NO MORE QUIBBLE WITH HYBL SOONERS QB SURVIVES CRITICISM TO BECOME TEAM LEADER.

Byline: Keven Chavez Staff Writer

When Washington State's defense applies the pressure in the Rose Bowl game Wednesday, it will be nothing out of the ordinary for Oklahoma quarterback Nate Hybl. The senior has been dodging the blitz from the folks wearing crimson for more than two years.

But it's been a rush to judgment from the football-hungry Oklahoma faithful more than an opposing pass rush that has kept Hybl bobbing and weaving through a tumultuous two years as starting quarterback for one of the country's elite teams.

On Hybl's wins and losses alone, there's little to criticize. The Sooners are 19-3 in games in which he has started, including a Big 12 championship and a Cotton Bowl victory.

But while other quarterbacks have their career win-loss record trumpeted as the basis for postseason honors, only now is the senior quarterback from Hazlehurst, Ga., able to bask in his accomplishments and not play every down and throw every pass as if he has something to prove.

In just two seasons, Hybl has taken over for an All-American, injured his shoulder and was replaced as starter only to regain his role - twice. All the while, he's been the No. 1 target for criticism by Oklahoma's fans and a whipping boy for overzealous radio and television hosts.

``It's just fanfare,'' Hybl said. ``I'm 23. I've grown up through the whole process and matured a lot. I like the passion that Oklahoma Sooner fans have.''

It's the sort of passion that comes with being a perennial national powerhouse.

On Jan. 3, 2001, Oklahoma reached the pinnacle of college football when All-American senior quarterback Josh Heupel led the Sooners to their first national championship in 15 years with 13-2 upset victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

Hybl, a transfer from Georgia, took over as the starter the following season and led Oklahoma to five consecutive victories before a nagging shoulder injury and ineffective play forced him to the bench in favor of sophomore quarterback Jason White.

Three games later, in a 20-10 loss to Nebraska, White was lost to a season-ending knee injury and Hybl returned.

The Sooners won three more games before a devastating 16-13 loss to Oklahoma State in the regular-season finale.

The loss kept Oklahoma from the Big 12 championship game and ended hopes of a repeat title. Against the Cowboys, Hybl threw three interceptions, was sacked seven times and was mercilessly criticized.

``When (the fans are) behind you, it's fun,'' Hybl said. ``It can be harsh sometimes, but you realize that when you step into the role.''

Hybl ended the season with a Cotton Bowl victory over Arkansas and 2,409 yards passing with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Not bad, but not enough to silence the unsatisfied Sooner Nation.

``We've all heard that (criticism) and we've had to deal with it as a staff and tried to protect our guys from it,'' Oklahoma offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chuck Long said. ``We put too much on a quarterback that way, like they did it all, one way or the other.

``There's too much criticism and too much praise at times.''

Long would certainly know. He was a three-year All-Big Ten quarterback at Iowa and the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Auburn's Bo Jackson in 1985.

Nonetheless, Long and the coaching staff chose White as Oklahoma's starting quarterback out of summer practice this season. But in Oklahoma's second game, White injured his knee again and the call went out to Oklahoma's now-seasoned veteran quarterback.

And Hybl responded. Loudly.

``We've put up some points in every game we played,'' Hybl said. ``We've missed some opportunities but taken advantage of a ton. We made a lot of big plays this year.''

Never the flashy player, Hybl has thrived as a result of efficiency. The senior passed for 2,298 yards and 22 touchdowns with just eight interceptions and the Sooners won 11 of their 13 games.

And don't point at Hybl for Oklahoma's two losses. The Sooners offense scored 26 and 28 points, respectively, in losses to Texas A&M and Oklahoma State.

``I've had a good year, and it's nice to be a leader of one of best offenses in country,'' Hybl said. ``We're really scoring a lot, and I'm proud of what of what we've done.''

The Sooners capped off the regular season with a convincing 29-7 victory over Colorado in the Big 12 championship game. Hybl threw three touchdown passes.

The victory and his performance say what might never come out of the mouth of the 23-year-old former high school golf standout.

``Nate's gone through some trials and unfairly at times,'' Long said, ``but he's done that and come out at the other end with a (Big 12) championship ring and shown a lot of courage throughout.

``Once you win a championship and prove yourself that way, what else can you say? There's nothing really to be said. It's all been proven without being said.''

Hybl has earned his place in Oklahoma's record book. He is second in school history for career touchdown passes (38) and completions (421) and third in passing yards (4,676).

And if Hybl has his way when the final whistle sounds at the Rose Bowl, he'll earn that same lofty place in the hearts of Sooners fans.

Or at least a high-five and a pat on the back.

``Hopefully (I'll be) circling the field slapping fives with the fans and looking for my parents,'' Hybl said, ``with the classic rose between the teeth.

``I just want us to score a lot of points and play our best game of the year.''

ROSE BOWL

Wednesday

2 p.m. TV: Ch. 7

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (Oklahoma QB Nate Hybl)

(2) Oklahoma QB Nate Hybl is second on the Sooners' career passing list in touchdown passes.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press