It was not perfect, but Heisman-winning junior quarterback Sam Bradford’s much awaited return to the gridiron Saturday was nothing short of spectacular.

Bradford, who missed the No. 20 Sooners’ last three games with an AC joint sprain in his right, throwing shoulder, completed 27 of 49 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown. This was the 13th time he has thrown for more than 300 yards in a game in his career, which is one 300-yard game short of OU’s all-time record.

“He played really well,” head coach Bob Stoops said. “To have been off as much as he has, to go out there in his first go at it, [and] to play as well he did, I thought he played great.”

One of the most encouraging things about having Bradford back under center was that the offense was able to find a consistent rhythm with its hurry-up offense.

“We just went a little faster,” offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. “I think Sam having played is just maybe a little bit quicker in the communication part and spinning it out, telling the big guys what’s going on. I think the real deal is with his confidence, calmness and experience I think he was able to work the line of scrimmage a little bit quicker.”

Another thing Bradford brought to the table Saturday that the Sooners were missing during his absence was the ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers. He connected with nine different receivers, and seven receivers had at least two catches.

“Having Sam back, that’s a boost,” junior wide receiver Brandon Caleb said following his 139-yard performance Saturday. “He’s a great player. I was excited to see him out there.”

Even though more receivers got their hands on the ball, there were many instances when they let balls slip through their fingers. The receiving corps dropped at least eight catchable balls, and let three or four more difficult passes fall to the ground.

Despite the lack of support from his receiving corps at times, Bradford still feels it can improve this late into the season.

“I still feel like our receivers made some great plays,” Bradford said. “I loved the energy that they were playing with. I’m sure we’re going to eliminate some of those drops down the road, but I thought they played great [Saturday].”

The biggest thing the Sooners can take away from Saturday’s game is that their leader is back to form. He played a smart game, and did not make any mistakes that should be a cause for concern.

The question remains whether or not Bradford’s shoulder will be sore over the course of the next few days. He threw 49 passes, which is the most he’s thrown in a single game since throwing the same amount of passes in last season’s Big 12 Championship game against the Missouri Tigers.

“[My shoulder] feels really good,” Bradford said after the game. “It’s felt a lot better this week compared to last week.”

Bradford and OU’s offense should feel good about itself after putting up 592 yards.

Wilson said the offense has found some confidence heading into a big OU-Texas matchup on Oct. 17.

“We need some positive mojo,” Wilson said. “I think the way we finished was a nice statement more than anything else. That showed me that we’re pointed and moving in a better direction offensively.”