The 2015 edition of Bedlam will feature higher stakes than usual when No. 3 Oklahoma travels to Stillwater to face No. 11 Oklahoma State.
Both teams have one loss, but the dynamic couldn't be more different. The Sooners jumped into Playoff position earlier this week after surviving an upset scare against TCU. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, suffered its first loss of the year at the hands of Baylor last Saturday, and were likely eliminated from Playoff contention by virtue of its tumble down to 11th in the rankings.
However, Baylor's loss on Friday night makes this the Big 12 championship. Could OSU leap all the way up with a league title?
The Cowboys won this game last year, but have won only two of the past 12 meetings with the Sooners, and haven't won consecutive games against their in-state rival since Les Miles was there. A second consecutive win over OU would be bucking some serious history. This is college football, though, and weird things happen all the time.
Lee Corso makes his 2015 Bedlam pick
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Radio: Oklahoma | Oklahoma State
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Oklahoma is a 4.5-point favorite.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Crimson and Cream Machine for Oklahoma fans and Cowboys Ride For Free for Oklahoma State fans.
Three big things to know
1. What's up with Baker Mayfield? Mayfield was carted off the field last week against TCU, but has passed concussion tests leading up to the game and is expected to play. If he does play, will he show any ill effects? The Sooners need Mayfield pulling the strings to be at their most dangerous.
2. How does Oklahoma State respond? The Cowboys had their undefeated run end last week at the hands of Baylor, but they still have a lot to play for. Even though they need some help, they can still win the Big 12, but they can't do it unless they beat Oklahoma. It's hard to think they won't be up for it considering Bedlam is such a big rivalry game, but losing your first game of the year in mid-November has to be deflating.
3. It doesn't get bigger than this. Not only would a win seal up the Big 12, it would essentially secure the Sooners a spot in the Playoff by virtue of jumping up to No. 3 in the rankings this week. It's all right in front of them, and their rival has a chance to crush their hopes right when they can see the finish line. This is going to be fun.