Oxford's dictionary defines bedlam as "a scene of uproar and confusion."
So it was with the late, great Oklahoma-Oklahoma State rivalry, relegated to the history books Saturday as the Sooners prepare to move to the SEC in 2024. The 119-year-old series, however, refused to go quietly: the Cowboys won the game's final edition 27-24 in a thriller that saw Oklahoma fail on fourth down with 1:01 to play.
The rivalry is one of a spate of feuds that conference realignment is about to halt, along with the Civil War, the Apple Cup, multiple California intrastate series and others. Thus, college football fans toasted a finale that lived up to the hype.
Oklahoma State winning the final Bedlam is some meek shall inherit the earth business
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) November 4, 2023
Many delighted in the Sooners' minefield of a final ride through their longtime home.
Oklahoma’s Big 12 farewell tour
— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) November 4, 2023
• Lost to Kansas, 1st time since 1997
• Lost to Oklahoma State, final Bedlam game
Oklahoma State, long stereotyped as the red-headed stepchild of Sooner State higher education, unsubtly shaded their southern neighbors.
THE BEST IN OKLAHOMA.
— Oklahoma State Univ. (@okstate) November 4, 2023
We already knew it, but now the world knows too.#GoPokes | #okstate pic.twitter.com/lxBVdpS5rg
Cowboys fans stormed the field in jubilation.
The scene in Stillwater. Oklahoma State knocks off Oklahoma 27-24, winning what might be the final Bedlam in a long time. #OKState pic.twitter.com/Hxaf7pzcMx
— TJ Eckert (@TJEckertKTUL) November 4, 2023
When you get Bedlam bragging rights. pic.twitter.com/QstF80slJ4
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 4, 2023
Fans and writers agreed the two teams had staged a fond farewell.
Bedlam Bedlam’d enough, and I appreciate it.
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) November 4, 2023
Oklahoma State fans wondered if it should get extra credit for its closing statement.
Last Bedlam counts as 73 wins. I don’t make the rules.
— Southwell (@JustinSouthwell) November 4, 2023
If it's more your jam, Oklahoma games against Vanderbilt and Mississippi State will be here soon enough.
Imagine watching that bedlam game and thinkin “yeah we need less of this and more Washington vs Purdue”
— Cyclone Larry (@CycloneLarry69) November 4, 2023
