OU FanSided Expert shares perspective on Bedlam
With the Bedlam game coming up tomorrow we ask the Oklahoma Sooners Stormin in Norman Site Expert Chip Rouse on his perspective about the game.
1. How do you think the whole OU fan base feels about the Bedlam rivalry and it’s significance compared to Red River?
Historically, there is nothing bigger on the OU schedule every season than the Texas game. The Longhorns are also one of the very few teams that have a winning record over the Sooners all-time. The fact that the Red River Showdown and Bedlam are separated by four or five games helps with the build-up and significance of both games. As far as the OU fan base is concerned, their is greater passion around the Texas rivalry, largely because of the history behind it, but Bedlam is easily the second most important game on the schedule, and especially when a conference championship is at stake. The success of every Sooner season in football is heavily weighted by the outcome of two games: Texas and Oklahoma State.
2. Do you think Baker Mayfield or Dede Westbrook has a better shot at the Heisman?
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Quarterbacks are generally in a better position to win the Heisman (OU has had two QBs win it in the Bob Stoops era). Mayfield has had another outstanding season and is worthy of consideration, but I believe Westbrook’s numbers have been nothing short of phenomenal and, arguably, are more Heisman-worthy. Having said this, I believe the winner this year will be Lamar Jackson of Louisville unless one of the other candidates has an unbelievable weekend performance in one of the conference championship games.
3. Do you think that the eventual Big 12 Champion deserves a spot in the playoff?
I think that ship has sailed. When Colorado jumped over Oklahoma (and by extension, Oklahoma State) in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, the path to a Playoff spot for the Big 12 champion was effectively shut off. At best, the Big 12 champion is playing for the Sugar Bowl spot that goes to the No. 1 team in the Big 12.
4. Should Mason Rudolph leave for the NFL Draft after this season?
You could ask the same question about Baker Mayfield. I believe both could benefit by staying where they are for another season.
5. Who has a bigger impact on the game, Joe Mixon or Samaje Perine?
They have different running styles, which is why they are so effective in combination in the run game. I believe Mixon will have a greater overall impact because of his versatility and the fact that he is a definite threat in the open field whether he is running the ball or out in space as a pass receiver. He also is used sometimes returning kickoffs.
6. Overall prediction?
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I believe the high octane nature of the two offenses will make this a high-scoring game, but I believe playing at home with the opportunity to win a Big 12 championship and finish off a perfect, undefeated Big 12 season works to the Sooners’ advantage. Oklahoma 48, Oklahoma State 38.