Introduced at OU in October 1970 by head coach Chuck Fairbanks,[2] the success of "The Bone" depended on a quarterback with a rare combination of quickness, strength, and intelligence.

Posting a mediocre 6–4 record in Mildren's sophomore year in 1969 and off to a lackluster 2–1 start in 1970, Fairbanks' Sooners installed the option offense during the two-week period between a 23–14 home loss to Oregon State,[3] and the annual Red River Rivalry clash against arch-rival Texas.

The defending national champion Cornhuskers gambled defensively by taking halfback Greg Pruitt out of the action and forced Mildren to defeat them virtually on his own; he threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more.

He was also named the Sugar Bowl MVP after the Sooners' 40–22 victory over #5 Auburn in New Orleans on New Year's Day, a game OU led 31–0 at halftime.

Although Mildren was at first the frontrunner in the Governor's race, 1994 was a strong year for the Republican party while President Bill Clinton was controversial nationally and unpopular in Oklahoma.