Adrian Peterson made his debut as a kick returner against Oregon. Stoops said the rationale is to get the ball in the Heisman Trophy candidate’s hands as much as possible.
It seemed to work. The Ducks kicked the ball to Peterson every time accept the squib kick to Reggie Smith at the end of the game.
Smith, who is averaging 31.7 yards per return couldn’t believe the Ducks would rather have the ball in Peterson’s hands instead of his.
“Everyone has seen what kind of plays he can make,” Smith said, “so I can’t believe anyone would want to give him the ball.”
Stoops said that isn’t the only special teams spot the Heisman Trophy candidate wants to try.
“He’s been badgering me more about being a gunner on our punt team,” Stoops said. “He wants to run down and hit somebody.”
The chances of Peterson finding his way onto the punt team are extremely slim, but he’d probably excel at the job.
“Heck, he would be down on the return man before the ball, I guarantee you that. He would outrun the ball,” Stoops joked. “Shoot, I would be scared that he would just run over the return man whether he caught the ball or not. I think he is so tired of getting hit that he wants to start hitting somebody. I don't think we will go that far with him, but he asks me about it two or three times a week. He would be the best gunner in college football if we would let him."
Tickets remain
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has received another shipment of returned tickets from this Saturday’s opponent, Middle Tennessee. Those seats are now on sale.
The price of the tickets is $57 each. They are available online at SoonerSports.com, on the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or from the office located on the west side of Owen Field.
MTSU has returned nearly all of its 2,000-seat allotment. The Sooners and Blue Raiders kickoff at 6 p.m., Saturday.
Injury updates
Sophomore center Jon Cooper missed the final minutes of the Oregon game with an ankle injury. Earlier in the week, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said he expected him to play Saturday against Middle Tennessee.
But Wednesday, OU coach Bob Stoops said he still isn’t sure.
“I’d say he’s probable to unlikely,” he said. “It’s hard to put percentages on that stuff.”
If Cooper is held out, freshman Chase Beeler will start at center.
Defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger also limped off the field at Oregon, but is expected to play Saturday.
The other question mark is fullback Matt Clapp. He’s missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Stoops said he’s close to being ready but a decision hasn’t been made.
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
John Shinn's Oklahoma Football Notepad
Peterson wants to do more
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