Did Bedlam benching damage Bobby Reid?
Published: 12/1/2006 1:06 AM
Last Modified: 12/1/2006 1:06 AM
Could he run to another team?
Stephen Holman/Tulsa World
After two seasons of struggling (mostly because of injuries), Reid had become a confident, productive quarterback. He seemed to embrace a leadership role while ranking among the national leaders in passing efficiency.
Now, with Reid having been sidelined during OSU's final possession of the Bedlam game, you have to wonder whether his confidence has been fractured or even shattered.
If the starting quarterback is the most important player on any football team, then why would he be on the bench during the most important possession of the most important game of the season?
Backup Zac Robinson quarterbacked the Cowboys during the final 1:28 of their 27-21 Bedlam loss to Oklahoma. Late in the third period, Reid took a hard shot to his left shoulder. He admitted to being sore, but insists he was physically able to play. But when it mattered most, he did not play.
Robinson was at the helm. He converted on a pair of fourth-down plays while driving OSU from its own 37-yard line to the Sooner 25. On the final play, his pass intended for D'Juan Woods fell incomplete.
After the game, Reid obviously was upset. When asked for his reaction to the final-possession benching, he replied, "No comment."
When the Cowboys begin preparations for a bowl game, I will focus on Reid's demeanor and energy level.
Will he bounce back as a tougher, better quarterback? Or did the Bedlam benching break his heart?
OSU has been at its best with Reid on the field, but now his status seems uncertain. Does he or Robinson get the majority of first-team practice snaps?
Is Reid still the clearly defined No. 1 QB, or will there be a genuine competition for the bowl-game starting job?
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
