Norman, Okla ? The Oklahoma Sooners have won 13 of the 14 games Nate Hybl has started at quarterback. He hasn’t thrown an interception this season, and his coaches have praised his poise and leadership.

Still, many fans see Hybl as the guy who lost his job a year ago and is playing now only because Jason White is injured.

No matter who is behind him, Hybl will be leading the second-ranked Sooners on Saturday when they play No. 3 Texas in Dallas.

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Chuck Long says Hybl never got a fair shake from the fans last season, partly because he was hurt much of the time and because he followed Josh Heupel, who led Oklahoma to the 2000 national title.

“He’s a lot more comfortable going into this Texas game than he was last year,” Long said. “We’re very proud so far. Every week, he’s come in with a great attitude. It’s just fun to watch what he’s been doing.”

The Texas game is where the season began falling apart for Hybl last year. One week after surviving a pounding in a victory against Kansas State, he hurt his left shoulder and had to leave in the second quarter. White took over and led the only touchdown drive of the game, and Oklahoma beat Texas 14-3.

“I felt like I was, as a quarterback, starting to come into my own, then that happened,” Hybl said.

The banged-up Hybl started the next game against Kansas University, but was ineffective. White threw four touchdown passes in relief and became the starter. His ability to run set him apart from Hybl.

Oklahoma quarterback Nate Hybl leads second-ranked Oklahoma in the annual Red River Shootout against third-ranked Texas on Saturday in Dallas.

Two games later, against Nebraska, White tore up his left knee and was lost for the season. The job was Hybl’s again. After losing to Nebraska, the Sooners won three straight before getting upset by Oklahoma State.

When this season began, White was the starter. But in the second game, against Alabama, he blew out his other knee.

So far, Hybl has completed just under 60 percent of his passes, for 1,014 yards and six touchdowns, with no interceptions. Including last year’s Cotton Bowl game against Arkansas, he has thrown 148 passes without being picked off.

“I’m a lot more calm under the gun,” he said. “It’s just from playing in a lot of big games. You just have a different outlook on these games. You’re able to handle all the hysteria surrounding it.”

Long said Hybl’s comfort and confidence are the result of added experience and knowing this is his offense to run.

He also is benefiting from a more solid pocket, coach Bob Stoops said. Often last year, Stoops said, Hybl was forced to throw to his first receiver because he wasn’t getting enough time to find another.

“He’s been exceptional,” Stoops said. “Not only is he taking care of the football, he’s making big plays. He made some big throws the other night against Missouri. He’s throwing the ball downfield deep. He’s very poised and confident.”

Stoops said this game is one in which the quarterbacks will have to be able to make big plays. He likes Hybl’s chances.

“I couldn’t be more confident in a guy coming into this game,” he said.