Within minutes of the loss to Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Sooner fans had already accepted it.

"Well, now we need Texas to lose twice."

Given the Longhorns' grueling slate, that didn't seem too far-fetched two weeks ago.  Even today, it's a distinct possibility.

But it's actually not true.

OU doesn't necessarily need UT to lose twice.  In fact, the Sooners can win the Big 12 South even if Texas only loses once.  As long as the Longhorns' loss comes against either Oklahoma State or Texas Tech, Bob Stoops' group can capitalize on a three-way tie in the South.

Here's the scenario. Since the Cowboys get the Longhorns this weekend, we'll use them as an example.

If Oklahoma State beats Texas, then loses to Oklahoma in the Bedlam game, all three teams would finish with one loss. 

Here are the Big 12's tie-breaking procedures for a three-way tie:

If three or more teams are tied, steps one through seven will be followed until a determination is made. If only two teams remain tied after any step, the winner of the game between the two tied teams shall be the representative.

1. The records of the three teams will be compared against each other.

No solution because they each have one conference loss.

2. The records of the three teams will be compared within their division.

No solution because they each have one South Division loss.

3. The records of the three teams will be compared against the next highest-placed teams in their division in order of finish (fourth, fifth and sixth).

No solution because they each would be undefeated against the fourth, fifth, and sixth place teams in the Big12 South.

4. The records of the three teams will be compared against all common conference opponents.

No solution because they have no common opponents from the North.

5. The highest ranked team in the first Bowl Championship Series Poll following the completion of Big 12 regular season conference play shall be the representative.

Here's where a champion would be determined, and in all likelihood, it would be Oklahoma.  Since they lost earlier in the season and on a neutral field, a win over an undefeated Oklahoma State team on the final week of the regular season would vault them into the highest BCS ranking of any Big 12 team.

Therefore, the Sooners would go to the conference championship game.

Now, it's important to note that even if Texas beats Oklahoma State this weekend, the same scenario could play out involving Texas Tech, so long as the Red Raiders beat Texas and lose to Oklahoma.