It was not a huge surprise when Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops named Trevor Knight to be the starting quarterback for OU’s season opener against Louisiana-Monroe.
It had been rumored for about a week that Knight was taking control of the quarterback race with Blake Bell.
However, there was no one talking about Knight a month ago. Or, two weeks ago.
Bell, ever since Landry Jones graduated to the NFL after last year, was the heir apparent at quarterback.
Bell had earned the favorite’s role for next quarterback at OU by his role in the “Belldozer” package, a series of plays designed for short-yardage situations.
In fact, over two years, Bell had more touchdowns (24) than he had passing attempts.
That led many to speculate that Bell’s passing might not be such a positive.
Whatever the reason, Knight obviously outplayed Bell in August practices to be named the starter.
Knight is expected to have more mobility than Bell, in trying to escape pressure or make plays on the edge.
Some wonder if the offense will undergo some tweaks to make it more player-friendly for Knight. In other words, some believe the Sooners will add some run elements.
Stoops said Knight earned the starting job and that he expects both players to continue to compete for playing time.
Whether there will be a “Belldozer” package with Knight as a starter remains to be seen. Plus, what role does Bell play in the future?
Plus, exactly how does this change the offense?
All of those are questions that will be answered in the next month.
Oklahoma opens with three home games it should win - Louisiana-Monroe, West Virginia and Tulsa. Then, after an off week, the Sooners go to Notre Dame to end September.
By October we should know why Knight won the starting job and what it means to Oklahoma offensive structure.
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