The announcement of Oklahoma’s future move to the SEC sent shockwaves throughout college football.
From a local perspective, it not only surprised Oklahomans but created a sense of animosity from the Sooners’ in-state rival, Oklahoma State.
In the aftermath of Oklahoma’s acceptance into the SEC, Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum shared her thoughts on the move.
No mincing words there with her thoughts on the University of Oklahoma. Mike Gundy didn’t hold back either when asked about the future of Bedlam.
We’ve known Oklahoma State’s thoughts on the matter for some time.
OU President Joseph Harroz and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione have maintained that they’d like the game to continue.
According to Brett McMurphy of Action Sports, the two sides don’t see a way forward for Bedlam due to scheduling.
McMurphy spoke with the athletic directors of both schools. Chad Weiberg of Oklahoma State and Castiglione of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma State’s lack of interest, combined with the reality that nonconference scheduling is planned out so far ahead that both schools are pretty well full, makes it challenging to see a path forward for Bedlam in the next decade.
Oklahoma has planned home and home matchups with SMU, Michigan, Nebraska, and Clemson.
Oklahoma State has Arizona State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Oregon, and Colorado on the books for future nonconference matchups.
According to McMurphy, OU and OSU prefer to schedule just one Power Five opponent in nonconference. So that provides little room for Bedlam.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will lock up in mid-November in a game that will have Big 12 title and College Football Playoff implications.
It could also be the last Bedlam game for the foreseeable future. While the move to the SEC isn’t expected until 2025, there’s a chance it could come earlier if OU and Texas are willing to pay the price.
While the SEC is exciting, it is a shame that Bedlams won’t be a part of the regular schedule.
Hopefully, a time comes when the two schools can come together and make the game happen.
It may be a lopsided rivalry, but it’s one that means a lot for both schools and for the state of Oklahoma.