This Saturday, Stillwater will play host to the 106th Bedlam Football Series matchup between the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowboys. In evaluating the previous 105 games, it is clear that the term Series is more apropos than Rivalry. I’ve compiled some statistics that illustrate just how historically one-sided the series has been in favor of the Sooners. These are especially interesting in light of the implications for #3 OSU (10-1) when they play #10 OU (9-2).
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The overall record is 82-16-7 (.814) in favor of OU.
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OSU is 6-37-5 (.177) at home.
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Three of those wins occurred in the 1930s. The last win was in 2002.
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OU has outscored OSU 2949-1063 (avg. 28-10).
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OSU has been shut out 32 times, OU 11 times.
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OSU has beaten a ranked OU team only three times, only once at home.
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A ranked OSU team has never beaten a ranked OU team.
In recent years, OSU has talked about taking the next step and becoming a perennial football power. In fact, it may well be the case that OSU has the better team this year. This Saturday the Cowboys will again host the Sooners with a BCS (and potential national championship) bowl game at stake. Every time that opportunity has presented itself in the past, they have failed to take advantage. Until they prove it, what in Oklahoma State’s history would make you think they will?