The move of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC has resulted in the unintended consequence of ending the Bedlam rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in the short term. Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy expressed his disappointment, stating that 2023 will likely be the last time the two teams meet.
Gundy emphasized that Oklahoma’s decision to leave the Big 12 led to the discontinuation of Bedlam. He mentioned that the SEC will eventually adopt a 9-game schedule, making it challenging for Oklahoma State to schedule nonconference games against the Sooners, as OSU has its schedule set through 2037. He did acknowledge that a matchup could take place in a future bowl game, but asserted that his team is not responsible for making changes to accommodate Bedlam since Oklahoma chose to join the SEC.
Although schedules can change, Gundy has consistently placed the blame on Oklahoma for ending the rivalry, but sees a potential plus as it being an opportunity for Oklahoma State to establish its own football identity separate from Oklahoma, the in-state national power down I-35 in Norman.
The series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, with the Sooners dominating historically, will conclude in November 2023. Despite the lopsided record, the discontinuation of Bedlam marks the end of a long-standing tradition that holds importance to both schools.
