Decoding the mystery of Bedlam football 2012

“We've got a little confidence behind us,” said OSU linebacker Caleb Lavey. “At the beginning of the year, we were giving up too many points. We weren't getting enough turnovers, and by no means have we arrived to where we want to be.”

* We don't know which team will get the better quarterbacking. Landry Jones has played great down the stretch and leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency for conference games, with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions.

But OSU counters with its version of Rudy. Third-teamer Clint Chelf has quarterbacked two straight impressive victories. He has eight touchdown passes and two interceptions in 2 1/2 Big 12 games, and Chelf's quarterback rating in conference games surpasses even Landry's.

Stoops won't tip his hand on how he sees the game coming out but expresses confidence in his team.

“Usually, that feeling's pretty good,” Stoops said. “Every now and then, I get surprised. Twenty percent of the time, I've been surprised. My average is pretty good.” Stoops' career winning percentage is .807.

“We'll have to see and play it out.”

The Sooners have played three one-possession games in the Big 12. In the Stoops era, only in 2005 has OU played more (four).

So expect another dramatic finish? Do so at your own peril. The truth is, no one knows what to expect Saturday in Bedlam.

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.