Cool Bradford leads Oklahoma

DALLAS -- Since he’s only 19 and was playing his sixth college game, Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford can be excused for thinking he can do things most quarterbacks wouldn’t even try.

Such as calling an audible on third and 14 from his 12 amid the roar of Texas fans. Or going long on third down to a guy who spent the last few series getting treatment for a sore hamstring. Then again, Bradford is proving to be not-your-ordinary quarterback.

Facing a tough foe in a hostile setting, Bradford looked as comfortable as he did in his record-setting first few games against overmatched opponents, throwing for three touchdowns and hardly making a mistake while steering the No. 10 Sooners past the No. 19 Longhorns, 28-21, in their annual grudge match Saturday.

“Sam, for as young as he is, has a lot of confidence and a lot of cool to him,” Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops said. “He doesn’t make too much of a situation. He trusts the guys around him to make plays.”

Bradford completed 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, which doesn’t sound great unless you consider the importance of his three touchdown passes -- putting Oklahoma up 7-0, 14-7 and 28-21. He also completed 12 consecutive passes between the second and fourth quarters for the Sooners, 5-1 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12.

The winning drive began at the six after Texas (4-2, 0-2) tied it, and Bradford went seven for eight.

The only incompletion was a drop and the next snap was a 35-yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Kelly, who sat out most of the third quarter because his right hamstring cramped up.