OU must decide on style of offense with Bradford

By Jake Trotter

Published: August 22, 2007

NORMAN — When Bob Stoops arrived in Norman eight years ago, he brought with him an offense that preferred to pass, the antithesis of Sooner football past.

Eight years later, Stoops' offensive philosophy continues to evolve closer to that of Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer, few passes and fewer mistakes in an attack meant to assist a dominant defense and efficient running game.

Tuesday, Stoops announced redshirt freshman Sam Bradford will start at quarterback in OU's opener Sept. 1 against North Texas.

Bradford defeated first-year freshman Keith Nichol and junior Joey Halzle in a three-way battle that dated back to the spring.

"I've been pleased with what Sam has done in practice,” Stoops said. "He has been the most consistent, hasn't made horrible plays and has taken charge of the huddle.”

Now, Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson must decide what kind of offense they want with Bradford as the quarterback.

If a recent trend is any hint, look for the Sooners to continue to rely heavily on their rushing attack with runners Allen Patrick, DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown to take pressure off a young quarterback.

"We still need the balance and blend,” Wilson said. "But balance to me isn't 50-50.

"Balance to me is when everyone knows you have to throw it, and you can still throw it when you need to.”

Since Heisman Trophy winner Jason White left three seasons ago, OU has altered its identity, throwing only when it needed to.

In 2003, White threw 451 times, while the top two rushers combined for just 371 attempts.

Last season, quarterback Paul Thompson tossed 336 passes, but Adrian Peterson and Allen Patrick carried the offense with 357 rushes.

"I think personnel has had a lot to do with that,” said quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel, who passed for 53 touchdowns in Stoops' first two seasons, 21 more than in Stoops' last two. "When you look at the personnel now, we've got good running backs, so we've got to find a way to get them their touches.”

Part of OU's offensive evolution has occurred because the Sooners have recruited more talented running backs.

But the bigger reason?

OU hasn't had a starting quarterback for two consecutive seasons since White, who followed Nate Hybl and Heupel, all three starting in more than one year.

The Sooners are hoping the 6-foot-5, 213-pound Bradford can bring multi-year stability back to the position by starting for four years.

And if that occurs, OU eventually could throw more again.

"If you can do both, you're going to be better,” Wilson said. "If we're one dimensional, then it's really easy to play run defense.

"And (OU's second opponent, Miami) is one of the premier teams in run defense.”

Bradford has proven he can pass, completing 12 of 17 throws for 130 yards and four touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage, effectively ending the quarterback competition.

"We have a young quarterback,” receiver Manuel Johnson said. "So defenses are going to test him with the blitz and make Sam beat them with his arm.

"So far, Sam has risen to the occasion.”

Bradford, however, will have to make plays in games, not scrimmages, to keep his job, since Stoops said Tuesday he likely won't redshirt Nichol, who has played well at times this preseason.

"Sam is one of the more composed guys,” Wilson said. "He has played better in camp, and we hope it transfers to Saturdays.

"But we won't know until we get out there.”

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