Oklahoma State football: Cowboys took note of OU's post-Bedlam celebration

In truth, Jones likely speaks for all the players in the rivalry. While fans cling to the results of many decades past, players define history and tradition as what's happened lately.

And lately, this has been one heck of a rivalry, marked by high-stakes entertaining games.

Remember, it was none other than Barry Switzer who sounded warning shouts of OSU's uprising. And all last week, former Sooners Teddy Lehman and Dusty Dvoracek lamented the Cowboys status as an equal — and admitted they aren't going away.

Maybe even more telling is the mood in Stillwater, where Bedlam no longer stands as a one-game season. The Cowboys have gotten used to playing in — and winning — big games.

Bedlam, yes, but also significant others.

So when it was suggested that the Cowboys had taken some sort of step Saturday night, OSU offensive coordinator Todd Monken scoffed.

“Oh, I don't see that. We didn't win the game, there is no step,” Monken said. “To me, we're a good football program. We've got a good football team. We've proven that the whole year. Unfortunately, we've found a way to lose four games. And we had a chance to win all four — we haven't.

“I hate to think we went to overtime against OU here and that put us in a category. I just think we've got a good football team. And whether it was at OU or Kansas State or Arizona or at home … no you expect to win.”