Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Ranking every Sooners’ starting QB since 1999

By Aaron Gelvin

NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: A Ruf/Nek parades the Oklahoma Sooners flag around the field after a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: A Ruf/Nek parades the Oklahoma Sooners flag around the field after a touchdown against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 13 — Nate Hybl

Eleven starts in 2001, 12 Starts in 2002

Nate Hybl was OU’s first quarterback after Josh Heupel, and the first to take the field following the 2000 National Championship season. Hybl’s time as the starter can be marked in a constant tug-of-war with OU’s other quarterback, Jason White. Hybl was more of a pocket passer at that time and had a penchant for taking short throws and safe checkdowns.

In 2001, after starting every game to begin the season, Hybl was injured in the second quarter of the Texas game, and White performed well in his absence. Hybl started the next week against Kansas, but was replaced by White, as the Sooner offense was struggling. White started the next two games, but tore his ACL against Nebraska, ending his season and thrusting Hybl back into the starting role for the rest of the year, including a Cotton Bowl victory over Arkansas.

The 2001 Sooners won a lot of games, but it was mostly because of a ferocious defense.

In 2002, Hybl was named the backup out of camp behind White, who started the first two games. But another torn ACL by White again opened the door for Hybl, and with White sidelined for all of ’02, Hybl had a chance to relax and played better with a solid team around him.

Oklahoma went on to win the Rose Bowl against Washington State, and Hybl was named the game’s MVP. He threw 24 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions that season.

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