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Sooners Prepare to Tune-Up Offense versus UTEP True Freshman Paul Thompson to Play September 13, 2002 by Jason Waganer Executive Editor
Oklahoma fans may get a peek into the future tomorrow night when true freshman QB Paul Thompson makes an appearance. Thompson will be backing up Senior QB Nate Hybl against UTEP. If the game turns into a blowout, Thompson should see his first playing time in crimson and cream, according to Bob Stoops.
"If the opportunity presents himself, we will play him in all likelihood," Stoops said. "We've prepared him to play this week and there is a good chance that he will get into the game."
Thompson was elevated to second team QB after season starter Jason White tore his ACL for the second straight season. Redshirt freshman Brent Rawls, the preseason number three QB, tore ligaments in his throwing hand in a preseason scrimmage. Rawls will not be ready for game action until either the South Florida or Missouri game.
According to coaches, Thompson has the strongest arm and is the most athletic QB on campus. His accuracy and maturity is the question. If Thompson gets into the game, expect to see more option and QB draws. He has the ability to give defenses trouble with his running ability.
OU-UTEP Available on Pay-Per-View
If you don't have tickets to tomorrow's game, Cox and Direct TV will be carrying the game on a pay-per-view basis. The cost is $29.95 but will replay for free at 2 a.m. on Fox Sports Net. The game will also be replayed on Cox Channel 3 Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m.
Sooners to Feature More Jumbo
After last week's game, it's obvious to coaches and fans alike that the Sooners need to run out of the jumbo set more often. This Saturday, expect JD Runnels, Kejuan Jones and Renaldo Works to get a higher percentage of the carries. This is partly because of the poor competition and partly because the Sooners need to work the set.
Running Game Coordinator Kevin Wilson took the blame for much of OU's offensive woes last week against Alabama. He said he advised Offensive Coordinator Chuck Long to pass more instead of continuing with the rushing game. Wilson said he believes he gave up too early and that the running game might have succeeded in the second half if the Sooners had continue to try it.
The Sooners need to get better at running the football and get more confident in their abilities over the next three weeks (UTEP, bye week, South Florida). Coaches do not want to be considered one dimensional when they head into the tough conference stretch against Missouri, Texas, Iowa State and Colorado.
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