Eric Morris takes shot at Oklahoma, welcomes Bedlam rivalry back 'with open arms'

Oklahoma State officially welcomed Eric Morris to Stillwater on Monday as the program’s next head coach. In less than 15 minutes, Morris found a creative way to take a shot at the Oklahoma Sooners during his opening statement.

“I just want to stress enough how proud I am to represent this university,” Morris said. “How proud I am to represent this state because any university south of here, we don’t (fart noise while holding up two thumbs down). We’re not even talking about.”

Of course, Bedlam is not currently a thing when it comes to football. The rivalry ended when Oklahoma left the Big 12 in favor of the SEC. Oklahoma State does have fond memories of the final game, getting a win inside T. Boone Pickens Stadium back in 2023.

There has not been much momentum toward getting the Cowboys and Sooners back on the field together since then. Former head coach Mike Gundy felt passionate about the topic. Turns out, Morris does as well, just holding a different opinion than his predecessor. He would welcome, “with open arms,” the return of Bedlam.

“I’d love to get on the phone with anybody that we know that can help us bring that game back,” Morris said. “If they’re asking if Coach Morris welcomes that game, I welcome it with open arms.”

Bedlam has been dominated by Oklahoma throughout its history. The Sooners lead the all-time series 91-20-7. Oklahoma State was still Oklahoma A&M when the first two teams met all the way back in 1904. And until 2023, the rivalry ran continuously since 1910.

If there is going to be a return, multiple hoops likely need to be jumped through. Oklahoma is facing a new scheduling model in the SEC, moving from eight conference games to nine. Thankfully, nothing out of the ordinary from days in the Big 12, where a round robin took place after the first round of major realignment.

At the same time, each SEC team is required to play at least one opponent from another power conference. Oklahoma currently has openings in 2031 through 2034 in that department. On the flip side, Oklahoma State has openings beginning in 2030. However, back-to-back home and home series with Arkansas and Nebraska begin in 2032.

Those details are for athletic directors to figure out, though. If Oklahoma State AD Chad Weiberg wants to attempt to get OU back on the schedule, he certainly has the support of Morris.