College Football: 20 best rivalry games to watch in 2018

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: The USC Trojans face off at the line of scrimmage against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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STILLWATER, OK – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys is hit by defensive end D.J. Ward #87 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma defeated Oklahoma State 62-52. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

14. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

If you are an Oklahoma resident, you know the Bedlam Series divides the state. Interestingly enough, the term “Bedlam” was actually derived from the rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma States wrestling programs. The matches only intensified the rivalry and it spilled over to the gridiron.

The first game was played in 1904 at Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Island Park, now known as Mineral Wells Park. With the wind howling and temperatures well below freezing, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma A&M at the time, punted the ball in the shadow of their own endzone. The wind blew it back and both teams went for the ball as it went into an icy creek. Oklahoma recovered and won 75-0 to kick off the series.

The series has been dominated by one side since its inception. Oklahoma leads the series 87-18-7. The Sooners have won 13 of the last 15.

2015’s matchup proved to be the de-facto Big 12 Championship Game. Despite Mike Gundy’s squad being on a roll, they were no match for Bob Stoops’ bunch. A young Baker Mayfield was unstoppable and the Sooners crushed the Cowboys 58-23. Oklahoma won the Big 12 title and went on the play in the second ever College Football Playoff leaving a bitter taste in their in-state rival’s mouths.

Oklahoma won the following year by 18 points, but 2017’s game proved to be a shootout. Mayfield and Mason Rudolph matched each other blow for blow in a high-scoring affair. Trailing 55-52 with less than two minutes to play, Rudolph threw a game-ending interception. Oklahoma rubbed salt in the wound by scoring another touchdown to win 62-52. This game has been a must-watch one for the Big 12 each year and the same is expected for 2018.