The return of Heisman quarterback Sam Bradford — who would have easily been a Top 10 NFL Draft pick — to Oklahoma was huge news on Wednesday for two reasons.

First, it sets up a mammoth Red River showdown against Texas, which will return quarterback Colt McCoy, on Oct. 17 next season in Dallas. As if these two schools, which displayed their affection for each other last season through various skyskrapers, public service announcements, etc., needed more fire to fuel this rivalry.

Second, the winner of this game could very well win the Big 12 and have a chance to play for the BCS Championship. Something tells me we could have a Texas-Oklahoma winner vs. Florida for all the marbles in early 2010.

Bradford’s decision likely inspired tight end Jermaine Gresham, also a would-be first-round NFL pick, to stay at Oklahoma as well. In his last three games of the season, Gresham averaged 8.3 receptions, 100.7 yards and scored four touchdowns in the span. Bradford to Gresham will be a lethal combination next season.