Sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford solidified his spot as OU’s starter after going 11-3 and winning a Big 12 title his redshirt freshman season.
During the 2008 regular season and Big 12 title game, Bradford led the Sooners to a 12-1 record and a blowout win over Missouri in the Big 12 Championship, with the lone loss coming in a shootout against Texas.
Although Bradford had one of his best games in the Red River Rivalry, his Heisman stock dropped as most credit was given to Texas’ signal caller Colt McCoy. Following the loss, Texas had the inside track to the Heisman and national title.
Some notable games for Bradford included five touchdowns, no interceptions, 85.7 percent completion percentage at Washington. He also threw for four touchdowns, no interceptions and 411 yards against TCU. Against Kansas, he threw for 468 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
He went through a span in the four games prior to the national championship where he threw 14 touchdowns, rushed for two, and had no interceptions.
Bradford won the most prestigious of awards – the Heisman Trophy – becoming the second sophomore to do so. It was a tight race between a former winner in Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Bradford and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.
Other honors for Bradford included the Davey O’Brien award, the Sammy Baugh trophy, the Associated Press Player of the Year and more.
After losing a defensive battle against Florida in the national championship and leading OU to its highest win total since 2004, Bradford faced the decision of whether or not to forgo his final years of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
Bradford was considered a high first-round pick, with a chance to compete for the No. 1 overall pick.
On Jan. 14, Bradford announced his decision to return to OU for his junior season.
ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both consider Bradford to have the highest possibility to of being the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Bradford finished the season completing 68 percent of his passes with 4720 yards, 50 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
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