Will Sam Bradford have a soph slump like My Little Pony?

Got to wondering this today while driving back to work after picking up a copy of Phil Steele's preview. In 07, Bradford shattered (36) McCoy's one-year old record for TDs by a freshman (29). McCoy followed that up with over 3000 yards and 22 TDs, but threw 18 picks. What will Sam do? I respectfully submit my thesis that Bradford will not slump.

Offensive Line Stability - McCoy started 2007 with three new starters on the offensive line, including having to replace two All Big 12 selections. McCoy was sacked 24 times in 07, only 14 in 2006. Bradford returns 6 offensive line starters (with at least six starts) and the top ranked o-line heading into 2008. The unit has accumulated 130 career starts.

Coaching - Longhorn offensive coordinator Greg Davis' best coaching move career to date has been to tear up the playbook and start listening to Vince Young's ipod. After a couple of games last year year, the Horn coaching staff began to realize that McCoy was not VY, and they veered away from zone read and related abuse to McCoy from defenders. The Sooners offensive coaching knows Sam is a drop back passer. The O-line and RBs will be quite sufficient to allow Sam to continue to progress as a top notch QB.

Defense - the Longhorn defense allow 7 pts more per game in 2007 than 2006. This forced McCoy to be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball and he ended up taking risks that did not pay off. The Sooners will be green in the back seven, but the D line could be special. Assuming Ryan Reynolds stays healthy, and at least one of the highly touted LB recruits pans out, the LB corp will be fine. The linebackers will also be aided by convert Keenan Clayton, who served as an over-agressive safety when on the field the past two years. The DBs will be stabilized by Lendy Holmes and Nic Harris. IMO, Marcus Walker and Reggie Smith did not live up to their recruiting hype, and their loss may not be as big as one would expect.

Criminal Justice - the Horns majored in Criminal Justice studies through most of the summer and early fall workouts, leading to distractions and uncertainty on the team, which led to faulty execution. The night life options are much less tempting in Norman than our neighbors to the south in Austin. The kids just drink in the dorms, so you don't have to drive back home. It's simpler that way.

There's my theory. Read it and weep.