Oklahoma State football: Are the Cowboys stepping into a bear trap in Waco?

“Everybody only remembers November, so we are playing well at the right time,” Lackey said. “We are able to produce and come up with turnovers or whatever it is. We have been able to turn the games around and help our offense.”

Saturday's result could, really, change the perception of OSU's entire season.

Win, and the Cowboys finish 8-4 and will be on their way to a solid bowl game, despite a revolving door at quarterback and a bevy of injuries throughout the season. That's a successful season.

Lose, and the Cowboys finish 7-5, ride a two-game skid into the postseason and slide down the bowl pecking order. That's a mediocre season.

It all hinges on an early December trip to Waco. And OSU coach Mike Gundy is confident in his team's ability to rebound from the Bedlam disappointment and finish the regular season strong.

“I don't think there's any question it's a challenge for us as coaches and players that we recover,” Gundy said. “It starts with us. We have to get over it first, and then we have to make sure our players understand, which they do.”