OU has won 91 Bedlam games.
The rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, known as Bedlam, is legendary. Fans always want to know, how many Bedlam games has OU won? This is a question that stirs up passion and bragging rights among the fan bases.
The history of this game is filled with intense moments and memorable victories. Knowing the historical win count helps understand the current landscape of the competition.
How Many Bedlam Games Has OU Won? A Deep Dive into the Rivalry
The Bedlam Series. Just saying the name sends shivers down the spines of college football fans in Oklahoma. It’s more than just a game; it’s a year-long battle for bragging rights, family feuds, and statewide dominance. At the heart of this rivalry is the question: how many times has the University of Oklahoma (OU) emerged victorious? The answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Let’s break down the history, the trends, and the key moments that have shaped the Bedlam series and answer the question, “how many Bedlam games has OU won?”.
The Historical Landscape of Bedlam
To truly understand OU’s dominance in the Bedlam series, we need to travel back in time. The first Bedlam game happened way back in 1904, and it has been a mostly annual affair ever since. There are a few gaps here and there because of schedule changes, but for the most part, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have faced off every year, creating a legacy filled with memorable matchups and hard-fought battles. This long-standing rivalry has provided countless narratives, legendary players, and, of course, a lot of wins for the Sooners.
Early Years of Bedlam
The early years of Bedlam were a bit more back-and-forth, with both teams securing wins. However, as the University of Oklahoma’s football program began to establish its identity and tradition, their control over the series gradually became more prominent. These early years laid the groundwork for the lopsided wins that would become associated with the Bedlam series, particularly in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
The Bud Wilkinson Era: A Period of Sooner Domination
The name Bud Wilkinson is synonymous with Oklahoma football dominance. He was the head coach of the University of Oklahoma from 1947 to 1963, and under his guidance, the Sooners became a national powerhouse, which, naturally, spilled into the Bedlam series. During his tenure, OU’s control of Bedlam became very apparent. Wilkinson’s innovative strategies and exceptional coaching resulted in a period of prolonged success that included multiple national championships and a remarkable win streak over Oklahoma State, solidifying OU’s historical advantage in the series.
OU’s Overall Win Record in Bedlam
Alright, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the numbers! As of the latest game, the University of Oklahoma holds a significant lead in the Bedlam series. The University of Oklahoma has won a vast majority of the total games played in the series history. This overall win record is a point of pride for Oklahoma fans and a source of frustration for Oklahoma State fans. The specific number can vary slightly depending on the source (due to different ways of counting forfeited games etc.) but the important thing to remember is that OU has established an overall dominance over the course of history. Keep an eye on updated records, as each game changes this number!
Decade by Decade Breakdown of OU’s Wins
While the overall record shows a clear advantage for OU, looking at the series decade by decade gives a more detailed perspective on the fluctuations of dominance. Some decades have been more competitive than others. Here’s a glimpse into how the wins have stacked up in different eras:
- The early years (1900s-1930s): A mixed bag with wins going back and forth between both teams, although OU starts to establish dominance over time.
- The Wilkinson Era (1940s-1960s): This is the period of significant dominance by OU. They won almost every single game during this period, which established their dominance in the series.
- The 1970s-1990s: OU continued its strong performance in the series, winning a majority of the games. They have many wins over OSU.
- The 2000s – Present: Although OU still dominates, OSU has become more competitive, securing some wins here and there, making games more exciting.
This decade-by-decade breakdown shows that while OU has consistently held an advantage, the series has seen ebbs and flows in terms of team performance, resulting in some competitive matchups. This historical perspective lets us see that the question, “how many Bedlam games has OU won?” has a history behind it and continues to be written with each passing game.
Key Moments in Bedlam History That Led to OU Wins
The Bedlam series is packed with moments that have not only defined specific games but have also shaped the narrative of the entire rivalry. These memorable moments have often resulted in OU victories, adding to their overall win total. Let’s look at some key games that stand out:
The Miracle of 1981
One of the most legendary moments came in 1981, when Oklahoma pulled off an improbable comeback win against Oklahoma State. Down by a considerable amount in the final minutes, the Sooners scored a late touchdown and then recovered an onside kick to ultimately win the game. This is still talked about by OU fans as one of the greatest moments in the history of the rivalry, and the miraculous comeback added another notch in the win column for the Sooners.
The Switzer Era Showdowns
The 1970s and 1980s brought us a series of intense battles under coach Barry Switzer, with many games going the Sooners way. The dominant performances of OU during this period solidified OU’s advantage in the rivalry. These games weren’t just wins; they were demonstrations of powerful football, and cemented OU’s reputation as a formidable opponent in the Bedlam series.
Modern Day Classics
Even in recent times, the Bedlam series has produced some classic games. Close contests, incredible individual plays, and dramatic finishes. While OSU has been more competitive lately, OU still managed to secure important wins that add to their overall dominance. These modern classics demonstrate that while the dynamics of the series may have changed, the intensity and significance of each match remain the same.
Factors Contributing to OU’s Success in Bedlam
Why has OU won so many Bedlam games? It’s not just luck. There are a few important reasons why OU has historically had a better record in this rivalry:
Recruiting Advantage
Over the years, OU has often had a slight recruiting advantage, attracting top talent from across the nation. This ability to bring in high-caliber athletes has given them an edge in terms of depth and skill, which often makes a difference in closely contested games. This helps them build winning football teams, capable of overpowering their rival OSU.
Coaching Stability
Throughout their history, OU has had periods of coaching stability, allowing for the implementation of consistent systems and philosophies. Long-term coaches like Wilkinson and Switzer have established strong programs that built a winning culture, which ultimately translated to success in the Bedlam series. The continuity in their coaching has played a critical role in their dominance in the rivalry.
Tradition and Culture of Winning
There’s a palpable sense of tradition and expectation at OU. This winning culture is deeply ingrained into the football program, from the coaches to the players. This high expectation of winning, especially against Oklahoma State, has pushed the OU players to perform at their highest level every time they play, adding to their overall win total in the Bedlam series. The deep traditions and winning history provides a mental edge that has served them well in the rivalry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bedlam
The Bedlam series is far from over, and each year brings a new chapter to this iconic rivalry. As OSU’s program continues to get better, they pose more of a challenge to OU. Even with that increased competition, OU will continue to strive for wins to maintain its dominance over their in-state rival. The question of “how many Bedlam games has OU won?” will continue to evolve as each game is played.
Changes in the College Football Landscape
The changes in college football, like conference realignment, also add an interesting layer to the Bedlam series. This might mean a slight change in how often OU and OSU play each other in future seasons, but the passion and intensity will still remain.
The Continued Quest for Dominance
Both teams will continue to strive for dominance and try to add wins to their record. The continued battle for state supremacy will remain a major storyline for many seasons to come. Every time these two rivals meet, history is being written, and the ongoing question of “how many Bedlam games has OU won?” will always be on the minds of fans.
The Bedlam series is more than just a game. It’s a clash of cultures, a battle for state supremacy, and a display of intense passion. The question of how many times OU has won is a complex one, with a rich history behind the overall numbers. While the Sooners have a strong lead historically, the rivalry is constantly evolving, with every game adding another page to its storied history. As the teams continue to battle on the gridiron, one thing is certain: the Bedlam series will continue to be one of the most exciting and engaging rivalries in college football.
Greatest OU Touchdowns in Bedlam
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma currently leads the Bedlam series with a significant advantage. They have secured victories in a large majority of the games played against Oklahoma State. The rivalry continues to be a big deal each year for fans.
So, how many Bedlam games has OU won? They have won over 90 games in the series. This clearly demonstrates their historical dominance in this important matchup.
