BY DON WILLIAMS
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has started only since the beginning of last season. With more than 6,500 career passing yards and 74 touchdowns, it might seem as if he’s been around much longer.

The truth is, Bradford has played more against every other team in the Big 12 Conference than he has against Texas Tech. He’s seen all the Big 12 North Division schools, but he’s seen the Red Raiders only through cobwebs. In last year’s Tech-Oklahoma game, Bradford suffered a concussion on the Sooners’ first offensive play and was lifted after the second series.

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (14) scrambles out of the pocket as Texas A&M's Matt Moss (55) chases him during the second quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

So at least some of the Raiders view Saturday’s game at OU as a bigger challenge than a year ago.

“Not only because we didn’t play against him last year, but also because he has a whole ’nother year under his belt. That makes a big difference for a quarterback,’’ Tech safety Daniel Charbonnet said Monday. “Last year, he was a freshman. This year, he’s a sophomore with a lot of experience. I think that’s what makes the biggest difference.’’

This Saturday, Tech and OU square off in Norman, Okla., with Tech ranked No. 2 and Oklahoma No. 5 in the BCS standings. For last year’s game in Lubbock, OU was ranked No. 3 with a chance to move up to No. 2 in the BCS — Oregon, then at No. 2, had lost two days before. Tech was playing for an invitation to the Gator Bowl that it ultimately received.

On OU’s first snap, Tech linebacker Marlon Williams picked up a fumble and collided with Bradford. It turned into a costly tackle attempt. Joey Halzle filled in at quarterback for the last three-plus quarters. Before he could find any sort of comfort zone, the Raiders were up 34-10.

Bradford has shown no ill effects this season. With 38 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 68-percent completion rate, he’s second in the nation in passing efficiency.

“He’s the best professional (quarterback) prospect we’ll face,’’ Charbonnet said. “He’s got the size. He’s got the arm. He makes good decisions back there. He moves well, too. He can run around a little bit and make plays with his feet. He’s a pretty good all-around package when it comes to a quarterback.’’

Bradford has had a scarlet-and-black endorsement that predates his arrival at OU. Tech coach Mike Leach offered Bradford a scholarship early in the recruiting process when the 6-foot-4, 218-pound Sooner was at Putnam City North High School.

Leach was asked Monday if Bradford’s subsequent success is an illustration of Leach’s eye for quarterback talent.

“It doesn’t surprise me,’’ Leach said. “After we offered (Bradford), a bunch of people jumped on board. He was really a nice individual that I was impressed with, so it’s good to see him do well.’’

Leach said he doesn’t see this year’s game as a bigger challenge than last year’s, just because of Bradford’s status. The Tech coach said, “It’s big every year when you play these guys,’’ and the Sooners have more talent than just the guy at quarterback.

The Sooners have three other players ranked in the top 50 nationally in at least one offensive category: Running backs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown are 47th and 49th in rushing yards per game (80.4 and 78.2, respectively), and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias is 25th in receiving yards per game (85.3). Additionally, there’s tight end Jermaine Gresham, who has 20 touchdown catches since the beginning of last season, and wide receiver Manuel Johnson, who has eight TD catches this year.

“They’re good. Very good,’’ Leach said. “I mean, there’s not one thing you can zero in on and try to stop. You just need to play good solid defense and react to all of it.’’

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