NORMAN, Okla. -- Try as he might, Oklahoma quarterback Nate Hybl couldn't shield himself completely from the things written and said about him last year.

Despite starting 11 games in 2001 -- the Sooners won 10 of them -- Oklahoma fans and some in the media never warmed to Hybl. Too slow afoot, they said. Takes too many sacks. Makes poor decisions under pressure.

"There were times last year when it was hurtful," Hybl said this week. "I don't pay attention, but you still catch wind of things. You get a feeling. You're out there on Saturdays and you know. You're human.

"As solid as a rock as you try to be, it's tough. You just try not to let it get to you."

Hybl, who began this year as the backup to Jason White, is back in the starting lineup for the No. 2 Sooners for today's game against Texas-El Paso. White tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last weekend and is finished for the season.

Last year, Hybl won the starting job during fall workouts. But White took over midway through the season after twice coming off the bench and playing well after Hybl got hurt.

In just his second start, against Nebraska, White blew out his left knee and Hybl got the job back. Oklahoma lost the Nebraska game, then won three in a row before losing to Oklahoma State in the regular-season finale.

Hybl was sacked seven times by Oklahoma State and had three passes intercepted. The Sooners were ranked No. 4 at the time, and the loss cost them a spot in the Big 12 title game and a crack at a second straight national title.

Hybl got roasted on radio talk shows and Internet chat rooms.

"It means a lot that I've been a winner. Unfortunately, I'm remembered for the one we didn't," he said. "But you've kind of got to get over that and grow up, and I think I have."

Elsewhere

Florida State at Maryland:Fifth-ranked FSU finds itself in an unusual spot when it travels to Maryland (1-1)today -- trying to unseat the defending ACC champions.

Since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1992, the Seminoles rolled to nine straight titles before the Terrapins rose up and won it last season.

Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen needs little reminder that it was the Seminoles who kept the Terps from a perfect regular season with a 52-31 victory on Oct. 27 in Tallahassee.

Washington State at Ohio State:The Cougars (2-0), along with their Heisman Trophy hopeful Jason Gesser, visit The Horseshoe for the first time since 1991. While Gesser is the big name, keep an eye on Buckeyes quarterback Craig Krenzel.

The 6-foot-4, 224-pound junior is a big reason Ohio State has scored a ton in season-opening wins over Texas Tech (45-21) and Kent State (51-17). Krenzel operates the no-huddle offense and has been close to perfect so far. He's completed 82 percent of his passes (23 of 28) for 308 yards, with one TD and no interceptions.

Michigan at Notre Dame:The Fighting Irish look to make it three in a row under new coach Tyrone Willingham, while the Wolverines (2-0) are out to prove they are Top 10 material.

It's doubtful Notre Dame can win unless it scores its first offensive TD of the season. Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, however, doesn't agree.

"I don't think it matters how you score," Carr said. "If you average 23 points per game and play defense and special teams the way they have, you're going to have a hard time losing the game."

Southern California at Colorado:Robert Hodge, a 5-11, 185-pound transfer, is ready to step in at quarterback for Craig Ochs (concussion) when the Buffaloes (1-1) go against USC (1-0). The Trojans are set with senior Carson Palmer calling signals.

Ochs went out early in last week's 34-14 win over San Diego State, but Hodge has the luxury of a full house of running backs led by Chris Brown. Buffs return specialist Jeremy Bloom is questionable with a broken toe.

-- From wire reports