The great unknown at QB with Thompson

Since World War II, OU has settled as its primary quarterback on a quarterback with little or no experience. The results have been more than solid:

1950: Claude Arnold set passing records that lasted until 1967 (Bobby Warmack passing yards) and 1993 (Cale Gundy TD passes). OU went 10-1 and won the national title.

1957: Carl Dodd was not asked to be a playmaker; he completed only eight passes. But Dodd started 10 games, the Sooners finished 10-1 and routed Duke in the Orange Bowl.

1961: Bob Page took over in Game 3 and lost his first three starts as OU fell to 0-5. But the Sooners won their final five games.

1962: Monte Deere made only one previous start but was superb as a senior. He completed 57.7 percent of his passes, threw nine TDs and no interceptions, and the Sooners went 8-3, won the Big Eight and played Alabama in the Orange Bowl.

1972: Dave Robertson, Jack Mildren’s backup in the wishbone breakout days of 1970-71, completed 51 percent of his passes, threw 10 TDs and ran an efficient option as OU went 11-1 and beat Penn State in the Sugar Bowl.