Bradford pursues National Championship, Heisman

The Oklahoma quarterback's 34 completions set a Big 12 Championship game record.

By Nick Forrester

Published Dec. 7, 2008

KANSAS CITY — With just more than 11 minutes remaining in Saturday’s Big 12 Championship game, Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford joined the rest of his teammates and all of the Oklahoma fans jumping up and down and chanting “OU,” while the speakers at Arrowhead Stadium played House of Pain’s hit, “Jump Around.” The song couldn’t have fit the moment any better, as Oklahoma all but sealed its spot in the National Championship game.

From the first snap of the game until the Sooners were handed the championship trophy, Bradford led an Oklahoma offense that steamrolled over Missouri.

“Look at what the guy’s done,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. “Five straight games, 60 points and he’s the one operating it all. He doesn’t turn the ball over. The guy is unbelievable.”

Bradford also made his case for the Heisman Trophy. On Saturday, Bradford was 34 of 49 for 384 yards and two touchdowns through the air. It was not only the fact that Bradford moved the ball at will against Missouri, it was how he did it that was so impressive. Bradford was not sacked once, and always seemed to find open wide receivers deep in the middle of the field.

“We just came out here to win the Big 12 Championship and position ourselves to be in the National Championship, and I feel like we did that tonight,” Bradford said.

With his 34 completions, Bradford set the record for the most of completions in the Big 12 Championship game. The old record was 27 completions by fellow Oklahoma quarterback Jason White in 2003. Oklahoma also set a new Big 12 Championship game record with 39 first downs.

“Everything goes through Sam,” senior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. “You can’t ask for more than what he’s done for this team. And you can’t ask for him to be more of a better leader than he is. I think he’s one of the best out there.”

Because of the blocking of an offensive line that features three First Team All-Big 12 members, Bradford had time to sit back in the pocket, read the Missouri defense, and hit an open receiver down the field without being bothered by a Missouri defender.

“All of the success that I’ve had is just a compliment to all the other guys out there on the field,” Bradford said. “One guy can’t win a football game. It’s a whole team deal. To win three straight Big 12 Championships, it just shows what type of team we have around here. Everyone wants the same thing and that’s to win.”

After listening to talk all week about the controversy that Texas, not Oklahoma, should have represented the Big 12 South, Bradford silenced the critics. While Bradford may not be the one doing the talking, he let his play on the field send the message.

“One thing people don’t notice is Sam is one of the most humble people we have in our locker room,” freshman linebacker Travis Lewis said. “Just by being the person he is, he makes everybody a better person on this team. You look back at all the stats and his accomplishments, and it just catches you in awe.”

The Heisman Trophy will likely come down to either Bradford or Florida junior quarterback Tim Tebow. The pair is also likely to meet on Jan. 8 in Miami to determine the National Championship.