OU Football Q&A by Jake Trotter

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Published: March 9, 2008

Q: Keith Nichol came in as one of the top-rated high school QBs in the nation. If he has aspirations of playing at the next level he has to be able to prove himself at the college level, yet he has chosen to stay at OU. Does this mean he is content to just sit on the bench and get his education, which is most important? We were sure after Bradford won the starting slot and Halzle was the backup that Nichol would ask for a transfer. But he didn't, and we were just trying to figure out why. He must be quite a young man, but we were looking forward to getting to see him play some and see some of those great passing skills that were talked about so much? — Donnie and David, Norman
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A: I don't know what exactly is going through Nichol's mind, but I do know that he loves attending OU and loves playing for the Sooners. I'm sure he'd rather be on the field, but he'll get that chance down the line if he stays patient. And you never know what can happen — who would have thought in 2005 that Paul Thompson would be OU's starting quarterback in 2006?

Transferring schools and changing teams isn't always easy and isn't always the best solution. And plenty of 1-year starters at quarterback have had success in college football. Just ask LSU's Matt Flynn, who led the Tigers to a national title last season after sitting the bench for years behind JaMarcus Russell. Flynn was asked to participate at the NFL Scouting Combine and will get a shot at the NFL. In time, Nichol could become OU's Matt Flynn.

Q: What is going to happen with Nichol? Will he move on or play another position for OU? — Burrell

A: For as long as he stays at OU, Nichol will play quarterback only. And as of now, Nichol has no plans to leave OU (By the way, that's question No. 423 about Keith Nichol for those who are still counting).

Q: The Sooners have one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country, so why do we get manhandled up front when we go up against teams like LSU, USC, West Virginia and even Boise State? Do we not put much emphasis on upper body strength? — Quinn, Lancaster, Calif.

A: Despite having several all-conference performers on the line, OU hasn't imposed its will up front in those bowl games, a big reason why all four of those games you mentioned ended in losses.

But size and strength haven't been the issues as much as quickness. West Virginia, which was significantly smaller up front, utilized quickness, speed and deception to cause problems in OU's backfield. In arm wrestling matches, Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson always win. But for the line to reach its potential and match up better with speedy defenses, players like Loadholt and Robinson must improve their quickness.

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Comments

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Matt. You need your own column, mostly because I agree 100% !!!!! I realize people say it is a Catch-22 scenario with Nichol not getting to play "in anger”. After the T-Tech game in 2007 hopefully we will get our 2nd team and beyond players into the game and we can judge their performance from a game vantage point. And as for the "gurus", if they were such great judges of talent they'd be coaching and making real money. I trust Stoops win or lose. So sue me!!!
Roger, Keller - Mar 11, 2008 12:55 PM
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Jeff and Larry. Why assume that Nichols is that good of a runner? I went to spring games last year and you cant tell with no QB contact. You cant tell from high school tape, he is playing high school kids. We are not an option team, learn to live with that. This is the same group that thought bringing PT in and replacing Jason White would have won the Sugar Bowl. Speed isnt everything. PT was fast, but he wasnt elusive at all. We have our QB. Nichol can play mop up. Stop looking at the number of stars assigned by recruiting gurus. It means nothing.
matt, Moore - Mar 10, 2008 3:48 PM
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What about decision making and knowing most of the plays? Did you guys think about that. Maybe he just isn't ready. BOOMER SOONER!!
Brian, Okemah - Mar 9, 2008 10:42 PM
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For what it is worth, I totally agree with Larry. We have a chance to have a two-headed monster at QB! Sam's great but surely they will use Keith's talents. Keith can really run and has a strong arm to boot!
Jeff, Tulsa - Mar 9, 2008 1:03 PM
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Why don't Stoops have Nichols come in when the Sooners have the ball inside the 10 yd. line? Bradford is not an option qb Nichols could either hand the ball off pass are run it into the end zone. We needed him in the Feista Bowl. All we could get was field goals. Hope Wilson and Stoops will try Nichol some inside the 10 yard line.
larry, hallsville - Mar 9, 2008 10:26 AM
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