"The nickname started with the media my freshman year," said Blake, who scored four rushing touchdowns against Baylor that season. "The media came up with three ideas and ultimately landed on 'Belldozer.' The fans caught on and it stuck."

When Jones graduated before the 2013 season, Blake thought it was his turn to lead the Sooners. But at the same time, a talented freshman quarterback by the name of Trevor Knight entered the mix at Oklahoma. Knight, a smaller but faster signal-caller, performed well enough to spark a full-fledged quarterback competition in spring practices.

Eventually, the week before the team's season opener against Louisiana-Monroe, Stoops gave the freshman the nod. It was a crushing blow to the entire Bell family, which was eager to see Blake lead the Sooners. Blake's cousin had even changed the date of her wedding in anticipation of Blake's first collegiate start at quarterback.

"It was devastating to Blake and to us," said Mark Bell, Blake's father. "Blake worked so hard and he felt like he paid his dues. It was a hard thing for him and our family."

Despite the initial disappointment, the redshirt junior got his chance three weeks into the season. An injury to Trevor Knight opened the door for Blake to start against Tulsa. Blake powered the Sooners to a 51-20 victory, throwing for 413 passing yards and four touchdowns.

South Bend was the next stop on Oklahoma's schedule for a road game against Notre Dame. Starting against the Fighting Irish was a dream come true for the Catholic-raised quarterback. Blake starred again, leading the Sooners past the Irish, 22-21, throwing for 232 yards, two scores and no interceptions. It was Oklahoma's first win against Notre Dame since 1956.

Blake remained the starter until a concussion forced him out of Oklahoma's eighth game of the season, a contest against Iowa State. Once again, the keys to the offense belonged to Knight. The merry-go-round continued into the Bedlam football game against Oklahoma State.

A combination of injury and poor play from Knight and another Sooners quarterback Kendal Thompson gave Blake the chance to play hero. Down 24-20 on the road in Stillwater, Okla., Blake threw a 7-yard, game-winning touchdown to Jalen Saunders with just 19 seconds remaining in the game.

The heroics would be the last snaps Blake would take as Oklahoma's quarterback.

During the three-week hiatus between the Oklahoma State game and the Sugar Bowl against then third-ranked Alabama, Stoops decided to give his freshman signal-caller the start. Knight led Oklahoma to a 45-31 victory over the Crimson Tide, turning in a 348-yard, four-touchdown performance to take home the game's MVP award.