Top 5 Oklahoma Sooners Storylines of 2006

Oklahoma Sooners Stories of 2006

Here's a look at the Oklahoma Sooners 2006 wild top 5 storylines.

1. Rhett Bomar, JD Quinn Dismissal: Prior to the news on August 2, the Oklahoma Sooners were atop College Football as preseason #1, according to some publications. Then it went downhill -- Oklahoma's starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman JD Quinn were immediately dismissed from the team for violating NCAA compensation regulations. The following day, the Sooners named wide receiver Paul Thompson, again quarterback. Thus, the Sooners were dropped by many college football pollsters, falling ten spots before losing a game.

2. The Blind Duck Call: If you haven't seen the worst call in college football in 2006, well here it is. Its clear cut the 85-year old Pac-10 Official, Gordon Riese got it wrong – Oklahoma recovered the ball, Oregon would have never had an opportunity to score seven. Then again, you can't argue Oklahoma had an opportunity, with a nice Reggie Smith kick return only to have a Garrett Hartley final second blocked field goal. Oregon wins, the Sooners again suffer the second blow in six 6 weeks. One of the craziest, statements to come from the Oregon debacle is the David Boren's open letter, particularly the fourth action suggested.

"Fourth, the Big 12 should request that the game should not go into the record books as a win or loss by either team in light of the level of officiating mistakes."

I don't agree with the statement never we do remove records off the books due to officiating. We play the game – win, lose or draw. That statement didn't make Oklahoma look any better. But of course, when some felt they've been wronged, they chime in – as did the General Bobby Knight.

"Had Oklahoma forfeited that game against us like I suggested, they would have gotten far more positive publicity out of that than if they had gone to the Final Four that year. Now I guess the 'duck' is swimming in the other pond." On the controversial Jan. 20, 2003, Texas Tech basketball loss in overtime 69-64 to Oklahoma.

Since then, Oregon has went 3-5 in the regular season, before starting 4-0. The Sooners lone loss outside Oregon was two games later to Texas. However after the incident, it's unclear whether Oklahoma will travel to Seattle to play the Washington Huskies in 2008, unless the PAC-10 changes league policy on conference officials calling all home games.

3. Adrian Peterson Injury: This might be worthy of number one, Peterson a preseason Heisman favorite and the face of Oklahoma football. Although, not ADs first injury, nor second. The Peterson injury, following a 34-9 win over Iowa State – happened as Peterson leaped in the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown run, landing on his collarbone subsequently ending his season. At the time, it was the biggest blow to Sooner Nation as the face of Oklahoma football went down. Ironically, it was Peterson's father Nielson's first game to see his son play collegiate football since being released from prison.

4. Paul Thompson: The surprising play of quarterback Paul Thompson from wide receiver to quarterback has not slowed the Sooners down much in 2006. Thompson started the season as the quarterback of the Sooners in 2005, after a year-long battle between Rhett Bomar and Thompson. Only to be benched in the second half of the first game, as the Sooners go on to lose to TCU 17-10. There's no question, Paul Thompson was statistical better compared to Bomar. Sooner fans can say quarterback play in 2005 was average compared to 2006.

Compare quarterback ratings Thompson to Bomar, season quarterback rating (144.57 to 113.49), Thompson to Bomar vs. Conference opponents QB rating (Thompson's 135.89 to Bomar's 114.12), Thompson to Bomar in wins vs. loses (Oklahoma QB rating in a Thompson win 149.60 to Bomar's 120.59), (Oklahoma QB rating in a Thompson loss 118.94 to Bomar's 97.04.) Like Bob Stoops, said it's easy to replace ten touchdowns and interceptions at quarterback. Congrats to PT for doubling it at 20 and only having eight INTs. In 2006 Paul Thompson defined the meaning of true team player.

5. Oklahoma's 11-2 Fiesta Bowl Season: With all the adversity from the start of the season, through it all Oklahoma moved ahead. In every storyline Oklahoma overcame it – with familiar faces and those least expected from past and those of the future. Oklahoma was never about one player, nor a duo of players, just a team with something to prove.

You can say nothing stopped the team from believing in themselves, only in some believing in them. The fact of the matter – it was not a storyline that beat themselves, but only a blocked field goal against Oregon, and a flat second half against Texas. Oklahoma has exceeded most expectations, ranked fifth playing Boise State in a BCS Bowl, though for some Oklahoma fell short of what was expected.

For Oklahoma Sooners fans so much to look forward to in 2007.