Sooners to Start Landry Jones: Ends Heisman Chances of Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford's Heisman campaign probably ended in Dallas on Sept. 5, when he returned from halftime without a uniform. But last year his numbers were so gaudy it would take almost anyone another two-and-a-half games to match them.

Thus, while a long shot, there was an outside chance that Bradford could have gotten back into the race with big performances in all the big games.

Now, however, with today's decision to start Landry Jones against Miami, Bradford's Heisman campaign is most likely officially over. After missing three-and-a-half games, it would take an unbelievable performance for the rest of the season to even get into the race, and winning it may be impossible.

However, starting Jones is the right decision. Considering how good Jones has been the past two games, if there is any doubt whatsoever with Bradford, you must let the backup try to continue his success until the starter is 100 percent.

For Miami, however, Jones starting is good news.

He is not as experienced and much more likely to throw interceptions than Bradford. Plus he has not faced a team that could apply constant pressure besides BYU. (But Jones was barely allowed to pass in the half of that game he played.) 

Expect Miami to blitz constantly, especially on passing downs. I do not expect them to vary that strategy until Jones can make them pay for it.

He has the arm to handle the blitz and the legs. But does he have the head?

It seems likely Bradford will return next week against a Robert Griffin-less Baylor. It will be a tune-up before the Texas game, which will be the biggest regular season game of the season for both teams—maybe for any team the entire season. 

Bradford can further cement himself as a college football legend on Oct. 17, but it seems that his Heisman campaign is all but over for 2009.