Thompson could thrive, as Donovan Woods did at OSU in '04

By John Helsley

Published: August 21, 2006

Another of the growing reasons to admire Paul Thompson: the kid has a sense of humor.

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When it was suggested recently that with so much surrounding talent, Thompson needn't feel pressured to be Superman for the Sooners to succeed, the on-again quarterback grinned and nodded.

And said: "I just need to be Clark Kent."

Very smooth.

And it prompts another idea. For the Sooners to succeed, and by their own high standards, how about this as someone for Thompson to emulate: Donovan Woods, circa 2004.

We know, Sooners fans hate any and all references to that team to the north.

Yet this is a worthy comparison, because of the similar styles and makeups of the two as QBs.

Two years ago, Oklahoma State turned its offense to Woods, then a redshirt freshman, and essentially asked him to do just enough. And not mess things up.

The Cowboys had playmakers in running back Vernand Morency and wide receivers D'Juan Woods and Prentiss Elliott. Tight end was a reliable option with Billy Bajema, now in the NFL. The offensive line was good enough.

OU's situation is better.

Woods went on to quarterback the Cowboys to eight wins with the offense averaging 32.2 points a game. OSU scored 31 points against UCLA and put 35 each on OU and Texas, the latter two losses no thanks to shoddy defense.

OU's defense is far better.

Woods' performance that year? Somewhere between decent and dependable; 13 TD passes, five interceptions. Hardly all-conference, yet quite acceptable.

OU's return at the position could be better.

Thompson and Woods aren't that different. Their greatest assets may be strong leadership. And running ability. Their biggest knocks: passing accuracy.

Both were even bumped to other positions.

Now Thompson's been summoned back. And he comes with advantages over Woods of '04.

Thompson is older, more experienced, more savvy and sure to be trusted with more of the Sooner playbook.

In OSU's '04 opener, Woods was allowed but eight pass attempts, of which he completed two. Still the Cowboys popped UCLA 31-20 with a heavy dose of Morency, who was Option A all season.

Adrian Peterson will fill that prominent role for OU.

Meanwhile, Thompson can thrive playing superhero sidekick.

For the Cowboys in 2004, eight wins was a mighty accomplishment.

Considering the superior supporting cast, similar QB play translates to double-digit wins for OU.

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