League title goes to Bedlam victor

Sooners, Cowboys have outside chance at playoff berth.

N O R M A N , O K L A . — I t ’ s another high-stakes Bedlam game for Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

T h e C o w b o y s h a v e emerged in the past decade under coach Mike Gundy, turning the showdown into much more than just a yearly meeting between schools from the same state.

Oklahoma leads the series 85-18-7, but today’s meeting will be the second straight that will decide the Big 12 title. A win for the Cowboys would be their second over the Sooners in three years and second straight in Norman, and it would give them their second conference title under Gundy. Matchups in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013 also affected the conference title race.

“I think what’s encouraging for the state of Oklahoma is that for a considerable number of times over the past six years, these two schools have gotten together to decide a conference championship, and I don’t think we c a n a sk f or a ny t hi ng else,” Gundy said.

Ninth-ranked Oklahoma (9-2, 8-0 Big 12) has won eight straight since a rough start, while No. 10 Oklahoma State (9-2, 7-1) has won seven in a row since losing to Baylor. Both teams still have an outside shot at reaching the College Football Playoff.

“The only thing that we can control is how we play S a t u r d a y, ” G u n d y s a i d . “What I told them is that I wanted them to play how they’ve played the last two months because as a coach it’s enjoyable to watch them. They play for each other. There aren’t any selfish players on the field, and I would fully expect them to play that way Saturday. Then, we can worry about the playoff system next Monday.”

Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph has much to gain against the Sooners. While Oklahoma qu a r t e r ba c k Baker Mayfield has been mentioned in the Heisman Trophy race and is the defending Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Rudolph could shake things up by outplaying his more decorated counterpart and getting a win.

Rudolph barely played during Oklahoma’s 58-23 win last season. But he is healthy this season.

“It’s what you look forward to all season long, and last year, I kind of let it slip through my grip,” he said. “Injuries happen, but I was kind of angry that I wasn’t able to play and be at 100 percent. I’ve got a completely different mindset this year.” Things to watch today: Mayfield to NY? Mayfield, who leads the nation in passing efficiency, could make a serious statement to Heisman voters with a s t ro ng per f o r mance. He wasn’t invited to New York for last year’s Heisman ceremony and finished fourth in the balloting.

Heisman contender II: Oklahoma receiver Dede We s t b r o o k i s r i s i n g o n Heisman lists, too. He has 11 touchdown receptions of at least 40 yards this season, the most of any FBS player since 1998.

Taylor tough: Oklahoma State defensive tackle Vincent Taylor has been a force all season. He leads the team with 11.5 tackles for loss, and leads the nation with four blocked kicks.