Oklahoma 33, Baylor 7
So much for a bum shoulder.
Sam Bradford erased all anxiety that his throwing shoulder would be a lingering problem this year with a remarkable comeback game, leading OU to a 33-7 victory over Baylor.
Bradford completed 27 of 49 for 389 and 1 TD in a performance that was better than his numbers.
Said Bradford. “It’s extremely gratifying just to get back out on the field. Just to be out there with the guys that I have put in so much work with in the offseason and just the simple things like handoffs. Everything out there, it’s just exciting to be back.”
With Bradford back, the offense had a better than it did with Landry Jones, which is nothing against Jones, who played admirably in place of Bradford over the last few weeks.
But there’s a big difference between a good college QB and a No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. That difference was evident Saturday. Most of Bradford’s throws were on the money, and that’s following a 5-week layoff. Imagine how precise he’ll be when he’s not rusty.
I believe Bradford’s NFL Draft stock will be higher than ever if he continues to play the way he did Saturday.
Other postgame notes and observations:
* The wide receivers had their ups and downs. They made many plays. Brandon Caleb had a terrific reverse-of-the-field, 49-yard reception. Dejuan Miller, with his first major playing time, had a couple of big plays.
But 10 drops is way too many. And that will get OU beat next week against Texas.
* True freshman Jaz Reynolds showed that he has the upside as a playmaker, but of all the receivers, he looked most out of sync with Bradford and couldn’t come through with a couple receptions that hit his hands.
* Cameron Kenney, after making a couple nice grabs early on, was benched for 2 quarters after a couple a drops. But the Sooners will need him, and need him to play well, against Texas.
* Maybe Adron Tennell’s TD grap will help with his confidence and he can come back and augment the WR corps this season. Tennell had two catches for 29 yards in his best game of the year.
* DeMarco Murray had his strongest game of the year. He made the most of 27 touches, rushing for 113 yards and receiving for 36. The more he touches the ball, the worse for opposing defenses. As long as he stays healthy.
* FB Matt Clapp was wearing a cast on his left hand and I think it may have impeded him during a TD drop early on in the game. Not sure what Clapp’s issue is, but it’s probably similar to what TE Brody Eldridge has, a broken finger.
* Guard Brian Simmons left the game with an injured knee. His injury appears to be more serious than that of Quinton Carter, who was walking around on the sidelines after coming out and should be OK for Texas. Coach Bob Stoops said it was too soon to tell with Simmons, but I would be surprised if he played next weekend. With Simmons out, sophomore Stephen Good or freshman Tyler Evans, dealing with a gimpy ankle, will get the starting not.
Jon Nelson came in for Carter and played well at safety. Wouldn’t be surprised if that earned him more playing time.
* DE Jeremy Beal continues to dominate. He had 1.5 tackles for loss and 1/2 a sack, giving him 6 1/2 sacks already on the season. Beal is OU’s second best defender right now behind DT Gerald McCoy.
* Baylor really went after CB Brian Jackson, preferring to throw his way as opposed to Dom Franks. I would expect Texas to do the same. Jackson held up well against Baylor, ending the game with a pick. He’ll need to keep it up.
* Sooner D was great on third downs. Baylor converted just 3 of 16.
* Sooner D was great on rush defense, allowing only 6 yards. Without Robert Griffin, Baylor isn’t nearly the same rushing threat, but what OU has done on rush defense outside of the Miami game has been remarkable. You can’t take out the Miami game, though.
* Franks is giving OU something it hasn’t had in 5 years: a big-time threat on returns. Franks nearly had a game-winning punt return at Miami. He followed that up with another strong outing, producing a 51-yard return against Baylor.
* Jimmy Stevens quietly is having a nice season. He tied a school record by going 4 of 4 on field goals. Granted, his longest attempt was 35 yards. But all he can do is convert his opportunities and he did that. Stevens now 9 of 10 on FGs on the year.
-JT
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