 "Photo: AP")
After the much-ballyhooed dismissal of Oklahoma starting quarterback Rhett Bomar, converted wide receiver and fifth-year senior Paul Thompson was given the reins to the Sooners offense with only one start in his career. Unfortunately for Oklahoma, that one start was a train-wreck of a performance in a loss to TCU in which Thompson threw three interceptions.
This left Sooner fans and college football pundits pessimistic about Oklahoma's chances to return to the elite of college football with a caretaker quarterback at the helm.
Thompson, however, has answered his critics with his play on the field so far this season. Through four games, Thompson has a 162.78 passer rating and a solid 62.2 percent completion percentage. Thompson currently ranks 13th nationally in passing efficiency and 23rd in passing yards per game. He also already has eight passing touchdowns through four games, well on pace to blow by Bomar's 10 passing touchdowns in 2005.
The most impressive thing about Thompson's success is the poise he has shown. In the Sooners' opening game against UAB, Thompson threw for two touchdowns and helped Oklahoma hold on for a 24-17 victory. In OU's game against Washington a week later, Thompson helped the Sooner offense bounce back from a shaky first half en route to a comfortable 37-20 win.
Last week, Thompson had his most impressive performance in a romp over Middle Tennessee State going 13-for-18 for three touchdowns and 257 yards.
His best performance this year may have come in the controversial loss to Oregon. Statistically, Thompson had his worst game of the season throwing for only 174 yards and one touchdown. But Thompson showed great presence in the face of a furiously loud Oregon crowd at Autzen Stadium, almost leading Oklahoma to victory. Had the Pac-10 officials not stolen the game away from the Sooners, they would be ranked in the top-10 and Thompson would have led them there.
Despite the loss to the Ducks, Thompson has his offense cruising early this season. Oklahoma is much more dynamic on offense early this year than last season. The Sooner offense, with Bomar at quarterback, struggled at the beginning of 2005, leading to three early season losses. Through four games this season, OU is averaging 416 yards per game with 236 of that through the air.
"I feel real comfortable with our game plan we have going in each week," Thompson said in a press conference after last week's win. "I also feel comfortable in our offense and how we can execute."
Thompson's true test comes this week in Dallas at the Red River Shootout against Texas. OU kicks off Big 12 play against No. 7 Longhorns whose only loss came to No. 1 Ohio State. The UT defense will undoubtedly give Thompson his toughest challenge so far. Texas' front seven has provided consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, amassing 17 sacks through five games. Against Iowa State, the Longhorn defense harassed and punished Cyclone quarterback Bret Meyer, whose strong arm and running threat resemble Thompson's style.
UT's defense is holding opponents to only 36.6 yards per game on the ground and has surrendered only one rushing touchdown. The whole OU offense really starts with the running game and more specifically Adrian Peterson. His presence and success in the backfield forces opponents to zero in on Peterson, opening things up for Thompson in the passing game. If the Longhorns can hold Peterson under wraps, Thompson will be forced to make plays through the air.
"When you are moving the ball [with the run game] it opens up the passing game. You can't deny that has opened up. Paul [Thompson] has taken advantage of it," said OU head coach Bob Stoops at a Big 12 teleconference Monday. "That's a big factor for us. When the run game is not effective, the passing game doesn't open up like it has."
Thompson will be going into his fifth OU-Texas match up but his first as a starting quarterback. He has looked more comfortable as a starting quarterback with each game and the Red River Shootout could provide another stepping stone toward success for Thompson and his Sooners.
"Coming in here as one of the older guys, I feel as if I should feel more comfortable and relaxed on the field than any one else," Thompson said. "I should be the last one to worry about."
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