Paul Finebaum predicts outcome of Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State in Bedlam

This year’s Bedlam rivalry matchup between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State is as important as ever. Oklahoma State has already locked up a spot in the Big 12 Championship game, but there is more at stake than just that.

Ahead of the pivotal matchup, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has predicted the winner of the game.

“Finally,” Finebaum said. “Cowboys up, Sooners down.”

If Finebaum is right in predicting Oklahoma State (No. 7) over Oklahoma (No. 10), the College Football Playoff picture is going to be very interesting. Ohio State (No. 2) and Michigan (No. 5) face off, with the winner in a great position and a loser out of the playoff picture. Georgia (No. 1) will take on Alabama (No. 3) in the SEC Championship game next week. An Alabama loss could possibly spell the end of their playoff hopes, depending on other outcomes.

With many key matchups ahead, this year’s Bedlam game could ultimately decide the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma State could pick up two more top ten wins over the next two weeks. With Oklahoma being ranked at No. 10 and a possible matchup with Baylor (No. 8) in the Big 12 Championship, the Cowboys could be getting a huge resume boost over the next two games.

Baylor takes on Texas Tech on Saturday. If Baylor wins and Oklahoma loses, Oklahoma State and Baylor face off in the Big 12 Championship. Oklahoma clinches a spot in the championship with either a win OR a Baylor loss.

The Big 12 picture could really impact the CFP picture for Oklahoma, Oklahoma State

If Oklahoma or Oklahoma State do indeed pick up two top ten wins to win the Big 12 Championship, that will be a resume that will be hard for the CFP committee to deny.

At the latest College Football Playoff rankings release, Kirk Herbstreit, David Pollack, and Rece Davis discussed the playoff hopes for both teams.

Herbstreit and Pollack agree that the Cowboys are in a good position with a win in Bedlam.

“The thing is about Notre Dame being above them, Notre Dame is almost done. Listen, top seven to me are very much in play big time. But they’ve got a chance with many more opportunities to jump Notre Dame and be very much right in the mix at the end of this,” said Pollack.

“I think where Oklahoma State sits, with two big games still ahead of them potentially,” Herbstreit said. “If they’re able to knock off Oklahoma and get a shot to win a Big 12 championship, it really would be exciting to see what happens ahead of them.”

Despite some struggles, Oklahoma shouldn’t be counted out of the picture just yet.

“They play Oklahoma State and honestly, they’ve had their number. So I think when you look at Caleb Williams and this offense, it’s a huge test. Respect the team against Oklahoma State,” said Pollack. “They are not done yet. They’re still alive. I don’t know if there’s a lot of life, but they’re still kicking around.”

Davis also thinks that Oklahoma shouldn’t be counted out yet.

“Hey, look, if you beat the Pokes twice, you certainly help make your case with quality wins,” said Davis.

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Stillwater.