Texas wins but QBs Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy are draft losers
Texas may have won the Red River Rivalry, but quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy may be the real losers.
Bradford’s durability was being questioned by evaluators entering the game and re-injuring his shoulder in the first quarter certainly won’t quell those concerns. In a recent press conference, the Oklahoma junior quarterback sounded like he was ready for the NFL. But if he’s out for another extended amount of time, it’s hard to peg him as a top five pick.
Playing in a spread that relies a lot on slants and some on option, McCoy has to play flawlessly every week to be considered a first-round talent. McCoy made several bad throws against the Sooners, tossing an almost critical interception. He has seven on the season. McCoy was quick to pull down the ball and run, something that won’t work in the NFL.
On the complete opposite end of things, Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy was phenomenal. Even though Texas tried to run on other side McCoy was lined up at, the junior defensive tackle was dominant. It seemed like he was in the backfield every play. McCoy might be the best player in college football.
Almost as impressive was the play of the Texas secondary. Sophomore cornerback Aaron Williams not only knocked Bradford out of the game on a blitz, but he had a key fourth-quarter interception.
Fellow sophomore Earl Thomas, a strong safety, also made several big plays. He’s undersized but playmakers in the secondary come at a premium.
There was a lot of buzz entering this season surrounding Oklahoma’s Trent Williams. He switched to left tackle this season and has looked averaged. Against Texas, he was frequently pushed back and struggled mightily when asked to play with his hand down. He’s clearly a right tackle prospect.
One Sooner who looked good was running back DeMarco Murray. He showed great ability in the open field on passing plays. He struggled running the ball, but is a good option for a team looking for a second running back.
The Sooners managed to shut down Texas’ big play wide receiver Jordan Shipley. They did that by sometimes bracketing a safety over top and other times by being physical on him. He only had four receptions for 22 yards.
