Bomar to Start at Quarterback

September 6th, 2005

Courtesy of Soonersports.com

NORMAN, Okla. – Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said after Monday’s practice that redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar will start at quarterback for the Sooners this Saturday against Tulsa. Bomar gets the nod over junior Paul Thompson who started the season opener against TCU.

“We’re going to give Rhett Bomar a chance to start and see where he takes it,” Stoops said. “By no means am I sitting here saying that Paul Thompson is responsible for the way we played Saturday. That’s not the case. We had a lot of guys, mostly older guys, play as poorly as I have seen them play. We feel Rhett deserves an opportunity that Paul.”

Stoops did not elaborate on how playing time might be divided between the quarterbacks. Bomar got 10 of the team’s 67 snaps last Saturday. He completed 2-of-5 passes for 19 yards and rushed two times for 15 yards, including a long of 28, the best rush by a Sooner on the afternoon.

Thompson completed 11-of-26 passes for 109 yards with one interception. He rushed four times for -7 yards.

Stoops acknowledged that in last week’s split role, Bomar had little chance to prove himself.

“He only threw five balls and didn’t have nearly the number of snaps in preparation coming into the game,” Stoops said. “He’s had the fewest number of snaps overall when you look at his time here, and he’s been that close all along. We feel like if he gets more snaps maybe he can do something with it. We’ll see.”

Bomar said the start helps him realize a dream.

“This is the kind of opportunity I’ve been working for my whole life,” Bomar said. “I thought I could have played better (against TCU), but I think I did all right as a whole. You need a number of reps to really get into a rhythm. This will be my first time to get significant playing time.”

Bomar described himself as a “fiery guy,” who can “bring some excitement” to the field.

Thompson was disappointed in the announcement, but, like Bomar the week before, said that he will continue to compete.

“I’ve got to get on the field to help this team win,” he said. “That’s what I’ve got to do. I’m not going to stop competing. It’s going to be like that throughout the year. I’ve got to be on the field.”

Thompson acknowledged that he could have played better against TCU.

“Not hitting some guys when I needed to and the turnovers were key,” Thompson said. “It’s different at game time speed and with full contact. I definitely made some mistakes, but reading the defense and feeling comfortable back there was no problem. I just wasn’t executing well.”

No other personnel announcements were made on Monday, although Stoops indicated that others were under review.

Oklahoma hosts Tulsa this Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

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