Fri, May 16 2008
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Published September 25, 2005 12:12 am - Sooners reduced to looking toward the future? And another thing … by Sports Editor Clay Horning Clay Horning The Norman Transcript Two things on what used to be called Oklahoma football. First, ending whatever was left of the quarterback controversy by allowing Paul Thompson’s move to wide receiver, thus making way for Rhett Bomar’s unquestioned — but not unfumbled — presence behind center, is more than a little instructive as to the Sooners’ plight.
Mainly, it was a move made in the name of the future. Because, eventually, Bomar would end all doubt he’s the guy. Because, eventually, Bomar will get the butter off his fingers. Consider it a head start toward a place the Sooners would have eventually found themselves anyway. That’s great, but just when did OU football start being about tomorrow? John Blake asked for a five-year plan, got three and it was still two seasons too many. Bob Stoops can coach in this town as long as he likes. He can even rebuild on occasion. But until a few days ago, it was always assumed every decision was made in the interest of winning right now. Assume it no longer. Bomar was given the job for good after putting the ball on the ground eight times in two games. I’m not even saying it was the wrong decision. But there’s no way the kid from Grand Prairie earned it. Second, other than a quarterback who won’t quit fumbling, more than anything, this team needs a leader not named Dusty Dvoracek or J.D. Runnels. Nothing against Dvoracek and Runnels, but their leadership is marred by natural limitations. As a defensive lineman, Dvoracek is at his best making others, like linebackers, look good. For all the things he can do, he can’t put the team on his back, or even the defense. It’s not his fault. Tommie Harris couldn’t either. It’s the nature of the position. Unless he becomes OU’s leading receiver, Runnels is in the same boat. He’s a facilitator, clearing the way for Adrian Peterson or helping protect Bomar. What the Sooners need is a leader who, on occasion, can be the reason they win or, as it often goes with leaders, the reason they don’t lose. Unfortunately, the two guys in the best position to fill the void have already failed. Bomar with his little run-in with the law and Peterson with his failure to attend class. Perhaps small items in and of themselves, their collective impact is hard to underestimate. Suffice it to say these two are not following in the footsteps of Josh Heupel, Rocky Calmus, Mark Clayton, Derrick Strait and Jason White. Too much to ask of two guys in just their second year on campus? Maybe, but Quentin Griffin never got into any trouble. And Bomar could have gotten back on the right foot by not treating a 41-24 loss to UCLA like it was some sort of step in the right direction. Even the oddsmakers liked OU to stay within a touchdown. And another thing … • Not to simply fall in line with a sportswriter who once held this very job, but I, too, believe the Hornets’ one-year move to Oklahoma City might come with an option for forever. 
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