1. Bradford gets hurt, again

The absolute last thing the Sooners wanted to happen against the Longhorns was to be without the services of Heisman-winner Sam Bradford, but on the OU’s ninth offensive play of the game the reality of being without its offensive leader set in when he was found once again grabbing his shoulder in pain.

In the Sooners’ only full offensive drive with Bradford in the game, they drove down the field and put up the first three points of the game. Bradford completed two of six passes for 77 yards, all of which went to junior running back DeMarco Murray.

Without Bradford, OU was not able to move the ball with much success against the Longhorns’ tough defense.

Outside of the offense’s sole touchdown drive in the third quarter, the Sooners did not run a single play in Texas territory in the second half.

OU is a better team with Bradford under center, and his absence was noticeable Saturday.

-Jono Greco/The Daily

2. Colt McCoy’s game saving tackle

After making the mistake of throwing an interception late in the game, McCoy made a heads-up play by tackling senior defensive back Brian Jackson, who had a clear path to the end zone.

If he did not make that tackle, Jackson would have sprinted in for a touchdown and given the Sooners a 20-16 lead.

The tackle itself was not the impressive part of the play, but rather McCoy’s ability to recognize he was the last line of defense and step up when his team needed him to make a big play.

Granted when you connect McCoy to a big plays you do not think of him playing defense, but in this situation he was clutch.

McCoy may have taken himself out of the Heisman run with his poor performance Saturday, but he kept his team in the run for the national championship with that tackle.

-Jono Greco/The Daily