Mike Gundy says future of Bedlam rivalry is 'someone else's decision'

Conference realignment has a history of destroying rivalries, especially when it comes to the Big 12. Nearly a decade ago, it was Texas and Texas A&M see their annual Lone Star Showdown get dropped. Now, there’s a chance the same happens for Oklahoma and Oklahoma State with Bedlam.

The Sooners will be heading to the SEC by 2025 at the latest but could pay a buyout before then to leave earlier. Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy commented on what the move meant for the rivalry dubbed Bedlam, saying it’s up to somebody else as to whether or not the two programs will continue to play.

“The future of Bedlam is there’s a year or two left,” said Gundy. “That’s the future of Bedlam based on somebody else’s decision.”

If next year ends up being the final battle between Oklahoma and Oklahoma, it will take place in Norman, nearly 120 years after the first meeting. The Cowboys could get to close down the series in their hometown of Stillwater, where it would be their first home win streak in the rivalry since 1932.

Gundy will get his first, and potentially final look, at Oklahoma under head coach Brent Venables this season. He ended his rivalry against Lincoln Riley with a win and will want to do the same with the overall rivalry if this truly is the end.

Mike Gundy comments on mental toughness in today’s generation

Gundy has never been shy to share his opinion on issues on and off the field throughout his tenure, becoming known as much for his outspoken takes as his mullet or winning brand of football. During Big 12 media day, he took time to speak on the new generation of players and how the Cowboys’ culture separates itself.

During an appearance on the set with ESPN, Mike Gundy shared that the young generation does not possess mental and physical toughness, but that his program instills those traits in every member.

“Our culture is built on toughness,” said Gundy. “This is a tough man’s game. Mental and physical toughness is a big issue with young people today. Kids are the same, but they’ve been raised differently in my opinion. My dad is 83-years old and he tells me all the time, ‘You raise your boys different than I raised you.’ And this generation is not tough because of that.

“So we hang our hat on being mentally and physically tough. We’re going to push, we’re going to work hard. Our practices are going to be hard, it is what it is. We feel like that’s how we win games.”