By Darin 
On November 5, 1988, the annual Bedlam Series between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 12 Oklahoma State delivered one of the most explosive, heart-stopping contests in the rivalry’s history. It was a perfect collision of eras: Oklahoma, the traditional powerhouse, fighting to maintain its 12-game winning streak against an exceptionally talented Cowboys squad featuring a future legend in his prime: running back Barry Sanders. What unfolded was a tense, back-and-forth thriller that came down to the final, agonizing play in the end zone.
Sanders Bedlam Game 1988 06 Nov 1988, Sun The Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Newspapers.com
The Duel of Dominance: Sanders vs. The Streak
The 1988 Oklahoma State team was arguably one of the best in program history, loaded with offensive star power, including quarterback Mike Gundy, star receiver Hart Lee Dykes, and the phenomenal junior running back, Barry Sanders. This was Sanders’ Heisman Trophy season, and he delivered a performance for the ages against the Sooners’ defense.
Sanders showcased his legendary shiftiness and power, racking up a stunning 215 rushing yards and two touchdowns—a performance that would have dominated any other day. Yet, the Sooners, known for their suffocating defense and punishing running game, proved resilient.
The Roller Coaster Fourth Quarter
The Sooners entered the final frame with a seemingly safe 10-point lead. However, the Cowboys, fueled by their star trio, mounted a furious rally, fighting back to take the lead in front of their home crowd.
The final minutes saw the traditional heavyweight counterpunch: Oklahoma drove down the field, scored, and retook the lead for good with just 2:33 left on the clock, leaving the outcome still dangerously in doubt.
The Play That Secured the Streak
Trailing by three points, Oklahoma State mounted one final, desperate drive down the field, maneuvering into striking distance. With the clock winding down, they faced a critical fourth-down play inside the red zone.
Quarterback Mike Gundy delivered a pass into the end zone, aimed at tight end Brent Parker. The pass, which could have won the game and snapped the Sooners’ decade-long dominance, was dropped. The incomplete pass secured the victory for Oklahoma, 31-28, extending their grueling hold on the Bedlam rivalry to 12 consecutive games and sending the Sooners away with a narrow escape from one of the greatest upsets in series history.