Game day thoughts – Week 12
Published: 11/24/2007 10:23 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2007 10:23 AM
Just the mention that it's Bedlam should say it all. The Bedlam Series should bring out the best in Oklahoma State always.
When the Bedlam football game is played in Stillwater, the Cowboys more often than not bring their best effort against rival Oklahoma. Even though OSU has lost the past two Bedlam games in Stillwater, in both instances the contest came down to the final play.
When the game has been in Norman in recent years, however, the Cowboys have dropped a dud. Les Miles' pregame chatter in 2003 only raised the ire of the Sooners even more than the losses in 2001 and 2002 did. OU pounded OSU 52-9 that year. The game in 2005 wasn't much of a contest, either. Adrian Peterson once again ran all over and around and past and through the OSU defense in a 42-14 OU triumph.
OU will enter the game irritated beyond belief that it has kicked away a golden opportunity to win the national title this year. OSU should enter the game irritated beyond belief that it has kicked away a golden opportunity to narrow the gap between itself and OU and Texas in the Big 12.
Besides watching who brings the most fight to the field, here are three more things I'll be watching closely in the 102nd Bedlam battle:
*** The opening shot: As the two-touchdown underdog, OSU needs to deliver the first blow. The Cowboys need to establish early momentum and create some element of doubt for the favored Sooners.
*** The Savage beast: Dantrell Savage has rushed for at least 100 yards in eight consecutive games. He needs to make it nine so OSU's offense can avoid being one dimensional (meaning all pass).
*** Curtail miscues: On the road particularly, mistakes can be very costly. OSU did not commit a turnover at Nebraska and Baylor and won convincingly. At Texas A&M, the Cowboys committed just one turnover. But it provided a huge momentum swing that helped the Aggies post a 1-point victory.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
