John Shinn
Oklahoma’s ability to overcome the loss of Adrian Peterson has been well-chronicled. Its Fiesta Bowl berth against No. 9 Boise State proves the point well enough.
But the Sooners admit a buzz has returned to the huddle since the junior running back returned to practice last week.
“He’s getting more and more snaps in there,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “The players are excited to see him back in there. He’s always been a great and strong team guy. The players have always appreciated how he’s worked and he’ll get more and more snaps leading up to it.”
Peterson’s blend of power and speed helped transform the Sooners from a passing team to a running team in 2004. He’s rushed for 3,968 yards in just 25 games in an OU uniform. Billy Sims’ all-time mark 4,118 is well with in reach.
Many believe the record is a big reason why he wants to play in the Fiesta Bowl. He can make himself eligible for the NFL draft in April. If he declares he will likely be a high first-round round pick.
“I think (the record) will be in his mind as well,” quarterback Paul Thompson said. “Get ready to see AD run. He’s going to go wild out, sitting out for this long. He’s been real eager to get out there on the field. He doesn’t (talk about the record). He’s a real humble guy. He knows it is out there and he wants it after what he’s been through here. For him to go out on top like that would set his story right in record books for what he’s been and what he’s meant to this team.”
Although, Peterson could be stepping into the huddle of a vastly different team than the one he left.
When he broke his collarbone Oct. 14 against Iowa State, OU was 4-2. It’s won its last seven games with Allen Patrick and Chris Brown carrying the load.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson doubts the 28 carries he averaged in the first six games is likely.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be a thing where he gets 35 or 40 (carries),” Wilson said. “We as coaches, across the board, have confidence in our team and those other backs, too. He may be the featured guy, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Allen Patrick and Chris Brown also play in this one.”
After all, they’ve proven they’re worthy.
“The guys that stepped in when he was hurt have done a great job,” Thompson said. “That says a lot about them and the type of people and athletes they are. When you look at it now, our running back core that we have are some of the best running backs in the country, easily. We know what kind of backs we have.”
It looks like OU’s biggest Fiesta Bowl dilemma could be figuring out a way to get all of them the ball. It isn’t the kind of problem that causes coaches to lose sleep.
“It can only be a positive,” Stoops said.
John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com
