Sam Bradford's Heisman candidacy picks up steam OU quarterback surpasses Tech's Harrell, Jason White's TD record
BY JOHN HELSLEY
Published: November 22, 2008
NORMAN — Popular wisdom pegged Saturday night's showdown as a Heisman-elimination game.
OU's Sam Bradford waves to the crowd after the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech University at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008. BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
Featured Video
Advertisement
Sam Bradford vs. Graham Harrell.
Sam stands tall.
The Oklahoma offense rolled on, with Bradford pulling all the right strings. He didn't throw often, yet was surgically efficient when he did.
With the ground game gouging Texas Tech's defense, Bradford was only needed for 19 throws.
He connected on 14.
And four went for touchdowns.
For those keeping count, Heisman voters and crimson crazies, that's 42 touchdown tosses for Bradford this season.
And that's more than any Sooner — ever — in a season. Jason White, OU's Heisman winner in 2003, had 40 in that special year.
Bradford finished with 304 yards, marking his ninth 300-yard game in 11 starts this season, another Sooner record.
“Sam Bradford, again, is just absolutely incredible,” Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.
The Heisman chase now figures to feature three prominent quarterbacks: Bradford, Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow.
“Either McCoy or Bradford's No. 1, but I don't know which one,” ESPN.com's Pat Forde said after the game.
Saturday likely shook out two other would-be contenders: Harrell's Tech teammate Michael Crabtree and Michigan State running back Javon Ringer.
Bradford and Tebow will get the benefit of spotlight games.
The Sooners are headed for another prime time appearance in Stillwater against Oklahoma State, then perhaps the Big 12 title game. Tebow and the Gators face Florida State, before taking a shot at top-ranked Alabama in the SEC championship clash.
McCoy gets a solo stage, on Thanksgiving night, when the Longhorns tangle with rival Texas A&M.
As for Harrell, his candidacy might have ended on Owen Field, where Bradford outplayed him and the OU defense pressured and picked him.
Sooner running back Chris Brown might be biased, but he likes his man.
“Sam is so talented,” Brown said. “He can do so many things. Now, he's even evolved into being able to move around and run with the ball.
“You can't describe what it's like playing with a guy like him. He takes so much weight off your shoulders.”
Saturday night, Bradford took the weight of the Heisman watch off Graham Harrell, and placed it right on himself.
Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on local crime or fatality stories.
I don't think so Lawerence. I think a quarterback would much rather win the National title then take home the Heisman. No one knocks Josh H for not winning the Heisman in 2000 but remember him for leading the Sooners to an undefeated season (Which we haven't seen since then). Everyone loves Jason White, and they should. But there will always be the persona that the guy could win a heisman but is 0-2 in the Big Game. Im not selfish, its just personal accolades fall so far from the tree compared to being crowned the best collegiate football team.
Sam Bradford looks so cool under fire it's unbelieveable. Reminds me of Joe Namath of the New York Jets when he just set back in the pocket and FIRE. Sam is a top draft pick without a doubt..The croud gets and A grade,it was loud and clear on the BIG SCREEN...Running backs,DEFENCE,recievers,coaches, all just outstanding.
Boy Danney, I'm glad your not in charge of the hardware. as it is, you really have nothing to give up, but you would deny those players who excelled... thats sort of selfish on your part.
OU merits mention in discussion of college... 11/23/2008 NORMAN — The Sooners started jumping early. Jumping, jumping, jumping, like the sidelines were spring loaded. Jumping like kids turned loose in a mattress...
Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.
Leave a commentEditor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on local crime or fatality stories.
Log in below or sign up (it's free).