- HOME
- NEWS
- SPORTS
- BUSINESS
- FYI/LIVING
- ENTERTAINMENT
- OPINION
- JOBS
- CARS
- REAL ESTATE
- RENTALS
- CLASSIFIEDS
- SHOPPING
- EXTRAS
Posted on Fri, Oct. 30, 2009 10:15 PM
K-State won’t overlook Sooners quarterback Jones
More News
MANHATTAN, Kan. | After twice injuring his shoulder this season, Sam Bradford is done at Oklahoma. Bradford, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, will take his next snap in the NFL.
As one would expect, moving on without such a talented player hasn’t always been easy for Oklahoma. When Bradford initially went down in a season-opening loss to Brigham Young, the Sooners scored 13 points. When Bradford was reinjured during a loss to Texas, Oklahoma again scored 13. In Oklahoma’s loss to Miami without Bradford, it scored 20 points.
All three of the Sooners’ setbacks could easily be blamed on their offense, but as freshman Landry Jones now looks more comfortable under center, Oklahoma may not have to rely so much on its defense anymore.
“They have overcome the loss of their quarterback,” Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said, “and replaced him with a young guy who is playing lights out.”
Two weeks ago, Snyder might not have been so complimentary of Jones. But Bradford was still in the picture back then. Now that the starting job belongs to Jones, he appears to have loosened up.
Oklahoma coaches also seem to be showing confidence in him. Jones played well during a 35-13 win at Kansas last week, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
“They came out and threw the ball on virtually every snap on the opening drive,” Snyder said. “They went down and scored. He threw it well, and he threw it with poise. I think he feels pretty comfortable, and rightfully so. He should.”
Jones’ stats are starting to look impressive, too. He has thrown for 1,363 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. He is completing more than 60 percent of his passes.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Jones has adapted to his new role.
“It was maybe a little surprising how natural it was for him,” Stoops said. “He didn’t blink a bit. Players sense that. They were with him right off the bat.”
K-State senior quarterback Grant Gregory is so impressed with Jones that he laughs when asked about Jones’ early struggles.
To Gregory, all Jones needed to become an effective passer was time.
“Everybody who goes to Oklahoma, they’re the pick of the litter,” Gregory said. “I’m sure he went there in the anticipation of waiting a few years under Bradford. He’s doing pretty well so far. He’s a good player and in a few years I’m sure he’ll be one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”
Kansas State at No. 22 Oklahoma
•WHEN: 6 tonight
•WHEN: 6 tonight
•WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.
•TV/RADIO: Fox Sports KC; WHB (810 AM)
Other story lines
•STARTING A NEW STREAK: Oklahoma’s Brian Jackson didn’t have an interception last week against Kansas, ending a streak of four straight games in which he came up with a pick.
•PLAYING ON A NEW FIELD: Oklahoma is one of four schools in the Big 12 that plays on grass, and the Sooners installed new sod last week. Kansas State will be the first visiting team to play on it.
•HALLOWEEN NIGHT: What will be the most popular Halloween costume in Norman? Surely a few fans will dress up as Stoops or Snyder, but with Jones sporting a much-discussed mustache this season, he may be the winner.
| Kellis Robinett, The Star
Posted on Fri, Oct. 30, 2009 10:15 PM
@Nyx.CommentBody@