2002 Bedlam remains biggest victory in OSU football history
Published: 9/27/2011 9:19 AM
Last Modified: 9/28/2011 3:10 PM
Rashaun Woods catches a TD against OU in 2002. Tulsa World file
Quarterback Brandon Weeden, who set three school records while lifting the Cowboys from a 20-3 deficit at Kyle Field, called the A&M “the biggest win” of his college career.
In social-media exchanges, Cowboy fans have debated whether OSU’s comeback victory was the biggest in school history. That would be a resounding no. Without question, the most significant victory in Oklahoma State football history occurred on Nov. 30, 2002, when the unranked Cowboys whacked No. 3-ranked Oklahoma 38-28 in Stillwater.
The momentum for what eventually led to today’s OSU status – a 33-10 record in its last 43 games and, currently, a No. 5 national ranking – began a year earlier, when the 2001 Cowboys ended a 4-7 season by shocking OU 16-13 in Norman. But the 2002 Bedlam outcome was more important in that it compelled billionaire T. Boone Pickens to invest heavily in his alma mater’s football program. The end result was a $283 million stadium makeover that completely changed the Oklahoma State football culture.
How does OSU 30, Texas A&M 29 rank during the Gundy era? Having covered each of Gundy’s 80 games as head coach, I’d rate it as No. 1. The Cowboys were matched with an eighth-ranked, favored Aggie team energized by a Kyle Field crowd of more than 87,000. To rally from 17 down and win in that environment – it was quite impressive. The Cowboys passed a manhood test last week.
The top five victories of the Gundy era:
OSU 30, Texas A&M 29 (Sept. 24, 2011, College Station): During the first half, the Cowboy defense gave up 147 rushing yards (7.7 per attempt). During the second half, OSU forced four turnovers and allowed only 15 rushing yards.
OSU 24, Georgia 10 (Sept. 5, 2009, Stillwater): In the first game played in the completely renovated Boone Pickens Stadium, OSU stifled the Bulldogs with a dominant defense. A few days later, Dez Bryant was on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
OSU 28, Missouri 23 (Oct. 11, 2008, Columbia): Missouri was ranked No. 3 and considered an extremely legitimate national-title contender. For OSU, it was a huge step toward becoming an outstanding road team.
OSU 36, Arizona 10 (Dec. 29, 2010, Alamo Bowl, San Antonio): It wasn’t a great performance, but the victory vaulted the Cowboys to an unprecedented plateau – their first 11-win finish.
OSU 34, Alabama 31 (Dec. 28, 2006, Independence Bowl): Only one year removed from having been the Big 12’s worst team, the Cowboys beat ‘Bama with a late field goal. Five years later, Gundy remembers it fondly. He says the Alabama victory was a huge building block for his OSU program.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
