What Do You Do For An Encore?

Last season, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and texas QB Colt McCoy had incredible years, with Bradford passing for 4,720 yards, 50 TDs and McCoy passing for 3,859 yards and 34 TDs. McCoy also led texas in rushing, gaining 561 yds on the ground on 136 carries (4.1 ypc), while Bradford finished fourth on Oklahoma's offense, gaining 47 yds on 42 carries, with 5 rushing TDs. McCoy was incredibly accurate, completing 77% of his passes on the season. Bradford was equally as impressive, completing 68% of his passes in 2008. So the question becomes: What do you do for an encore?

I can look at other QBs in the Big 12 and easily see where they can and need to improve in their game. Jerrod Johnson can break 3000 yds passing this season, he can pass for 30 TDs, he can cut down on the number of interceptions (10) he had last season. Baylor's Robert Griffin can outdo Vince Young by becoming the next 3000 passing yards/1000 rushing yards QB, but do it without the benefit of playing in a conference championship game. Zac Robinson can break 30 TDs passing next season, and cut down on his INTs (he also had 10 last year). But how do you improve on 50 TD passes? How do you improve on a 77% completion rate?

I supposed Bradford could break 50 TD passes again in 2009, but I think it is highly unlikely. With an offensive line replacing four starters and Marc Broyles and Jermaine Gresham his only proven receivers at WR and TE, respectively, I think it is safe to expect the Sooners to score less than they did last season. With early games against BYU and Miami on their schedule, I wouldn't be surprised to see OU concentrate on their running game, letting their offensive line come along slowly before conference play begins.

As for McCoy, I think 2008 may have been his ceiling, statistically. His numbers in 2008 were remarkably similar to what he did as a redshirt freshman in 2006; he had 5 more passing TDs (29 in 2006, 34 in 2008), only one more INT (7 in 2006, 8 in 2008), and his completion percentage was 9 points higher (77% versus 68%) while passing the ball over a hundred times more last season than he did in 2006 (433 to 318). While we may see more TD passes from McCoy this season (if Dan Buckner and Malcolm Williams fulfill their potential, that is two more weapons for him to utilize), I'm not sure we'll see the same number of completions, yards, and the same high completion rate. I expect texas to concentrate on developing a running game to keep defenses honest and keep McCoy healthy, and that will cut down on the passing a little. What is interesting to note is that despite an offensive line that was a year older and more experienced, McCoy was sacked just as many times in 2008 (24) as he was in 2007, when his line was loaded with youth. It is possible that McCoy may outdo his 2008 performance by leading his team to an undefeated season and a Big 12 South Division and Big 12 Conference Championship, but I wouldn't bet on it. I don't think this 2009 texas team will have the same chemistry as the 2008 squad, and it was team chemistry that made the 2008 team better than the sum of their parts.

Bradford's only option to outdo his 2008 season is to lead his team to an undefeated season, its fourth consecutive South Division title, its fourth consecutive Big 12 Championship, its second consecutive trip to the BCS Championship Game, and its first BCS National Championship in nine years. Bradford won the Heisman Trophy last season, along with a slew of other awards (Davey O'Brien Award, Sam Baugh Trophy, Chic Harley Award, etc).

So, what do you do for an encore? Lead your team to an undefeated season, and win it all.