Bradford’s Heisman stock on the rise

By John Hillman  |   Monday, October 06, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Oklahoma Sooners
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Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel and Graham Harrell dominated the preseason Heisman Trophy discussions in college football. But in the last few weeks, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford’s stock has outperformed all others.

Commentary: Upsets of USC and Georgia thrust the Sooners to the top of polls, and the QB's passing numbers have so far surpassed all expectations. Through five games, the sophomore has thrown 18 touchdown passes and only three interceptions while accumulating 1,665 yards through the air.

With his 72 .6 percent completion rate, Bradford’s efficiency rating calculates at a whopping 204.97. In contrast, Tebow, the 2007 Heisman winner, rates a 148.05, Daniel totals 196.38 and Harrell comes in at 161.04.

National television provides the Sooner signal-caller the perfect venue to showcase his wares this Saturday. The annual Red River Rivalry insures a capacity crowd packed into the Cotton Bowl, and millions will watch via the tube.

Beating Texas and outshining conference rival Colt McCoy sets up Bradford with some excellent Heisman opportunities down the road. In late November, Texas Tech travels to Norman.

That matchup pits Bradford and Harrell in direct competition. OU’s Heisman hopeful gets another chance to upstage a competitor if the Sooners engage Daniel and his fellow Tigers in the Big XII championship.

Oklahoma certainly has the Heisman tradition on its side. Four Sooners have claimed the coveted award with Jason White, the latest winner in 2003.

Bradford’s second-year status shouldn’t hurt his Heisman chances. Tebow broke new ground last year in becoming the first sophomore to capture college football’s most recognized trophy.

Despite the positive possibilities, a big downside looms. If Bradford falters against the Longhorns, his stock could drop faster than Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. And unlike financial markets, poor performing Heisman candidates rarely rebound.

Fan Pulse: Heisman fever runs rampant all the way from Norman to New York. Check out this link: http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=146&f=2445&t=3144915.

Injury Report: Several Sooners have been cleared to play in the Red River Rivalry. Center Jon Cooper and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who suffered minor hurts against Baylor, and defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger, who suffered a knee injury against Washington, will suit up for Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today. ...
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