The Sooners have seen option offenses this season, but nothing like what they’ll face today.

A&M is a throwback to attacks of the past, even utilizing triple-option facets of the old wishbone.

The Aggies lead the Big 12 and rank eighth nationally in rushing offense, averaging 213.7 yards a game.

Unlike the old option attacks, A&M can pass too, putting up 209.1 yards a game through the air.

Quarterback Stephen McGee makes it all go.

He leads league quarterbacks with 454 rushing yards and he’s efficient through the air with 11 touchdowns and just one interception.

The backs are a mixed lot. Javorskie Lane is a load, while freshman Michael Goodson is a gamebreaking threat.

Lane is listed at 274 pounds, which may be on the light side.

“He’s a good player,” said Sooner cornerback Lendy Holmes. “A big cat. But I’m going to treat him like anybody else and just go hit him.”

Ideally, the 196-pound Holmes and his secondary mates won’t run into Lane too often.

Still, Holmes said he’s ready for the collisions. “I’m not going to depend on nobody to get to him first,” Holmes said. “If I get to him first, I’m going to do the best I can. I’ll hit him. I’m not going to move out of the way.”

The Aggies lead the nation in time of possession. They prefer to grind the clock and opponents with their ground game. OU’s ability to halt them will be critical.

OU’s previous three ventures to College Station have produced two uncomfortably tight fits and a stunning loss as the nation’s No. 1 team.

There sure seems to be some chaotic Kyle Field karma at work against the Sooners.

Bob Stoops dismissed the Kyle Field factor this week. “That isn’t unlike any other place that holds 80-something-thousand people,” Stoops said.

But what the sights and sounds and traditions, the uniformed cadets? “We don’t pay attention to any of that.”

The crowd? “If they start playing, then I’ll start answering.”

But they are called the 12th Man for a reason?

“I haven’t seen them out there.”

Oh, but the Sooners are sure to hear them. The place will be jumping, with the Aggies 8-1 and very much alive in the Big 12 South.

GameDay is here. And all the components are in place, perhaps amped by a 7 p.m. kickoff.

“A&M’s the best place to play, besides at home,” said Sooner tight end Joe Jon Finley. “It’s the most exciting. That’s what I love.

“I grew up in Texas, hearing about the 12th man. I’ve been to a couple of games down there. I love every second of it.”

Patrick’s first two starts in place of the injured Peterson have each featured 35 carries.

Nobody saw that coming.

“Nah, I was never thinking that,” Patrick said. “Not that much. But they’re giving me the load. And I’ll take it.”

Patrick’s fresh legs are a bonus this late in the season. Still, expect offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to continue managing his attack based on two factors: what the defense leaves for the taking and the OU defense’s ability to dominate.

The winner makes a solid step forward in booking a big-time bowl for the holidays.

A win also keeps a 10-win season a reality.

For OU, victory is also a selling point on the recruiting trails, where coaches are telling quarterback prospects they could be the missing piece in a title team in 2007.