Sooner Spectator

NORMAN — For Paul Thompson, all the sacrifice and patience over the last 12 months is about to pay off in a big way. He'll try to begin cashing in on Sat., Sept. 3, when he makes his first collegiate start in Oklahoma's season opener.

Coach Bob Stoops made the decision official at the end of the Sooners' Thursday evening practice.

"We decided as a staff that we are going to start Paul Thompson,� said Stoops. “We feel he has earned it to this point. The way they have both competed and been supportive of each other and the team is a real positive in the eyes of the coaching staff.�

Thompson earned the job after opting to redshirt last season when it was clear he was in line for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Jason White.

Stoops did point out that Rhett Bomar, who has been involved in a heated dual with Thompson for the starting job, figures to see a lot of action, as well.

“We do believe that Rhett has performed well enough and is close enough (to Thompson) that we intend to give him snaps early in games, as well as late in games.�

“I am just excited and ready to get on the field and make some plays,� said Thompson, who has competed 66 percent of his career passes (31-for-47) and tossed four TD compared to two INT.

“It is good to be clear about where I am at, so that I can move forward and produce for this team,� said Thompson. “The competition is not going to stop here though, it will continue through the season and it will make each of us better.�

Coach Stoops and Offensive Coordinator/Quarterback’s Coach Chuck Long informed Thompson and Bomar of their decision prior to practice. Stoops announced the decision to the entire team during the post practice huddle.

The next time OU takes to the practice field it will be for the first game week of the season. The team has Friday-Sunday off before regrouping for full workouts on Monday.

OU’s home opener against TCU, which is slated for Sept. 3 at 11 a.m., will be broadcast on ABC.