If History Repeats Itself

Originally Published: Aug 26, 2010 8:39 PM CDT

In an ideal situation, Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden and G.J. Kinne remain healthy all season long and their backups take fewer than 20 snaps all season long.
But as the 2009 season proved, things can be less than ideal.  Its not always a horror story if the starter goes down.
Had Sam Bradford not been injured last season, Sooner fans would be heading into this season knowing nothing about Jones.  But Sam went down and Jones threw for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns in his place and Sooner fans fell in love with the stache giving them reason for optimism.
Had an injury to Zac Robinson (and Alex Cates ineffectiveness) not arisen last season, Cate and Weeden might well be in a battle for the starting job this fall.  But Zac missed the Colorado game and Cate failed in his attempt to replace him.  So Weeden came off the bench to lead a second-half rally and Cowboy fans now know all about the former minor league pitcher who will lead their new high-octane offense.
And Kinne was supposed to be injured at some point last season.  He was sacked 43 times!!  But he bounced back every time and led the Golden Hurricane in passing and rushing last season. 
So which of our state teams is in better shape with their backup quarterback situation if the starter goes down?  Im not factoring in which team has more all-around talent on the field and could stand to lose its quarterback.  Im saying whos QB situation is best overall.

My pick is the Sooners and heres why:
True freshman Blake Bell has caused quite a stir this fall.  If Jones hadnt rescued the Sooners last season, Bell might be battling Jones for the starting job (though I doubt it).  There might be some growing pains, but Bell looks to have all of the tools to step in and play if needed.  Redshirt freshman Drew Allen seems to have been bypassed by Bell.   Ideal situation, Jones takes every meaningful snap with Allen serving as backup and Bell is able to redshirt.

Next would be the Golden Hurricane and heres why:
Shavodrick Beaver was involved with Kinne and Jacob Bower (who has since transferred) for the staring job before last season.  Beaver is not the passer that Kinne is, so T-U would likely have to adjust the offense.  But hes a guy who can come in and be a serviceable replacement. 

The Cowboys would be third on the list and heres why:
There is just far more unknown at the backup QB spot for the Cowboys than the Sooners or Golden Hurricane.  Freshman Johnny Deaton from Sand Springs has shown flashes.  He picked up the new offense quickly in the spring, but its just hard to tell how he might perform if thrust into the situation. Clint Chelf is a redshirt freshman from Enid who hasnt played either.  And true freshman Nate Sorensen has played some wide receiver this preseason in addition to quarterback.