Published: September 16, 2007 11:13 pm         

Stoops avoids Bradford all-star talk

NORMAN — One national network (Sporting News Radio) had Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford as its co-No. 1 candidate for the Heisman Trophy with Arkansas running back Dwight McFadden.

ESPN’s Mark May has proclaimed Bradford to be the best quarterback in Oklahoma history already.

Not bad for someone who was named the starting quarterback less than a month ago.

Just don’t ask Sooners coach Bob Stoops about it yet.

“I’m not even going to go to one of those type questions,’’ said Stoops when asked if he felt Bradford was one of the nation’s two or three best quarterbacks. “He’s been in three games. He played great for us, but you guys (the media) can do all that stuff. It’s not for me to do.’’

Bradford completed 19 of 26 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns in the Sooners’ 54-3 romp over Utah State Saturday. He did show he was human by throwing his first interception of the season.

“He’s doing a really good job of seeing the field and going to his second and third options,’’ Stoops said. “He throws a catchable ball. He doesn’t try to beat up anyone up with it. He has a great touch.’’

Bradford’s numbers for his first three games compare favorably with former OU quarterback Jason White’s run to the 2003 Heisman Trophy.

After three games (North Texas, Alabama and Fresno State) of 2003, White had hit on 69 of 107 passes for 845 yards, nine touchdowns and had thrown one interception. Bradford has connected on 59 of 74 passes for 823 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception.

“I think right now I am just playing into the system, looking at the options,’’ he said. “I am just taking it one play at a time.’’

Bradford’s success, Stoops said, has been a team effort from his receivers, offensive line, the running game and the preparation of the offensive coaches.

Juaquin Iglesias caught eight passes for 123 yards and ran a double reverse 35 yards for a score.

Malcom Kelly caught six passes for 81 yards, including touchdowns of 27 and 17 yards.

Joe Jon Finley, who caught only two passes the first two games, had three catches for 45 yards, including a eight-yard touchdown strike.

“Juaquin is beginning to come into his own,’’ Stoops said. “He has been great all year. He has great hands and can run with the ball after the catch. He’s stepping it up. That’s a big factor with Malcom on the other side.’’

The Sooners rushed for 343 yards Saturday, including cross country touchdown runs of 69 yards by Allen Patrick and 92 yards by DeMarco Murray. OU averaged 8.8 yards a carry.

“When teams try to cheat to cover those guys (Kelly and Iglesias), those guys (Patrick and Murray) are capable of making the big play,’’ Stoops said. “Our offensive line has the ability to create seams which definitely helps them.’’

The credit for OU having scored 50 or more points in its first three games, Stoops said, should go to offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and his staff.

“They do a really good job of game planning,’’ Stoops said. “The guys are ready for everything and they execute. They are doing a good job of keeping people off balance and getting the ball to a number of people, not just one or two guys. The defense has to defend everybody.’’

Most of all, Stoops said, Bradford is just being Bradford.

“He is what he is,’’ Stoops said. “He’s a solid guy that plays with his head. He helps the players around him be better.’’

Freshman Keith Nichol came in for Bradford with 7:27 left in the third period. This was the first time Nichol, and not junior Joey Halzle, had been the first quarterback sub.

Nichol and Halzle are co-No. 2s, Stoops said.

“The position has improved greatly over the spring, summer and fall,’’ he said. “It’s not just one guy we need to develop. The quarterback is a lot stronger position now than it was last spring and we need to keep doing it.’’

Nichol was only one of six passing for 10 yards.

“He’s learning,’’ Stoops said. “He’ll learn from this experience. He could have thrown a couple of balls better, but this is the first time he’s had an opportunity to throw it. This is something he has to experience.’’

Lewis Baker received a game ball for his play on special teams.

Stoops could find few faults with the lopsided win. He was especially pleased with the 3-0 Sooners focus.

“Everyone is trying to convince them they have to have a letdown,’’ Stoops said. “We have really been methodical in how we approach a game in meetings and in practice. The players understand the value of preparation. It’s a habit they have gotten into regardless of who we play. Hopefully, that will continue.’’