregon and the traditional rivalry against Tulsa. Incorporating the Sooners into their schedule instead of a team like Murray State would make for a more formidable slate and leave the selection committee with fewer reasons to overlook them should the Cowboys perform well in their games.
While uncertainties remain regarding the annual game”s return, its revival would undoubtedly generate excitement across the state of Oklahoma and prove beneficial for Oklahoma State in the long term.
