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The $64,000 Question Remains Unanswered August 12, 2001 by Justin Waganer Senior Sports Writer
Click here to vote for which QB you think should start Norman, Okla. -- If the performance in Saturday's scrimmage at Owen Field is any indication of what they are capable of, Sooner fans have little to worry about come this fall from the quarterback position. While who the #1 guy will be is still unknown, both (Nate Hybl and Jason White) appear to have what it takes and a good understanding of the offense to be successful at the major college level. Will they be the Josh Heupel of 2000? No, but with their supporting casts, success is inevitable. The offense had much more success than Wednesday's scrimmage and both Jason White and Nate Hybl had impressive drives. White completed 17 of 26 for 232 yards and two touchdowns while Hybl went 20 for 28 with 220 yards and one touchdown. Hybl threw one interception right into the hands of Jarvis Smith while White had two interceptions, though both were tipped balls that could have been receptions. The first drive of the game ended in a 44 yard touchdown pass from Jason White to Antwone Savage, who like many of the returning stars, saw little action. White hit Savage down the sideline with a tight spiral that Savage caught in mid-stride. White's next touchdown drive was capped by a 41 yard TD pass to Damian Mackey that looked to be a short-gain screen that Mackey turned into a score. Nate Hybl appeared to have an 18 yard TD pass to Curtis Fagan on his first drive, but Fagan dropped in the end-zone. However, the next play, Fagan made a short-gain into a touchdown that was Hybl's only of the day. The situation this year is an interesting one in determining whether the Sooners will be as strong as a year ago on offense. If Saturday's offense is any indication of what will happen once August 25th comes around the 2001 installment of Oklahoma Offense looks to be one that will stretch the ball down the field, hit tight ends across the middle, throw outs to the sidelines, and use the run much more than what the Stoops era has shown so far. In other words, an offense that fits these quarterbacks and would not have fit Josh Heupel. White and Hybl both showed the ability to run, but not just run, scramble and find the open receiver to turn something in to nothing. The 6'3" Hybl and 6'2" White also used their height to an advantage when numerous situations showed them throwing the ball over the head of an oncoming rusher with a slight jump. Hunter Wall's only possession wasn't impressive as he completed one of three passes for 10 yards. Brent Rawls, the true freshman, had an impressive long pass to Avery Shine that was called back for a hold and Rawls finished with two completions on three attempts for 14 yards. There are still two weeks of practices before the Sooners will step on to the field for the first time in an actual game for 2001 which means plenty of time to debate the position. If the decision was to be made based solely upon the scrimmage, White would be the starter for day one. His overall game looked more polished and he appeared to be a little more comfortable in the pocket, though if OU was to start Hybl in two weeks they would still be in good shape. Some of Hybl's performance may have been affected by him having a fever and being in pain most of the night. These coaches are smart enough to see what a debate at this position can do after witnessing what went on just about six hours south and won't let it get that far, but don't be surprised if the starter isn't announced until game day or the day before.
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