Oklahoma football: Why Mitt Romney should be a Sooner fan

The Republican nominee has won the Sooner State's Electoral College votes in every election since 1968, and that doesn't figure to change anytime soon.

But if Mitt Romney wants to win the White House in November, he might consider spending a few Saturdays in Norman this fall.

Not to campaign, though.

The theme of The Oklahoman's annual football section, which comes out Sunday, is “Campaign 2012,” and it's filled with fun comparisons between OU, OSU, high school football and the political world, which this year, of course, features a hotly contested presidential election.

With our campaign-themed football section in mind, I've compiled research looking back at every season where there was both a presidential election and an Oklahoma football season.

OU fares far better overall in seasons where the Republican nominee is victorious, with an overall record of 119-27-7 (. 801 winning percentage), two national championships, nine conference titles and four undefeated seasons.

When the Democratic nominee wins, though, the Sooners are 78-49-10 (. 606 winning percentage) with no national titles, four conference titles and no unbeaten seasons.

Success has also been greater against top rivals with Republican wins in presidential elections years; During such seasons, the Sooners are 7-4-1 (. 625) in the Red River Rivalry and 13-1 (. 929) against Oklahoma State.