With his gleaming performance in Saturday's scrimmage, redshirt freshman Sam Bradford likely won Oklahoma's starting quarterback job.
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Bradford completed 12 of 17 passes for 130 yards and four touchdowns.
The trailing duo of freshman Keith Nichol and junior Joey Halzle combined to go 13 of 39 for 129 yards a touchdown and an interception.
But even though Bradford will be the starter Sept. 1 against North Texas, OU shouldn't redshirt Nichol, and let Halzle back up Bradford.
That move might eliminate Nichol from ever seriously contributing.
And that would be a mistake.
This preseason, Nichol has shown that he may be the most talented of the three quarterbacks. His quick release and scrambling ability are attributes the other two quarterbacks don't possess.
Nichol also appears the most prone for producing a big play, thanks to his arm strength and aptitude for throwing on the run.
If Bradford were anything but a freshman, then redshirting Nichol might make sense because Nichol would have a chance at multiple years as a starting quarterback.
But Bradford's only a freshman, with four more years of eligibility.
So redshirting Nichol this year effectively limits him with a chance to start in only one season, since next year Bradford would be unlikely to relinquish his starting role possessing a year of experience.
And with one of the nation's best prep quarterbacks in 6-foot-4, 225-pound Landry Jones attending OU next year, Nichol could be bypassed completely, since Jones would have the benefit of potentially starting two seasons against Nichol's one.
On top of all that, Nichol could help the Sooners this year.
While Bradford played well in Saturday's scrimmage, he hasn't proved anything in an actual game.
If Bradford struggles early in the season, the coaches might want to insert Nichol into a game for a spark.
But how can Nichol keep the same focus and sharpness in practice if he thinks he's never to play?
Redshirting him could disturb his psyche. The Sooners don't want to do that.
Because they may need Nichol's big-play capability.
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Don't redshirt Nichol for two reasons, one, with Bradford also being a freshman and Jones coming in next year someone is going to leave. Remember two years ago when we were "loaded" at QB with Bomar, Thompson and Grady. Now where are we?, and, two, Halzle is not a D-1 quarterback. Six picks in two spring games? He's not an option.
Put any of 'em in, all they gotta do is hand off to Patrick, Murray, Brown, Madu,Guiterrez,..............This isn't gonna be as important as, say, last year. This defense isn't a bunch of pups anymore. Nate Hybl ring any bells around here?
I have to agree with Craig and Daniel. The 2nd QB never gets to play. They need to change that philosophy this year and have Nichols ready to play in case of a Bradford injury or non-production. Jason White played the entire game all the time, regardless of the score. It's ridiculous.
Landry Jones isn't the runner that Nichol is. But Keith Nichol isn't the passer that Jones is. Jones is just so much more accurate.
That said, Nichol has the most upside of any QB, but he's also got the most downside. He's had the most problems with accuracy, and a dirt ball that lands three yards short of Malcolm Kelly's feet on 3rd and 7 is a drive killer.
After watching film of the 4-star QB Landry Jones, I find it hard to believe he could be better than Nichol. Jones is a shot gun spread'em out QB. I have yet to see him under center or roll out for that matter.
I don't see anything idiotic here. It's just an article that does have insight on why Nichol should not redshirt. The one situation that bothers me is that Stoops has a tendency not to play the second qb, in fact, hardly ever. Their philosophy is to let the best man start and keep in on the field getting all the reps. Thus Nichol will have to win the job, in all likihood, to get any significant playing time.
I find all the speculation in this article idiotic. No QB on the roster has proven anything in a game so why is the writer assuming Nichol will produce big plays with his feet or arm. Why are we so worried about Nichol's confidence. The guy we need to make sure isn't looking over his shoulder is Bradford. I seem to remember this idea of putting in the backup early in the season not working out last time (Bomar at SHS and Thompson with the Green Bay Packers).
The best scenario would be for Bradford to start and OU to be up by 35 or so at the half against N. Texas and continue to dominate them defensively in the second half. Then Keith can come in and play the second half, or at least all of the 4th quarter. Same against Miami, Utah State and Tulsa. Then by Colorado we could settle on a QB and have a true starter ready for Texass.
I agree, and if Nichol has the most talent, there has been situations where a freshman has played! I doubt Stoops is worried about anyone feelings, he has proven it before, he will play the best man or kid. Plus we can't predict injury, if one goes down we will be deep and talented enough in the QB to get the job done. Also, it would be good because it can be used against defenses. If they are both weapons then they can be utilized and throw other teams off their games.
I can't believe this was actually printed in a real newspaper. This article reads like a theory from some random caller on sports talk radio. This is the "slingin' lasers" scenario from '05 all over again.
You obviously have a man-crush on "Kid" Nichol. You're so worried about him getting left out in the cold. Nobody knows how well these guys will perform, but if Bradford turns into the second coming of Jason White, and Landry Jones is the next John Elway, then who cares if Kid Lasers ever steps foot on the field?
You play the best guy, not the guy with the cutest side burns.
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That said, Nichol has the most upside of any QB, but he's also got the most downside. He's had the most problems with accuracy, and a dirt ball that lands three yards short of Malcolm Kelly's feet on 3rd and 7 is a drive killer.
You obviously have a man-crush on "Kid" Nichol. You're so worried about him getting left out in the cold. Nobody knows how well these guys will perform, but if Bradford turns into the second coming of Jason White, and Landry Jones is the next John Elway, then who cares if Kid Lasers ever steps foot on the field?
You play the best guy, not the guy with the cutest side burns.