Oklahoma Sooners Football Blog: (9/13) Peterson up for Player of the Week, then Suspended, Reggie Smith to Start? and more

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Oklahoma Sooners Football Articles and News

Thompson wearing white jersey: It could have no meaning, but junior quarterback Paul Thompson wore a white practice jersey Monday instead of the customary blue that quarterbacks wear. Thompson, who did not play Saturday despite starting the season opener, stood on the far side of the practice field and had a lengthy and often animated discussion with offensive coordinator Chuck Long after practice. Offensive players wear white jerseys, and Thompson was seen catching footballs thrown from a machine last week. But Long laughed off the suggestion that Thompson's jersey switch meant he was moving to receiver. When asked what the jersey change meant, Thompson only said: "It's just cooler." (Dallas Morning News)

Reggie Smith to get more playing time? Co-defensive coordinator Bobby Jack Wright said Monday freshman strong safety Reggie Smith has worked his way to the cusp of more playing time. "Reggie Smith continues to improve," Wright said. "He's ready to start playing a bigger role." Sunday, defensive coordinator Brent Venables called OU's safety play against Tulsa “sporadic." (NewsOK.com)

Peterson up for USA Today Player of the Week: Oklahoma sophomore running back Adrian Peterson is one of five finalists for the USAToday.com Player of the Week. The website writes, "The Oklahoma running back ran for 220 yards and three touchdowns to help the 16th-ranked Sooners recover from their season-opening loss to beat Tulsa 31-15. Oklahoma never even attempted a pass during the second half as they rode their sophomore star to a much-needed victory. "We came out there and we played smash-mouth football," Peterson said. Each week during the season, readers can participate in the selection of USATODAY.com's Player of the Week. Choices will be made available on Sunday night. (SoonerSports.com) Fans can vote by visiting USATODAY.com

Peterson suspended two practices: Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson did not practice Monday and will not practice today while serving a penalty for missing classes. OU coach Bob Stoops said Peterson would play Saturday at UCLA. But Peterson, a sophomore, has run afoul of the OU athletic department's class attendance policy, which was instituted this fall. Further absences could result in penalties, including suspensions from games. According to Kenny Mossman, OU's associate athletic director for communications, if a student misses more than three classes in one subject, an escalating penalty phase kicks in. After an unspecified number of absences, the student is not allowed to practice. At some further point in the escalation, absences would result in suspension from competition. Peterson has not reached that point. Though it was uncertain Monday night whether he would start against UCLA, Stoops said in a statement issued by OU he would play. (NewsOK.com)

Sooners rely on freshmen to anchor offensive line: The Oklahoman

Tougher test coming: Norman Transcript

Dont' overrate Tulsa beating: The Oklahoma Daily

Peterson scheduled to miss two practices: Dallas Morning News

Peterson remains one to be watched: Los Angeles Times

UCLA Report: Los Angeles Times