Bedlam Buzzing Around Stillwater

By Chris Wright, News On 6

STILLWATER, OK -- With only three days until Bedlam, anticipation for the game is building to a fever-pitch in Stillwater. OU squares off against OSU Saturday night on national television.

The Sooners enter the game 7 1/2 point favorites, but don't tell that to the fans in Stillwater.

An ESPN crew was in town Wednesday to assemble its set. The network will host its College Gameday show on the lawn in front of the library, hours before the Sooners and Cowboys kick off on national TV.

Those who cover OSU say the atmosphere is already electric.

"It's been good. Obviously you don't have to do too much to jack it up for Bedlam," said OSU Radio Host Robert Allen.

A number of OU fans have already ventured into town, and both sides aren't shy about offering predictions for the game.

"I'm kind of scared, kind of scared.  OU is gonna stomp them, for sure," said OU fan, Jenny Garrigan.

"They are so wrong. It will be an OSU win for sure.  I think it will be a close game, but OSU will triumph," said OSU fan, Nancy Luce.

"It's like Texas Tech all over again, but here.  It's going to look awesome. Be like what's up," said OU fan, Zachary Evans.

Despite the strong words, fans of the two teams seemed to get along as they stocked up on team merchandise, and ate side-by-side at Eskimo Joe's.

"We welcome all the Sooners to come up here, and enjoy our great hospitality, and leave with a defeat," said OSU fan, Bob Clyne.

Then again, that hospitality may be long gone by Saturday afternoon.

"There will be some fracases going on around town.  It'll be pretty crazy when it gets close to kickoff," said Allen.

Fortunately, students who camped out for the best seats will be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

They were given wrist bands that will hold their place in line when they return Saturday afternoon.