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Bedlam’s Ghost Isn’t Gone — It’s Just Waiting

Look, I’ve been to every Bedlam game since ’16. I’ve sat in the south end zone during the fourth quarter when the wind howled like a war cry and the scoreboard read 27–24. I’ve felt that jolt — the one that goes through your chest when the snap comes, the one that makes your hands sweat even in January. That’s not nostalgia. That’s memory. That’s identity.

And now? It’s back on the table. Not as a pipe dream. Not as a “maybe.” Roger Denny, OU’s AD, just dropped the line: Bedlam could return if the College Football Playoff expands. That’s not a whisper. That’s a statement.

And you know what? I believe it. Not because I want it. But because it’s the only way it makes sense.

Let that sink in.

Why CFP Expansion Is the Only Road Back

For years, we’ve been stuck in a loop. No real non-conference games. No marquee matchups. Just the same old same old: a couple of ranked teams, a bowl game, and then the offseason. We’ve watched Texas and Alabama play each other every year like it’s a ritual. But our rivalry? Our bloodline? It’s been on ice.

But here’s the kicker: CFP expansion to 16 teams isn’t just a rumor. It’s being discussed at the highest levels. Per ESPN, the idea is no longer fringe. It’s on the table — and with it comes the possibility of a real, scheduled Bedlam game.

Why? Because if the CFP adds more teams, it needs more high-stakes games. It needs more natural rivalries. It needs more “must-win” moments. And Bedlam? That’s the ultimate must-win.

And don’t tell me it’s not possible. We’ve played 117 times. We’ve had 10 one-score games in the last 10 years. We’ve had 42 come-from-behind wins. That’s not just a rivalry. That’s a war. And wars don’t vanish because the schedule changes.

But here’s the real truth: the CFP isn’t expanding for us. It’s expanding for the game. But if it does, we’re not just in the room — we’re on the board.

The Real Test: Stability, Not Schedules

Now, don’t get me started on the coaching carousel. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. Two years under one coach, then a new one. It’s not just frustrating — it’s destructive. It kills continuity. It kills culture. It kills the belief that our team can build something real.

But listen: Greg Byrne, Alabama’s AD, just called changing coaches every two or three years “absolutely ludicrous.” That’s not just a comment. That’s a warning. And it’s not just about Alabama. It’s about the entire landscape.

DeBoer’s stability at Alabama? That’s not a fluke. That’s a model. When you keep a coach for more than three years, you build something. You build trust. You build identity. And you build a team that knows how to win — not just on paper, but in the trenches.

And that’s what we need. Not just a game. Not just a return. We need a foundation. We need a team that knows what it means to wear that red and white. That’s not built in a year. It’s built in a decade. And if we’re going to bring Bedlam back, we can’t be chasing coaches. We need to lock in.

Look, I’ve seen what happens when a program flips coaches every few years. The players don’t know who they’re playing for. The fans don’t know what to believe. And the legacy? It fades.

So if CFP expansion brings Bedlam, it better bring stability with it. Or we’re just swapping one kind of chaos for another.

What the SEC’s Move Means — And Why It Matters to Us

Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Kirby Smart, the head coach of Georgia, just dropped a bomb: the SEC might leave the NCAA if they don’t get a new CFP deal. That’s not a threat. That’s a declaration.

And you know what? I respect it. Not because I want the SEC to leave — but because it shows how much power they hold. The league isn’t just a collection of schools. It’s a force. And if they’re willing to walk away, it means the game is at a tipping point.

Think about it: the CFP is the crown jewel of college football. But it’s also a business. And if the SEC says, “We’re not playing unless we get more money, more control, more games,” who’s going to say no?

That’s not just a negotiation. That’s a revolution.

And if it happens? If the CFP expands, if the SEC gets what they want — then Bedlam isn’t just possible. It’s inevitable.

Because the CFP needs marquee games. The SEC needs leverage. And our rivalry? It’s the perfect storm of both.

And don’t forget — we’re not just playing for pride. We’re playing for place. For legacy. For the next generation of fans who’ve never seen Bedlam live.

The Real Cost of Waiting

Let me be blunt: if we don’t act now, we lose. Not just the game. Not just the trophy. But the soul of what we are.

When I was a kid, I’d go to the game with my dad. We’d sit in the sun, eat hot dogs, and scream until our voices cracked. We didn’t care about the scoreboard. We cared about the moment. The roar. The unity.

And that’s what’s at stake. Not just a game. But a tradition.

Now, I’ve seen the numbers. The last time Bedlam was played, 91,200 fans packed the state’s biggest stadium. That’s not just a crowd. That’s a movement. And if CFP expansion brings it back, we’re not just getting a game — we’re getting a heartbeat.

But here’s the hard truth: we can’t wait. We can’t hope. We can’t just sit back and say, “Maybe next year.” The window is open. And if we don’t grab it, we’ll be the ones asking why we didn’t.

So yes — Bedlam could return. But only if we’re ready. Only if we’re stable. Only if we’re bold.

And I’m not talking about just the team. I’m talking about the whole program. The fans. The city. The state. We’ve got to be ready.

Key Takeaways

  • OU AD Roger Denny has signaled that Bedlam could return if CFP expansion moves forward — a major shift in the conversation.
  • Stability in coaching is no longer optional — Alabama’s AD Greg Byrne called frequent coaching changes “absolutely ludicrous,” a warning to all programs.
  • SEC leadership, including Kirby Smart, has hinted at leaving the NCAA if a new CFP deal isn’t reached, putting pressure on the playoff system to expand.
  • Bedlam isn’t just a game — it’s a cultural anchor. The last time it was played, 91,200 fans attended, proving its massive draw.

FAQ

Q: How would CFP expansion actually lead to a Bedlam game?

A: With a 16-team CFP, the playoff needs more high-profile non-conference matchups. Bedlam, as one of the most storied rivalries in college football, is a natural fit. It would give the CFP a marquee game and boost viewership.

Q: Is Bedlam still a real possibility if the CFP doesn’t expand?

A: Not likely. Without expansion, the CFP remains a 12-team model with limited room for non-conference games. The scheduling pressure keeps Bedlam on the sidelines.

Q: How does coaching stability affect the chance of a Bedlam return?

A: Stability is critical. A program that’s constantly rebuilding can’t sustain a high-stakes rivalry. But with a long-term coach like Kalen DeBoer, OU can build a team that’s not just competitive — but respected.