Oklahoma counting on Thompson to be playmaker, not baby sitter

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ After two games for the University of Oklahoma, it's clear the team isn't counting on quarterback Paul Thompson just to baby-sit the offense and prevent mistakes. <br/><br/>The

Monday, September 11th 2006, 6:17 am

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ After two games for the University of Oklahoma, it's clear the team isn't counting on quarterback Paul Thompson just to baby-sit the offense and prevent mistakes.

The Sooners think Thompson can be a difference-maker.

Thompson helped Oklahoma to a win in its opener and he looked even better Saturday in Week Two. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns in Oklahoma's 37-to-20 win against Washington. In the second half, he was 9-for-11 for 170 yards.

It's been a much better start this year for Thompson, who threw for only 109 yards and had three turnovers in the Sooners' season-opening loss to TCU in 2005.

OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson says he likes what he's seeing from Thompson and expects his senior quarterback to continue improving this year.