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David Stanley Ford

Thumbs up for OU Quarterback Sam Bradford
Bradford Injury update Stoops says Sooners will ‘operate like we always do’

BY JAKE TROTTER    Comments Comment on this article55
Published: December 2, 2008

NORMAN — Early in the second quarter of last Saturday’s game, Oklahoma had to alter its offensive game plan.


OU quarterback Sam Bradford had his left thumb taped in the first half against OSU on Saturday. The injury was diagnosed as torn ligaments, but won’t alter the Sooners’ offensive game plan against Missouri. Photo by Chiris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

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Right-handed quarterback Sam Bradford suffered torn ligaments in his left thumb, crippling his ability to handle the center snap.

From that point on, OU ran 56 of its 64 remaining offensive plays out of the shotgun formation.

Coach Bob Stoops said Monday, however, that Bradford will wear a splint on his thumb during the Big 12 Championship against Missouri that should allow him to go back under center.

"He’ll have some type of splint he’ll be comfortable with. He looked good out there today,” Stoops said. "We’ll operate like we always have.

"We feel confident he’ll be able to take snaps and do everything as usual.”

After the Big 12 title, Stoops said Bradford will undergo surgery to reattach the ligaments. He’s expected to be fine for OU’s bowl game, which will be the BCS National Championship if the Sooners can defeat Missouri.

"It was awfully painful the other day. Having it happen during the game — it happened on the third series — you don’t have a plan for it. You’re only able to tape it and try to support it,” Stoops said. "We’ll have a better support structure around his thumb now that we can prepare for it than we did at the time. Hopefully it won’t bother him. It sure bothered him the other night.”

On two different occasions at the Oklahoma State 1-yard line, Bradford fumbled the center snap. Fortunately for OU, Bradford recovered the ball both times. On the second fumble late in the third quarter, Bradford scooped up the ball and dove across the end zone for a touchdown.

After that, OU compressed its game plan and didn’t run another play with Bradford under center.

"You don’t see the guy drop a snap in two years and then you see him drop two trying to take the snap from center,” Stoops said. "With his left hand, he wasn’t able to work it.

"But we’ll be able to prepare for that here through the week and I’m sure he’ll be able to take the snap.”

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David Stanley Ford





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Who cares, Alan
tyler, yukon - Dec 3, 2008 at 4:24 pm
LOL...what a couple of retards! It's L E I N A R T.
Allen, Oklahoma City - Dec 3, 2008 at 2:01 pm
This is an OU article. And m, Oklahoma City, my mistake about Mike Stoops. But USC scored 55 on OU and Matt Leinhart was not considered to have a weak arm at that time. My point is that he would have possibly been the number one pick in the draft if he had left USC after that game. He returned, took ballroom dancing, lost to Texas, and people began to see some flaws in his game. Then, he was drafted in the teens somewhere. All he did was hurt himself by returning. I hope OU wins the NC and Sam returns. But I wouldn't recommend it. By the way, Sam is great, but it might be a little early to compare him to Peyton Manning.
tyler, yukon - Dec 3, 2008 at 9:29 am
No, Tyler in Yukon, I am said Matt Leinhart has a weak arm because that is what every talent scout and coach in the NFL said you idiot. Even his own coach said that right before benching him in preseason and replacing him with a 40 year old QB. It didn't take much strength to throw the ball 5 yards to Reggie Bush or hand it off to Lendale White when he was at USC. I can't tell if you are a complete Homer or just a bit stupid, but I have no clue how Mike Stoops felt about Leinhart when he was at OU because Mike Stoops was not a coach at OU when OU played USC. Now who needs to pull whose head out?
m., Oklahoma City - Dec 3, 2008 at 9:00 am
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It's an OSU article because OU owned OSU.
Allen, Oklahoma City - Dec 3, 2008 at 8:59 am
I love being a Sooner fan, win or lose, just to watch the haters do a John Entwistle and “Smash Their Heads Against The Wall”. It’ so much fun!!! I don’t know which attitude is the most hilarious. The “next year” scenario or the “such and such OU player sucks and is over-rated” just after he tore someone’s team a new a-hole.
Roger, Keller - Dec 3, 2008 at 8:09 am
HOW STUPID IS THIS PAPER?!
This is an OU article. Not an OSU article.

IDIOT OuKlahoman!
Danny, Vail - Dec 3, 2008 at 7:03 am
Bradford does not strike me as the kind of player or person who needs the money NOW. Matt Leinhart's career would have been no different than it is if he had come out after his junior year. I agre that he might be a few million richer than he is now, but is there that much difference between (and I am guessing here) 35 million and 40 million bucks? Bradford being a local gives him a sense of the tradition he is adding on. Lienhart stayed one more year because of the advice he got from Carson Palmer and a few other pro qbs who said the college years were the best time they had as an athlete. I can understand if he and the team achieve all their goals this year that it would be impossible to top it next year with all the new players becoming starters. He will only get stronger, and more game savvy. Injury is always a possibility. I would be more surprised if he left early than if he stayed two more years. The one dude that said Bradford had a weak arm is lost. Several of yo pointed out he does not have a rifle like Elway and you are right, the comparisons to Peyton Manning and TOm Brady are the ones many of the scouts have been making, both of whom have what I wold call pretty good careeers. Wouldn't a statue of Bradford look good outside the stadium?
Richard, Visalia - Dec 3, 2008 at 12:08 am
This is an OSU headline HOW?
Craig, Midwest City - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Thanks for the heads-up. I just voted for Sam.

http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/theheismanvote/

I think the only reason Colt McCoy leads the pack, is that UT fans have nothing else to do...
Jay, Dallas - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:13 pm
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Michael, who told you to get on the computer? thats for grownups. obviously mommy and daddy weren't paying attention. is that what you need? oooshobushyyyyyy oooohhhh little one.
greg, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:06 pm
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Please go vote for Sam Bradford for Heisman. You can vote every day. Tell all sooner fans you know to go vote. Right now McCoy is ahead.

http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/theheismanvote/
Ed, San Jose - Dec 2, 2008 at 7:06 pm
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Michael, actually Sam didn't play the 4th quarter in most games. IF you TRY and look it up, OU was outscored in the 4th quarter for sure and didn't outscore the opponents by much in the 2nd half. But I'm sure you'll find some argument to cover your way of thinking.

OU RAN the ball on the last drive against osu, can't help it that Brown busted through for a 28 yrd TD in the last minute.

BOOMER SOONER!
Grant, Mission - Dec 2, 2008 at 5:46 pm
m, oklahoma city - so your saying you thought Matt Leinhart had a weak arm and poor accuracy when he was at USC. You think Mike Stoops would agree withyou considering what he did to the Sooners. Not sure I believe you on that one. Besides, that wasn't my point. It was that his highest value was after his junior year, and all he could do was go down. It has been estimated that staying that extra year cost him 20 million. Whether he is a bust in the NFL, at this point, is not relavent. Thanks for bringing up some bad memories though, on top of saying the quarterback wasn't any good. Pull your head out please.
tyler, yukon - Dec 2, 2008 at 4:25 pm
The Texas Tech game was senior day at OU and Halzle played the whole 4th quarter against the #2 team in the nation at that time.

If you think we ran up the score on OSU, sorry, Gundy is the one that called time out with 25 seconds left not Stoops, and besides we ran the ball off tackle, OSU stopped it all night, they should have stopped it then too. Stoops was not trying to run up the score
john, prague - Dec 2, 2008 at 3:57 pm
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I heard a report the other day watching the NFL how they may put a salary cap on first year players, this is going to play a big role on whether Bradford and McCoy stay another season.

Michael how can you say Bradford has a weak arm, Huepel did, but Bradford definitly does not. Do you see the throws he makes across the field and on the run. He may not throw it 90 mph like Elway and Favre, but it is way strong enough for the pros, if it wasn't the draft experts would not have him so high on the draft charts. To make it in the pro's, you just have to be smart. How many Superbowls has Brady won? his arm is not that strong either, but he too just like Bradford knows how to read a defense
john, prague - Dec 2, 2008 at 3:52 pm
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How come no one is saying how he hurt it? Did anybody see how it happened?
Fred, Edmond - Dec 2, 2008 at 3:45 pm
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Michael - it is obvious you and the other idiots that make such claims have not watched the OU games. Seldom if ever did Bradford play in the 4th quarter of any blowout games. If he did play he did not throw the ball. On the other hand, Colt Yourboy was in the 4th quarter of the A&M game when tx was clearly in control (of a 4-7 team). Bradford played 6 min of the 3rd quarter in their A&M game.

Since you are an expert you obviously understand all the elements of Bradfords game the pro scouts seem to like. They have him rated 1st or 2nd in the draft. On the other hand, Colt Yourboy is nowhere to be found.
At least you can fall back on the great careers of Chrissy Sims and Vince Young! They MADE it!
connor, oklahoma city - Dec 2, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Michael- Is it hard to type with all the tears falling?
m., Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 3:09 pm
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If Mack learned one thing from this, its that next year when Texas plays unranked teams and a soft schedule, he better do like Stoops and leave his first string in all game and run up the score.

Bradford has a weak arm just like his quarterbacks coach. He didn't make it in the pros and neither will Bradford. Better just stay in school and get your education so you can run your own car dealership some day son.
Michael, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Matt Leinhart has a weak arm and poor accuracy. That is why he was taken lower than projected. I got two more words for you, Peyton Manning...
m., Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:42 pm
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If he's a high first round draft choice it would be a mistake not to leave. I'm all for a college degree, which he can still complete, but if OU wins the NC how much higher can his stock be than it is now. If you don't agree, I've got 2 words for you, Matt Leinhart.
tyler, yukon - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:34 pm
This is a cozy little article about Chase & Colt for anyone intrested.

http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/colleges/topstories/stories/120208dnspobig12briefs.193ba09.html
Jeremy, Krum - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I completely agree M. With the explosive offenses in the Big 12, we should see a lot more nationally touted skill players come here rather than the SEC.
Allen, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Mizzou has one of the top QB recruits from a couple of years ago holding a clipboard, so they will be fine at that position. Texas will always have talent, and Tech can have a blind man throw for 3,000 yards. OSU will take a drop and so will Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and A&M. Baylor has maybe a potential all conference QB in his first year there. OU has a very talented backup that should continue to develop over the next 2 years and will probably get a few more in the next class. I think there will be a bunch of current High School junior QB's that take a serious look at the Big 12 as a place where QB's can go and excel, even if they won’t get to play for two or three years. The next few years will be very exciting for sure!
m., Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:57 pm
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Stay in school Bradford, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, as is two more years of elgibility. Pros will always be there, chance at being THE OU legend only comes once.
Richard, Visalia - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Allen, Texas has a highly touted QB already committed.
Richard, Visalia - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:18 pm
If Bradford stays one more year, he should be the president of the univeristy. Chances of hims staying are very slim though.
Elhan - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Landry Jones will be a fine replacement when Sam does leave. No worries. Off the top of my head, I can't remember who the other Big 12 contenders have coming up behind their star QB's. I know OSU is going to be set as well, but I haven't heard much about Kansas, Missouri, or Tech (like their replacements matter anyway). As for Texas, do they have anyone other than Chiles lined up to take over after McCoy leaves?
Allen, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I believe he graduated in 06 and redshirted that fall.
Kristin, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Bradford redshirted in 2006. Which means he is 3 years removed from high school. So, Big 12 Champs, National Champs, Heisman Trophy, and then Number 1 draft pick. Better get the backup ready for next year.
tyler, yukon - Dec 2, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Wasn't Bradford still in High School in 2006? I think he was still playing at Putnam City NOrth in 2006.
K, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 12:38 pm
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I still wonder how Thompson got the nod over Bradford in 2006... It's not like he got this good over night.
Jason, Norman - Dec 2, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I think Sam is awesome! I am grateful Bomar is gone. Always thought that he was full of himself! Isn't funny how these things always work out for the best. So I guess it was a blessing, Brace.
jeanie, elmore city - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:45 am
What amazes me is the fact that the potential Heisman winner, Bradford, might be sitting on the bench watching Bomar if Bomar stays out of trouble. It turns out the Bomar loss was a blessing in disguise.
Brace, Kansas - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:40 am
Thanks Ed, I immediately went over and voted for Sam the Man!
Jeff, Tulsa - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:36 am
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Please go vote for Sam Bradford for Heisman. You can vote every day. Tell all sooner fans you know to go vote. Right now McCoy is ahead.

http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/theheismanvote/
Ed, San Jose - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:15 am
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I love how people around the country have said that OU "backed in" to the Big XII CG, but everyone seems to forget that Florida lost to an unranked team at home, not a top 5 team on a neutral field. Yeah, OU backed in alright...they won their games by 55,26,41,25,32,14,23,34,38,44,and 20. Hmmm, no single digit games in there. Yeah, they backed in I guess. If OU takes care of business the next two games then the national media can bow down and shut up.
Billy, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 11:07 am
I don't want to seem like I'm trashing OSU. I've been defending them all season. I was just stating something that may or may not be fact. It was just a query.

Remember, OSU's my pick to win the South next year. (Assuming there's not a three-way tie again...OSU over Texas in Stillwater, Texas over OU in Dallas, OU over OSU in Norman...it could happen)
Zach, Perkins - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:35 am
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I thought OSU played a heck of a game. Robinson made play after play - the touchdown pass with two Sooners hanging on him was straight backyard football. It tells you alot about this Sooner team to go to Stillwater and be able to answer every time OSU came close.
Tom, Bolivar - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:33 am
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I was watching the game from the student section and OU constantly ran a shotgun run that got maybe 2-4 yards per, and me and another OU fan were getting irritated. Why run a play over and over and over again for 4 quarters that just isn't working?

Now I know why. They didn't come over the loud speaker and say, "Bradford has torn ligaments in his non-throwing hand." But it makes me wonder. OU runs the ball better when Bradford's under center. Does anyone think that maybe OU would have beaten OSU worse if he was able to do that?

The Sooners would have ran more time off the clock and still scored giving the defense time to rest and then maybe they would have stopped OSU. If it wasn't obvious that OU's defense was getting exhausted, then it was sure close.
Zach, Perkins - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:32 am
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I don't care for OSU at all, but can admit they are good. Them being good is what helped us win the South. If they sucked like the aggies of old then we don't pass Texas. It's far more fun to beat a good rival when they think they are going to win than to beat a terrible team who has no chance.
B, L - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:26 am
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Here's a funny observation about OU's fast paced offense. Was it just me, but would the OU O-line false start on occasion so they could catch their breath, while the OSU defense have an "injury" to do the same? It was a great game.
Jon, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:25 am
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OSU gave the Sooners all they wanted for 3 1/2 quarters. I kept thinking after every OU score that OSU was done and couldnt keep coming back. That was an alltime classic in my mind. That game was not decided until OU went up 13 with a few minutes left. Great season OSU and Im really looking foward to OSU making their 1st BCS game next season and if the Sooners are not in the BCS Championship I would love to see OSU there
Johnny V, Tulsa - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:16 am
Superman Sam
tom, Lawton - Dec 2, 2008 at 10:12 am
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Sam Bradford is one talented young man and OU was great but OSU was also great and they might have worn down a little in the fourth quater but they didn't have an ounce of quit in them. Oklahoma can be proud!!!
BILLY, MUSTANG - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:24 am
I am a die hard OU fan, even from back in those "not so glorious" days. But I have really enjoyed watching OSU play some great ball this year. The only time I wasn't rooting for the Cowboys was last Saturday when they were playing my Sooners. It's awesome to have 2 great teams from this state. Keep it up. GO SOONERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie, Midwest City - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:23 am
JJ's all too familiar with beating with one hand. It's too bad that the Cowboys didn't play like this during the Texas and Texas Tech games. I'm a Sooner fan and would love nothing more than to have both of our state schools dominate the state of Texas next year, and then go into bedlam in Norman undefeated. I don't get the unabashed hatred between OU and OSU fans. I gladly support both schools, until they are playing against each other.
Allen, Oklahoma City - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:19 am
As a OU fan, I was VERY impressed with OSU, and hope your team is able to recruit well based on the direction your program is going. Love it when both teams do well!
Glenn, Dallas - Dec 2, 2008 at 9:13 am
Sam, You are playing into a profile OSU fans would like to believe about all OU fans. Both teams acquitted themselves quite well on Sat evening. Zac Robinson had a game, but for Bradford's play, would have been written about the whole country last Sat night as superlative. Against anyone else on Sat night, OSU would have won the game...anyone.

Starting next year, I hope to see my Sooners and the Cowboys play this game at 11-0.
John, Destin - Dec 2, 2008 at 8:22 am
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We aren't all like JJ. Great game by the Pokes. BOOMER SOONER!
Pat, Grand Prairie - Dec 2, 2008 at 8:20 am
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Hmmm, Brad the OSU fan being gracious and JJ the OU fan being a jerk. Sounds about like normal - and makes me proud to be an OSU fan. BTW, I agree with you, Brad - Bradford deserves it, he's a terrific player. Go Pokes!
Kelly, Edmond - Dec 2, 2008 at 8:16 am
from an osu fan...Bradford should win the heisman...great player! Go Pokes!
brad, Tulsa - Dec 2, 2008 at 8:06 am
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So, Sam was able to beat OSUcks with only one hand??? He is even better than we have made him out to be!!!
JJ, Okc - Dec 2, 2008 at 8:02 am
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