Oklahoma and Oklahoma State come into this year’s version of Bedlam in two very different situations than they were a year ago.
This game had Big 12 title implications for both teams and with just one loss on either side, there was still a chance that either team could work their way into the College Football Playoff. In 2022, that’s not the case.
The Oklahoma Sooners are fighting for bowl eligibility with two games remaining, and Oklahoma State’s hoping to stay in the Big 12 title game hunt, though they’ll need a lot of help.
Offensively, the two sides are putting up a lot of yards and points this season, but both teams have had injuries to their quarterbacks. Spencer Sanders is still dealing with a shoulder issue but is expected to play. Dillon Gabriel is long past the concussion that forced him to miss the second half of the loss to TCU and all of the Red River Showdown loss to Texas.
The noticeable difference for Oklahoma State has been its defense. After producing one of the best defenses in the country under Jim Knowles, the Cowboys have dropped off some this season, allowing 30 points per game. Oklahoma’s defense hasn’t been any better, as the Sooners have allowed 29.1 points per game on the season.
It’s going to be a cold night in Norman for this year’s iteration of Bedlam, and it’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen given the inconsistencies from Oklahoma and the health of Spencer Sanders. What we can expect is another entertaining game in the in-state rivalry.