Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, who sustained a concussion in last weekend’s game at Texas Tech, has been cleared by physicians to play in Saturday’s Bedlam game against Oklahoma State, coach Bob Stoops said Thursday.
“Everything has checked out and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Sam will play this week,” Stoops said in a news release from the school.
Bradford, the nation’s top-rated passer, was injured in the first quarter of Oklahoma’s 34-27 loss at Texas Tech, which knocked the Sooners (9-2, 5-2 Big 12) out of national title contention. He has thrown for 2,520 yards and 28 touchdowns with only six interceptions this season.
Backup quarterback Joey Halzle completed 21-of-41 passes for 291 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in relief of Bradford against Tech.
Stoops didn’t release additional information about injured defensive end Auston English, who is doubtful for Saturday. English has missed the past two games with a hairline fracture in his leg.
Oklahoma also will be without leading rusher DeMarco Murray (knee), defensive end Alan Davis (concussion) and backup receiver Adron Tennell (knee).
The Sooners could claim the Big 12 South division title with a victory over instate rival Oklahoma State (6-5, 4-3), and the win would propel them into the Big 12 championship game against the winner of the North Division in San Antonio on Dec. 1.
LSU looks to keep focus amid speculation over Miles. LSU fans have finally warmed up to Les Miles.
Whether they see him coach another game in Tiger Stadium after today remains to be seen.
The game for “The Golden Boot,” a trophy shaped like Arkansas and Louisiana, routinely provides a compelling end to the regular season for the Tigers and Razorbacks. But this year’s edition carries even more subplots than usual.
No. 1 LSU (10-1, 6-1) needs a win to carry national championship hopes into the Southeastern Conference title game Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Arkansas (7-4, 3-4) might be playing for coach Houston Nutt’s job.
Then there’s that vacancy at Michigan, where Miles played, was an assistant coach and is now being talked about as a prime candidate to take over the Wolverines’ storied program.
“We’re not letting any of that (Michigan talk) get in our heads,” LSU linebacker Luke Sanders said. “We’re focused on Arkansas, because it really has an impact on what our whole season’s going to be.”
Miles avoided discussing Michigan at length during his weekly luncheon with reporters Monday. He said that he loves his current team and wouldn’t do anything to hurt it.
