NOTE: This is the first in a series of memorable Bedlam matchups between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State leading up to Saturday's game in Stillwater, the last in a rivalry spanning more than 100 years. The AllSooners staff picks its favorite games we either covered or watched live.
2015
During the 2015 season, Bedlam meant everything. Both teams entered the game 10-1, as Oklahoma was the country's No. 3 ranked team and Oklahoma State was slotted at No. 11 after losing to Baylor the week before.
For Oklahoma to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive, a win was necessary. Not only did Bedlam carry playoff implications, though, it was also to decide a Big 12 champion. Despite the 10-win records and Top-11 ranking for both sides, the Sooners were still 7.5 point favorites on the road.
And Vegas knew what it was talking about.
Oklahoma came out with vengeance, firing on all cylinders. Oklahoma State pulled off a massive upset in Norman the season before, and it was clear the Sooners weren't going to let that happen again. The biggest difference in the game from 2014? The addition of Baker Mayfield.
Oklahoma's quarterback rejuvenated the Sooners football program and lifted Bob Stoops' team back to a championship-level group.
It took the Sooners a second to get going, but after Samaje Perine's 68-yard touchdown run to end the first quarter, there was no looking back.
Joe Mixon took a 66-yard run to the house and Mayfield laid a massive block on an unassuming Oklahoma State defender. Mason Rudolph entered the game trying to play through an injury and Jordan Thompson promptly picked him off and returned it for a touchdown. The game unraveled quickly for Oklahoma State, and the Sooners ran away with it.
The Sooners ran for 344 yards and five touchdowns on 42 carries, while Mayfield threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma went on to win the game 58-23.
The 35-point win is the largest Bedlam win in the last 11 years and was one of Mayfield's signature victories in Norman. It led to Oklahoma's impressive conference championship streak and spurred the Sooners onto the College Football Playoff.
The Sooners eventually lost to Deshaun Watson and the Tigers, but it's a season that will be remembered forever. It provided a dominant day in the Bedlam rivalry and another Big 12 Championship.
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