Sam Bradford: I Hate To Say I Told You So, But I Did

Contributor Written on January 09, 2009

In one of the most memorable games in recent history, the 2009 BCS National Championship certainly matched the two best teams in college football.

The game featured two outstanding Heisman-winning quarterbacks in Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, two "X-Factors" in Jermaine Gresham and Percy Harvin, two of the most outstanding coaches in college football in Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer, and expectations of an extremely high scoring game, with two of the most prolific offenses in college football history.

However, the game was a little different than what was expected. Tebow and Bradford put up decent numbers, but nothing outstanding (except Tebow's fourth quarter performance).

The over/under for the game was around 70, but only 38 points were scored. Oklahoma's special teams stepped up and Brandon James was shut down. Florida's defensive line got pressure on Sam Bradford and he was forced to make moves on the run.

But!

On Dec. 24, 2008, I wrote an article entitled "BCS Championship Preview: Are Sam Bradford's Numbers Legitimate?" in which I stated that Sam Bradford's large numbers this year were against suspect defenses.

His numbers were put up against an average 77.58 ranked defense. Moreover, Oklahoma's run of 60 points was against the 66, 114, 72, 87, and 101 ranked defenses.

By the conclusion of my article, I stated that Sam Bradford would have trouble showing up against a great Florida defense.

Guess what?

I was right.

Sam Bradford was 26-41 for 257 yards (third-lowest this season). He was sacked twice (he was only sacked nine times all year). He threw two interceptions (only threw six all season). His two touchdown passes tied his season low. He had his third-lowest completion percentage and his lowest yard-per-pass average all season. Most notably his QB rating of 77.0 was his lowest of the season, by 30.4 points.

Needless to say, Sam Bradford's numbers suffered against the quality Florida defense. He was pressured all evening and had to make throws on the run. He looked scared and anxious.

In the end, Sam Bradford had a phenomenal season, but just as I stated merely 16 days ago, are his numbers legitimate?

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written on January 09, 2009 Opinion