Oklahoma Football: Why the Sooners will emerge victorious in Bedlam

1. The Kyler Murray effect

Incumbent quarterback Kyler Murray transferred to Oklahoma a few years ago, but he has been a talent waiting in the wings behind Mayfield as the former Heisman winner’s heir apparent.

Fast forward to 2018 and Murray’s time has now come, although there was some doubt as to whether he would ever be the starting quarterback for the Sooners taking into consideration that he is a standout on the baseball diamond.

While he flirted with the prospect of immediately entering the MLB as top-10 draft pick, Murray reassured his commitment to his football pursuits as he vowed to return to Norman for his redshirt junior season in 2018.

He may have a lot on his mind, given that he did, in fact, sign a multi-million dollar deal to play for the Oakland Athletics. For now, though, his focus will be locked in on leading the Sooners to another championship-caliber season.

Murray is an instant game-changer with his athleticism and this will play a role in the Bedlam game. He is a much stronger replacement than what Oklahoma State offers with Taylor Cornelius.

Both quarterbacks don’t necessarily have a ton of snaps under their belts, but Murray will be in a much better situation to flourish than Cornelius.

If the Big 12 conference title hangs in the balance, Bedlam can be a big game for Murray. Oklahoma has its sights set on reaching the College Football Playoff once again and a game environment such as this one can provide him with the experience of playing in such a high-stakes contest.

Oklahoma, if it handles its own and plays to its full potential, should come out on top against Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game in 2018.