Bedlam: Last five in Stillwater

Published: November 24, 2006

• Story line: The undefeated Sooners, ranked No. 2 in the country, are a double-digit favorite with aspirations of another national title. Some are calling it the best OU team in school history.

Led by a standout performance from Heisman Trophy runner-up Adrian Peterson, the Sooners appear to be in control in the second half, but the Cowboys rally to turn it into one of the most memorable games in Bedlam history.

Peterson rushes for 249 yards, and wide receiver Mark Bradley has four catches for 128 yards and three touchdowns. OSU rallies behind three long passes (50, 46 and 32 yards) from quarterback Donovan Woods to his brother D'Juan Woods.

The game isn't decided until OSU kicker Jason Ricks misses a 49-yard field goal that would have tied the game in the final seconds.

• Quoteboard: "My football team ... I'll take them and I'll play any sucker in the country. I like this team. I like the fight in this ballclub. I like the resolve." — OSU coach Les Miles

• Highlight play: Adrian Peterson shakes a tackle near the line of scrimmage and bolts 80 yards for a touchdown to give the Sooners a 35-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

• Story line: Coming off a shocking loss the previous year in Norman, OU tight end Trent Smith is quoted as saying he doesn't want to experience another orange Christmas. It turns into another orange holiday for Smith and the Sooners after OSU dominates from the outset.

Quarterback Josh Fields, finishing his career 2-1 against the Sooners, frustrates the OU defense with lob passes and deep throws to wide receiver Rashaun Woods, who has a career day. Woods hauls in 12 receptions for 226 yards and three touchdowns.

The often told joke is "Rashaun Woods is still open" after he burns OU cornerback Andre Woolfolk twice for touchdowns. The Cowboys score early and often to build a 35-6 lead. A late Sooner rally falls short.

OSU rolls up 506 yards of total offense, the most OSU has ever gained against the Sooners.

• Quoteboard: "We talked prior to the game that when we get ahead we're going to continue to push. We were not going to sit on the score." — OSU coach Les Miles

• Highlight play: Rashaun Woods streaks past Woolfolk for a 60-yard touchdown to give the Cowboys a 21-6 lead early in the second quarter.

• Story line: The Sooners win the national championship a few weeks later but have to escape the Cowboys' upset bid. After posting move-up-the-poll wins over Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska earlier in the season, the Cowboys give the Sooners their biggest scare of the season.

In their final game under Bob Simmons, the Cowboys, a 25-point underdog who finish the season 3-8, hold the high-octane Oklahoma offense to one touchdown and 12 points.

The Sooners drive 99 yards on their first offensive possession. It's their only touchdown. OU doesn't score in the second half. Quarterback Josh Heupel has a season-low 154 yards passing and two interceptions.

Tatum Bell's 60-yard third-quarter touchdown run sets the stage for some late-game drama. OSU drives to a first-and-goal but the Sooner defense takes over on downs to secure the win.

• Quoteboard: "I told the players, ‘Don't let the media, don't let the fans, don't let people think you need to win every game by 30 points.'" — OU coach Bob Stoops

• Highlight play: Oklahoma defensive back Derrick Strait swats down an Aso Pogi pass intended for tight end Marcellus Rivers in the end zone in the waning minutes.

• Story line: After years of frustration in the series, Oklahoma State defeats the Sooners in back-to-back seasons for the first time in more than 30 years to seal the fate of OU coach John Blake.

OSU quarterback Tony Lindsay is the Cowboys' leading rusher (99 yards) and completes 16 of 24 passes for 138 yards and two scores. OU running back DeMond Parker (220 rushing yards) plays well, but the Cowboys score 34 second-half points to romp to a win.

Blake's final game is typical of many mistake-prone debacles during his rocky tenure. The Sooners outgain the Cowboys 410-295, but OU is plagued by 19 penalties for 177 yards and four turnovers.

It's OSU's third win over the Sooners in four years, giving coach Bob Simmons a unique accomplishment.

• Quoteboard: "It wasn't pretty, but we'll take a win." — OSU coach Bob Simmons

• Highlight play: OSU free safety Ricky Thompson changes the momentum by intercepting a pass that sets up Oklahoma State's go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

• Story line: Having lost to the Cowboys for the first time in 19 seasons the previous season, the Sooners gain some revenge with a win, spoiling a shot for OSU to post a winning season.

Sooner tailback DeMond Parker rushes for 166 yards and James Allen runs for 128. But the big story is quarterback Eric Moore coming off the bench to direct four consecutive scoring drives.

The Cowboys are in control of the game early until Moore replaces Justin Fuente in the second quarter. Moore completes 7 of 9 passes for 71 yards and one touchdown to lead the Sooner rally. OU seizes control by rushing for 337 yards.

The momentum-changing play is a fake field goal that goes awry. Leading 7-0, the Cowboys are threatening to take a two-possession lead inside the OU 10-yard line, but the Sooners spoil the strategy.

• Quoteboard: "It was an outstanding win. It has been 12 months (since last year's loss) and it put our fans and players in a tough situation all year in the state of Oklahoma. I'm glad it's over." — OU coach John Blake

• Highlight play: Leading 7-0, the Cowboys fake a field goal. Brian Aikins is tackled one yard short of a first down at the OU 6-yard line.

By Mike Baldwin