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The 2011 Oklahoma Sooners season marked the birth of the "Belldozer" package. Whether it was a short yardage situation or at the goal line, fans witnessed Blake Bell pick up crucial yard after crucial yard. At the time, Bell was not the projected starter at quarterback. Now, all eyes are upon him as Landry Jones has graduated meaning that the upcoming season will be uncharted territory as Bell is projected to take over a the full-time starter.
One thing that no coach wishes for is that his starting quarterback suffer an injury at any point during the season. With that said, it brings up a crucial question: Will Blake Bell continue to be featured in the "Belldozer" package?
While I do not think that the coaching staff will completely remove the option from the playbook, it may take a back seat in the offensive scheme. Not only have opposing teams showed signs of the cracking the Belldozer code, but, in reality, the concern for injury is always lingering. However, there is good news. Another option may be at the Sooners disposalin short yardage downs and/or goal line situations.
Enter Trey Millard...
For two years now, Oklahoma fans have called for Trey Millard to receive more carries than he has been allotted. One of the most versatile players on the field at any given moment, Millard is a bruising runner with the potential gain those hard earned yards on each and every snap. During his sophomore and junior campaigns, he averaged 6+ yards per carry which warrants the notion to place the ball in his care more frequently.
Against the Texas Longhorns, the coaching staff gave Millard the green light as he flashed his potential. On eight touches (3 rushes and 5 receptions) he tallied up 154 yards but, the limelight was limited as his role diminished during the remainder of the season.
Entering 2013, there will be roughly 59 designed carries that need to find a new home (assuming Oklahoma all but does away with the Belldozer). How those will be distributed is still an unknown. The coaches have said they want to get a talent like Millard more touches yet in the same breath, offer up excuses.
Yes, it is true that Millard may very well be the best blocker this team has to offer. Yes, it is true that Millard may very well be the best current option at tight end. However, there could not be a more obvious place to create more touches for an exceptional talent than in the void left behind by Bell.
The cry has been heard while the result remains to be seen.