Mike Gundy

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy in Arlington on July 12.

When Oklahoma (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) faces Oklahoma State (6-2, 4-1) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC, it will be the final matchup between the schools as members of the Big 12 Conference. 

Former Cowboys player and current coach Mike Gundy, who played in four Bedlam games and has coached in 19, offered his thoughts on the in-state rivalry ending due to the Sooners' move to the SEC during his weekly press conference on Monday. He also detailed the differences between 2023's matchup compared to when he played in it.

“It was a rivalry then,” Gundy said. “Like, (former OU linebacker Brian Bosworth) spit in my face. I spit in his. It was actually a rivalry.”

Bosworth responded Monday with a post on X, the social media app formerly known as Twitter.

Gundy told a story from his playing days about being at the same party as Bosworth and former Oklahoma linebacker Paul Migliazzo not wanting to approach them out of fear. He added with social media, the dynamic of the rivalry has changed.

While he believes the game isn't as much as a rivalry as it used to be, Gundy acknowledged the stakes involved in Saturday's bout. The Sooners and Oklahoma State are currently tied along with three other teams for the top spot in the Big 12. 

“So, it was a rivalry then," Gundy said. "Now, it’s not as much anymore, unfortunately, because of the way it is, but it’s a very important game.”

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