Mike Gundy comments on the future of Bedlam series
One of the negatives about Oklahoma’s move to the SEC is the possible ending of their in-state rivalry with Oklahoma State. The two programs have played since 1904 and nonstop since 1910.
Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy was asked about the future of the Bedlam rivalry heading into Saturday’s showdown. With the Sooners’ move to the SEC coming possibly as soon as next season, it could be the final matchup ever.
Gundy said he does not believe the rivalry will continue, citing schedules being determined years in advance as a big reason.
“I don’t think it will (continue),” Gunday said on Monday. “I just don’t think there’s a business side of it. I don’t make that decision. I guess (Oklahoma State president) Dr. Shrum and (Oklahoma State athletic director) Chad Weiberg, they can do whatever they wanted. Or the board. I don’t know who is involved in this. I don’t think it’s a realistic thing that it’s going to happen based on the business side of Power 5 conference football, the Big 12, or the SEC. That’s just my opinion. I could be wrong. I’m not getting that from anybody.”
Entering his seventeenth game against Oklahoma as the Oklahoma State head coach, Gundy has struggled in the rivalry. He’s a career 3-16 and has yet to beat Sooner head coach Lincoln Riley in four games.
Even though Oklahoma is thought of as the slight favorite per VegasInsider, this season is thought to be one where Gundy finally breaks through. Playing in Stillwater will only the Cowboys, who are riding a four-game winning streak.
Mike Gundy gives Oklahoma State team advice
More than just bragging rights about Oklahoma are on the line come Saturday night. A spot in the Big 12 championship and possibly the College Football Playoff will be as well.
Gundy was asked what he is telling his team as they push for an appearance in Arlington. The message has quite simply been “stay the course.”
“We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve played fantastic on defense,” Gundy told Joel Klatt this week. “My fear is at some point, the defense might have a letdown. They’ve played at a high level for 10 games. That’s my worry. The thing that makes me feel better is we have experience on that side of the ball [and] we have a lot of reps. So hopefully those guys can push through that, continue to play at a high level.
“We have become a more physical run football team over the last month. That’s always been a big part of what we’ve done here at Oklahoma State, and then be sound in special teams. So my message to the [players] was that simple for our players. And the other side [is] that we have to be careful of is not listening to people tell us how good we are.”
If Oklahoma wins on Saturday, Oklahoma State will get another shot to possibly end the rivalry on a high note in the Big 12 Championship. Two Bedlams in two weeks would be a fitting way if the Sooners do move to the SEC next season.