Stock report: Grading the performances

Published: November 5, 2006

After averaging 205.6 yards through eight games this season, Paul Thompson managed just 39 yards Saturday night on 3-of-12 passing. Oklahoma has re-emphasized the run since Adrian Peterson's injury four weeks ago, and it showed more than ever against the Aggies. The longest reception by a Sooner was a 19-yarder to Juaquin Iglesias in the first quarter.

The Texas A&M didn't fare much better than OU, thanks in large part to the play of the secondary. Marcus Walker picked off a Stephen McGee pass with nine minutes left in the third quarter. The play set up the Sooners' game-winning 23-yard field goal. Stifling defense on critical third-long-plays helped keep the momentum with the Sooners.

Oklahoma's offensive line opened up huge holes for Allen Patrick and Jacob Gutierrez all night — the Sooners gained 224 yards on the ground. But its biggest play came with 1:29 left in the game, when Thompson followed Duke Robinson and Chris Messner over the OU 30-yard line for a fourth-down conversion, allowing Bob Stoops a new set of downs to run out the clock.

By Blake Jackson