Bedlam Extra: OU-OSU game better than it's ever been

OSU and OU are each 30-10 in conference play since the start of the 2008 season. That's a better record than Texas (26-14), Kansas State (23-18), Texas Tech (21-20) or any of the schools that have fled the Big 12.

“Quality of the players,” is how OU quarterback Landry Jones explains it. “For the last couple of years, each of our programs has been really competitive for sure.”

Whereas once it was inconceivable for any Sooner to consider any team but Texas as OU's arch-rival, Bedlam has gained a foothold among the latest generation of Sooners.

Dusty Dvoracek, who played defensive tackle for the Sooners 2001-05, said he considers the Cowboys to be OU's primary rival, and it stems from his playing days. OSU beat OU in back-to-back years, 2001 and 2002, and Dvoracek hasn't forgotten.

Plus now, the OSU program is even better, the defending Big 12 champion, perhaps the Big 12 favorite for 2013 and still a contender to some degree in 2012.

OU retains a Big Brother status in the rivalry, but Little Brother has grown up fast. Which makes Bedlam better than it's ever been.

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.