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Aug. 19, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma's three quarterback candidates have proven that they can protect the football and avoid the big mistake most of the time.

Now, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson wants to see what the competition looks like when the trio play as if they've got a green light instead of a yellow one.

"They've bought into playing smart. They have done significantly better communicating and managing us on the field," Wilson said. "Now we've got to start maybe making a few plays because we're leaving some offense on the field. We've got some plays that we're missing, and that's confidence and knowledge and making the plays that are there."

Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford made the most plays at the eighth-ranked Sooners' scrimmage Saturday, completing 12 of 17 passes for four touchdown passes. Freshman Keith Nichol went 5-for-16 for 82 yards and one touchdown, and junior Joey Halzle went 8-for-23 for 47 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Still, no starter was anointed.

"I thought Sam played rock solid. He's been steady. I think he missed some things, though," Wilson said. "I think Keith lives a little bit more on the edge and once in a while will cross the line. The other guys are playing so cautious, I would like them to push the envelope and be a little bit more on the edge."

Bradford connected with Adron Tennell twice for touchdowns late in the scrimmage. After adjusting to an underthrown ball by Bradford to get into scoring position, Tennell again maneuvered under a Bradford lob for a 34-yard score. He then caught an 18-yard toss from Bradford and got both feet in bounds along the right edge of the end zone.

But Wilson downplayed the fact that Bradford got more playing time with the rest of the offensive starters than his competitors.

"There wasn't an agenda of who's in," Wilson said.

Nichol's highlight came on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Manuel Johnson on a post pattern. Though he wasn't actually in danger because the quarterbacks are off-limits to contact, Nichol stepped up and delivered the pass as a defender charged in from his left side.

"He's going to be a really, really good player," Wilson said. "Personally, to me, he's exceeding my expectations. We thought he was good. He's playing well beyond his time."

Wilson suggested that the coaching staff would have more time to evaluate who should be the starter this week since players will be starting classes and limits on their contact with coaches will take effect. But coaches have repeatedly refused to set a timeframe for a decision.

"We just go by who we feel is doing the best job directing the team and the most consistent job, and staying away from the plays that really hurt you," head coach Bob Stoops said.

After a steady rainfall helped slow the offense no matter who was at quarterback, Halzle made the most evident mistake among the trio. While backing up into his own end zone, he threw a screen pass into the arms of Lewis Baker and he returned it 10 yards for a touchdown.

"We had the one pick tonight on a screen play where a back just got held and didn't make a play to get open. So we didn't get the call. It was a bad throw," Wilson said.

"We've probably overcoached taking care of the ball and we're probably missing some plays. It would be nice to have a little bit more zest and zeal and stick it in there. With time and confidence hopefully, that's a step that needs to be taken."

Stoops complimented the kicking game, which featured Garrett Hartley making a 61-yard field goal, and his team's ability to take care of the ball despite the wet conditions. He said there's a little more certainty at the positions other than quarterback.

"I think we're pretty close to knowing what we're going to get with most everybody else," Stoops said. "Most everybody else has quite a bit of experience really. But you've still got to do it on the field."