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Berry Tramel, Sports columnist
It's Bradford's job, until it isn't
Avoiding mistakes, winning will keep QB from being replaced
Sam Bradford is the Oklahoma quarterback. For now.
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No way yet of knowing whether the Sam Bradford Era has begun. If Bradford remains the quarterback for Miami in Game 2, and particularly if he's still in the saddle for Texas in Game 6, then yes, this is a commitment by the Sooner coaches.
But until then, Bradford is on a short leash. It's like Kevin Wilson said before Bradford was named the starter; "even when we know, we might not know.”
This is a job that will be won in games, either by Bradford or someone else.
Bob Stoops' record is clear.
When Stoops has an All-American quarterback (2000, 2003, 2004), he doesn't change QBs, which stands to reason.
When Stoops has absolutely no legit backup (1999, 2006), he doesn't change QBs. Also logical.
But otherwise, all bets are off. Stoops pulled the trigger in 2001, when he switched from a sluggish and sore Nate Hybl to Jason White, and in 2005, when a loss to TCU prompted the switch from Paul Thompson to Rhett Bomar.
Stoops' only other year was 2002, when a second White injury gave the job to Hybl.
So Stoops twice has had to decide whether to make an in-season quarterback change. And he's done it both times. No reason to think he will stop now.
Bradford has to avoid mistakes, move the chains and win games to keep this job.
Otherwise, Stoops will try to find someone who will.
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