Sooners' young signal-caller off to a strong start

Once upon a preseason, the wishful-thinking question went out among Sooner fans: Could Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford perhaps be the next Colt McCoy?

Five games into the season, the answer returns with a resounding yes!

The McCoy of 2006. The McCoy who tied an NCAA freshman record with 29 touchdown passes and led Texas to 10 wins amid questions of how he might respond in following the masterful Vince Young.

Yes, so far.

Sooner fans, however, may hope the comparisons halt there. While it's early, McCoy seems to have slipped into a sophomore slump.

Could the dreaded curse strike Bradford in 2008?

Sure, although more than likely not. While McCoy was asked to elevate his game in a year when the Longhorns are reloading in some areas, the 2008 Sooners could prove more powerful than the current version.

Coaches frequently tell of how players make a leap in performance from Year 1 to Year 2. Bradford would only figure to be more comfortable, more confident and more polished as a sophomore with a year of play in his pocket and much of his surrounding cast intact.

And he's pretty salty now.

"He's throwing the ball well, his progressions are great, he's been great at the line of scrimmage and in the huddle,” said OU coach Bob Stoops. "And he's just getting more and more confident and sure of himself in what he's doing, allowing the players around him to make plays.

"He's just directing the offense like we hoped he would.”

Like Colt McCoy did for Texas a year ago.

"His composure for a young guy, his accuracy,” Texas coach Mack Brown said in assessing Bradford's talents. "He's so big and strong, he can see.”

As good as the Sooners are this season, they figure to be better a year from now. Bradford will be flanked by a slew of weapons, and the offensive line could be among the best in the country.

Still, there are factors that could lead to a dropoff in production for Bradford.

Speculation runs strong that junior wide receiver Malcolm Kelly will skip to the NFL. Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson, the team's best offensive linemen, could follow.

Running back Allen Patrick and tight end Joe Jon Finley are senior starters who will be missed.

Graduation and other defections certainly have played a factor in McCoy's slip, or slump, whatever it may be.

The Sooners also face an early non-conference road test at Washington.

So potential pitfalls do exist. So does potential greatness.