That Didn't Take Long

Blake Bell is starting the third game for the 2-0 Oklahoma Sooners.  Those following the OU quarterback situation knew there was a strong chance there would be more than one starter this season.

Trevor Knight was inaccurate at best in the opener against Louisiana-Monroe, but ran the ball effectively leading the Sooners to an impressive 34-0 shutout.  Despite poor passing numbers I think most fans were encouraged by Knight's performance.  He was clearly nervous which lead to accuracy problems, but that's to be expected from a freshman making his first start in front of 80 thousand restless fans.  He also threw three touchdown passes and had several drops by receivers.  After a slow start, the Sooners committed to the run which helped get points on the board.  Knight looked like a freshman, but he would surely improve with his nerves if nothing else.

A week later Knight failed to improve his poise or passing accuracy against a weak West Virginia team.  The Sooner defense turned in another stellar performance, but Knight and the offense struggled to the point that he was replaced after two horrendous interceptions.  The first came near the goalline after four consecutive runs had the offense set up for a touchdown.  Making matters worse, the coaches said the play was designed as a run-pass option in which the run was the best option.  After Knight was picked off the next series, his evening was over.

I was begging for Bell well before the change.  Truth be told, I was begging for Bell after the fourth offensive series against ULM.  Knight was so nervous and inaccurate that passing was not an option.  It was my understanding that Knight won the job because of "explosive play" ability.  In two games he has failed to be the catalyst of any explosive plays through the air.  I know he can run.  I also know Bell can run.  What I don't know is if Bell can pass or lead the offense, but he can't be worse than Knight has been.

Knight's play is reminiscent of Rhett Bomar's freshman year after taking over for Paul Thompson.  Bomar and the Sooner's improved but not before losing four games.  Unlike Bomar's year, there are other options at quarterback.  The Sooners cannot wait for losses this season.  The defense looks like it will be an asset, the running game is the best in years and the receivers are too experienced to wait out a freshman to get settled.  This is doubly true when you consider there is a redshirt junior on the bench who has meaningful game experience.  If there is a tie in this competition, the tie should go to the junior.

Bell only had to wait two games more than he originally thought to start for the Sooners.  Knight was injured against WVU giving Bob Stoops a break from the quarterback controversy questions, but I believe this change was coming regardless.  Knight had his chance, now we see what Bell can do.  If he fails to show more promise than Knight then the Sooners will need to make another move.  Patience is not in the best interest of this team at quarterback.  They can win with average, turnover free passing.  That's all it will take.  The defense and run game will shoulder the rest of the burden.

Muddying the waters a bit will be the return of Kendal Thompson who is once again practicing after missing time with a fractured foot.  Thompson had a great chance of winning the starting job before his injury paved the way for Knight.  The quarterback roulette should spin until the Sooners hit on a winner.

So, should we freak out as fans?  Absolutely not.  I am so excited about the defense and the fact the Sooners are forced to commit to the run.  That is exactly what I wanted from this season and it looks like I'll get my wish.  Oklahoma stock is selling much too low at present.  I don't care how awesome spread-tempo offenses look, if you can run and play defense, you can win.  The Sooners are winning time of possession again and the defense is starting series fresh and getting off the field fast.

Of the three quarterbacks the Sooners might use this season, every one of them can run.  As long as they aren't making dumb decisions or turning the ball over, I expect the Sooners to win.  The Tulsa game is the first game of the rest of Bell's life.  How he plays will determine how many more there will be.