SOONER QUARTERBACKS: So what’s next? Stoops could tap into experience or he could go young. Either way, it’s not what he counted on to unfold a potentially banner season. Crazy things have happened before — in 1984, the Florida Gators, strapped at quarterback, turned to a walk-on (Kerwin Bell) and wound up 9-1-1 and No. 1 in the New York Times poll. But that’s like flipping a coin and having it land on its edge.

Stoops simply needs a decent caretaker.

Don’t be surprised if wide receiver Paul Thompson, last season’s opening-day starter, is shifted back to quarterback. It might seem like a desperation move, but these are desperate times.

Junior-college transfer Joey Halzle, who runs a 4.58 in the 40, has a great opportunity. Sam Bradford, a true freshman from Oklahoma City, probably isn’t ready, but he was among the nation’s top quarterback prospects.

There just isn’t an easy solution — unless a Kurt Warner-like story lurks. 

THE PROGRAM: Oklahoma apparently investigated the situation, then took swift action. Any potential NCAA fallout is unknown, but it’s always better when the school moves quickly. We’ll see if this was an isolated incident, or something more.

As for the Sooners, it’s not like this means a losing season. Stoops is a great coach and has molded a program built to last, even through the tough times (see last season). There’s still ample talent, up and down the lineup. But Ohio State can’t afford to lose Troy Smith. Take Brady Quinn away from Notre Dame and see how the Irish fare then. Bomar is a notch below those players in capability, but who knows how good he could have become this season?

ADRIAN PETERSON: Fortunately, the Sooners do have a compelling offensive force. But Peterson’s life just got harder — a lot harder. If Oklahoma’s new quarterback is learning on the run, if the new guy is unable to pose a threat through the passing game, Big 12 defenses get an advantage.

Peterson has been mentioned as a Heisman favorite (along with Smith and Quinn, among others). In some corners, he was THE favorite. No more. If Peterson gets a trip to New York, it will be hard-earned.  

TEXAS: The defending national champion Longhorns, with quarterback issues of their own, must be feeling better about themselves right now. If the Longhorns can somehow defeat Ohio State at home on Sept. 9, then escape the annual duel with Oklahoma, well, can you say … repeat?

OK, easier said than done. But the Road to Glendale looks more passable now. The Sooners, after a one-season blip, seemingly had regained their upper hand on the Longhorns when Vince Young bolted for the NFL. Now the matchup looks much more even — or much more in Texas’ favor.

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The Longhorns will have a newcomer at quarterback, either Colt McCoy or Jevan Snead, but both players went through spring drills. Both players have been studied by the coaching staff’s assessment of strengths and weaknesses. The decision will be made carefully, slowly, with a bulk of information.

Oklahoma’s quarterback will be thrown in, feet first, and asked to scramble through a breakneck training camp.

You could suggest the biggest task of Oklahoma’s quarterback might be handing off to Peterson (repeatedly). But that would be simplifying things. With Jason White, passing was a big part of Oklahoma’s equation. Bomar was growing into that type of player, a seasoned, confident passer who took significant pressure off the running game.

Now that element is gone.

Stoops is not a sky-is-falling kind of guy. He’ll find the proper solution, and Oklahoma will become as good a team as it can be.

But after Bomar’s banishment, it won’t become a champion.