Stoops makes comparisons of Murray to Peterson: Last week, DeMarco Murray did his best impression of a Mack Truck and sent Baylor's All-Big 12 safety, Jordan Lake, flailing out of bounds to cap off a run on the right sideline. "He's always been a little more physical than I think people have ever looked at or given him credit for, and I've always felt that," said coach Bob Stoops. "Everyone thinks of Adrian (Peterson) as being so quick and strong, well, he's about the same size, so he's pretty close." But more impressive for Stoops than the flashy highlights has been the Las Vegas native’s development into a complete player. "He does the little things, too. Protecting, he's good with his hands," Stoops said. "He can do everything." (The Oklahoman)
Adrian Peterson youth camp being held June 25 - 27: I've been asked and e-mailed by quite a few of you interested in Adrian Peterson's youth camp. Here's the 411, the youth camp will be held June 25- 27 in Norman, Oklahoma with Adrian Peterson and area high school coaches on hand. The camp is open to boys and girls 7 to 14 yrs old.
Adrian Peterson Camp Details
Date: June 25 - 27, 2009
Location: University of Oklahoma Intramural Fields - Norman, OK
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $199 ($6 online and credit card convenience fee not included) Contact the Adrian Peterson camp about multiple camp / multiple camper discounts!
Refund Policy: A full refund less a $35 handling fee will be available until two weeks prior to camp.
Each Camper Receives: • Camp T-Shirt • Camp Team Photo • 9 Hours of Expert Instruction • Opportunity to Win Contests and Prizes • A Fun and Educational Experience Guaranteed!
Peterson to be honored at second annual Adrian Peterson Day Parade: In his rookie season, Adrian Peterson made quite an impression on NFL fans and coaches around. The Palestine High School graduate was named the Associated Press' NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as well as the Pro Bowl MVP, to name a few honors. For his accomplishments, he will be honored in the second annual Adrian Peterson Day Parade on June 21 in Palestine (Texas). "We had over 1,000 people here last year, but we're expecting an even bigger turnout this year," Carol Peques, who is the founder and organizer of the parade, said. "We got flyers out early and we've contacted people in Minnesota and Oklahoma who are all interested in Adrian." The parade will begin on Avenue A across from the courthouse at 10 a.m. and end at Old Town Palestine, followed by Texas State Railroad Park Festivities. (Palestine Herald)
Former Sooner Adrian Peterson holding youth camp in Norman: NFL Rookie of the Year and former OU great Adrian Peterson will hold the inaugural Old Spice Adrian Peterson Football Camp presented by AT&T this summer. The camp will be for children ages 7 to 14 on June 26-28 at the OU intramural fields. The camp, which will also be led by area high school coaches, will emphasize all-around basic fundamental skills of football, including passing, receiving, defense and teamwork. The cost of the camp is $199. For more information, call (513) 247-3032, or go to adrianpetersoncamp.com. (The Oklahoman)
Adrian Peterson's Vikings #28 sixth best selling jersey: Top 20 Best Selling NFL Jerseys from April 1-Feb. 8, on NFLShop.com. (Darren Rovell/CNBC.com)
1. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys 2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots 3. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers 4. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts 5. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers 6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings 7. Eli Manning, New York Giants 8. Randy Moss, New England Patriots 9. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears 10. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers Note: In 1998 Randy Moss became the only NFL Rookie to have the league's most popular jersey.
Adrian Peterson earns MVP honors: From NFL.com.. Sure, Adrian Peterson is a rookie. Sure, the Pro Bowl was a new experience for him. Sure, he might not have been all that familiar with the game's somewhat casual tempo. But Peterson operates at only one speed: Full. That was the reason that he ran for 1,341 yards for the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the first rookie to lead the NFC in that category since Barry Sanders in 1989. That was the reason he established the league's single-game rushing record with 296 yards against San Diego. And that was the speed at which Peterson functioned Sunday in rushing for 129 yards (second-most in Pro Bowl history) and two touchdowns in the NFC's 42-30 victory over the AFC. The performance earned him MVP honors and high praise from his fellow Pro Bowlers. (NFL.com)
Adrian Peterson named Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year: Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was chosen as the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year, the NFL announced Thursday in Phoenix. The former Oklahoma star won the award in fan voting on the NFL's Web site. Nearly 440,000 fans voted from Jan. 3-28, topping last year's record of 363,500 voters. Peterson was one of five finalists for the award. The other finalists were wide receiver Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs; running back Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills; offensive tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and linebacker Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers. (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford named to Maxwell watch list: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been added to the watch list for the Maxwell Award. The honor is presented annually to the top player in college football by the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia. Bradford, a redshirt freshman, leads the nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 181.15. He has completed 128-of-181 passes for 1,689 yards and 20 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His 20 touchdown passes are tied for the sixth-best total in school history. Bradford's position coach, Josh Heupel, also threw 20 in the 2000 national championship season. The school record of 40 was set by Jason White in 2003. Bradford has multiple TD passes in six games, including five in the season opener. That effort tied White's school record. He has completed at least 65% in six games, has no interceptions in four games and has at least one 30-yard pass in every game. Oklahoma players have won the Maxwell Award twice. Tommy McDonald captured the honor in 1956 and White followed in 2004. (SoonerSports PR)
Iglesias career milestone: With seven catches against the Tigers, junior WR Juaquin Iglesias has 102 for his career. He becomes the 12th Sooner with more than 100 career catches all-time and the eighth under Bob Stoops.
Hold that phone: Bob Stoops couldn't help but interrupt his weekly teleconference with beat writers Sunday afternoon. He was watching Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings beat Chicago. "You guys watching Adrian tear it up?" Stoops said. "He just ripped off about a 30-yard run . . . I take that back. It was about a 50-yarder."(Tulsa World)
OU-Iowa State kickoff set for 11:30 FSN: Oklahoma's football game at Iowa State this Saturday will kickoff at 11:30 a.m., and will be televised by Fox Sports Net. The network made the announcement Sunday afternoon. The No. 4-ranked Sooners will be playing at Ames, Iowa, for the first time since 2003. The homestanding Cyclones, 1-6, 0-3, will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Last season, Oklahoma turned back Iowa State in Norman, 34-9. (SoonerSports PR)
McCoy first career sack: Freshman DL Gerald McCoy recorded his first career sack against the Tigers.
Baker career best: Senior LB Lewis Baker recorded a career-best 11 stops against Missouri.
ESPN College GameDay Live! from Norman: ESPN College GameDay is headed for Norman again. Officials with the weekly college football show contacted the Oklahoma Athletics Department Sunday morning with the word that the network had selected this week's homecoming game with the Missouri Tigers. It will be the 14th time the show has been on hand for an Oklahoma game, including last year's game at Texas A&M. GameDay's last visit to Norman was for the 2003 Oklahoma State game. Other trips to Norman included the 2000 Nebraska game, the 2001 Kansas State game and the 1995 Colorado game. The exact location for the GameDay set will be determined later this week. GameDay features host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard, who spend two hours each Saturday morning providing in-depth coverage of college football. (SoonerSports PR)
Brown returned with eight carries: Chris Brown, who took a blow to the head at Tulsa and carried just once at Colorado last week, rejoined OU's tailback rotation. He carried eight times for just 24 yards, but converted on third-and-short during two touchdown drives. (Tulsa World)
Peterson on the OU sideline: Former OU star running back Adrian Peterson cheered the Sooners from the sidelines Saturday. His new team, the Minnesota Vikings, is off this week. "It felt like he was still one of us," junior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "After every play, he was hitting you and saying congratulations. He was one of those great players, and I still feel like he's part of this team." (Dallas Morning News)
Harris celebrates 21st birthday with eight tackles: Oklahoma free safety Nic Harris couldn't have envisioned a much better 21st birthday. The Alexandria, La., native turned 21 Saturday and celebrated with the first victory over Texas in his three seasons at OU. Harris had a team-high eight tackles and one quarterback sack. (NewsOK.com)
Play of the Game? With the score tied 14-14 at halftime, Texas came out firing to start the second half. The Longhorns marched 64 yards in seven plays to set up first-and-goal from the Oklahoma 8. A delay of game penalty pushed the ball back to the 13. Texas running back Jamaal Charles rushed over left tackle and was headed toward the end zone when OU linebacker Curtis Lofton grabbed him from behind and used his right hand to slap the football from Charles' grasp. Stoops called it the "play of the game." OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy recovered the fumble at the OU 4-yard line. (Dallas Morning News)
Gerald McCoy returned to starting lineup: Oklahoma redshirt freshman Gerald McCoy returned to the starting lineup at defensive tackle for the first time since the second week of the season. McCoy broke a bone in his right hand against Miami and sat out the following week. McCoy has played the last two games as a backup, with his hand in a cast. (Dallas Morning News)
Correction: A. Patrick suffers sprained ankle; Severity unknown: Don't expect to see tailback Allen Patrick at the Sooners' first preseason scrimmage Saturday. The expected starter sprained his right ankle at practice Wednesday evening. Although the severity is unknown, coach Bob Stoops typically keeps even slightly injured players from scrimmaging. If Patrick does not play, expect a rotation of sophomore Chris Brown, redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray and senior Jacob Gutierrez. (Tulsa World)
Peterson expects to play in Vikings preseason opener: Adrian Peterson (hip pointer) said Thursday he has been told he will play tonight. Coach Brad Childress continues to say the rookie No. 1 draft choice's status will be a game-time decision. (Star-Tribune) Game will be televised tape-delayed Saturday morning, 10 a.m. eastern on NFL Network.
Sooners to practice in full pads today: Hot and breezy conditions greeted the Sooner football team Sunday evening in Norman during the squad's fourth practice of the preseason. OU worked for two-and-one-half hours at the rugby fields west of Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners are slated to break out full pads for the first time in the preseason for Monday's practice. (SoonerSports)
A. Peterson back at Vikings practice: Adrian Peterson didn't pile up any official stats, and there wasn't a log of his minutes of live action on the practice fields at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. But his mere participation Saturday was noteworthy for the Vikings. "It's nice to see him out there," Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "Obviously, you could see his speed. He still has a long way to go as far as catching up mentally, but he's doing a nice job." Although the practice lasted just over an hour, Peterson teased Viking fans on a couple of plays. After missing Friday's practice against the Chiefs because of a hip pointer, Peterson was happy to just return to the fold. "I felt pretty good," he said. "Getting the reps, and just getting in the groove. Each rep counts. So it felt good to be out there and get some work in." Despite his minor injury, Childress said he liked Peterson competing and practicing Saturday. (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma shuffles DBs; Holmes to free safety: The surprise move for the start of preseason practice is the shift of Lendy Holmes from cornerback to free safety. Venables said Holmes has taken to the new position like a fish to water. "He covers a lot of ground and has a lot of range. He's had hands all over the ball," Venables said. "He's really transitioned well in knowing where he needs to be and playing well in space. He does a great job of reading the quarterback." (More at Norman Transcript)
A. Peterson leaves practice with injury: Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson left Thursday's practice with an injury after taking an elbow to his hip while catching a pass in a drill, but he said it wasn't serious. "It's not a big deal at all," said Peterson, who called the injury a minor hip pointer.Peterson missed the first five practices of training camp before signing on Sunday a five-year, $40.5 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed. His status is day to day, but he's unlikely to participate in weekend scrimmages against the Kansas City Chiefs.(AP/MSNBC.com) Update: Adrian Peterson suffered a hip pointer injury in practice.
Sooners 2007 Practice Schedule Wednesday: Players report Thursday: Conditioning test, practice (helmets only) Friday: Media Day, Fans Meet the Sooners, practice (helmets only) Saturday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday: Practice, 4:30 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Monday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. (full pads) Tuesday: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Wednesday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 9: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 10: Off Aug. 11: Scrimmage, 11 a.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 12: Off Aug. 13: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 14: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 16: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17: Practice, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 18: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 19: Off Aug. 20: First day of class (normal practice schedule begins) Aug. 22: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesFormer OU Star Adrian Peterson signs with Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with 1st-round draft choice RB Adrian Peterson (#7 overall) from Oklahoma. The Vikings have now signed/agreed to terms with all 8 of their draft picks from the 2007 NFL Draft. (Vikings.com)
Peterson signs five-year, maximum $40 million possible: The No. 7 overall draft pick ended his brief three-day holdout on Sunday when he [Adrain Peterson] signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with $17 million in guaranteed money."It's about time," Taylor said Sunday with a chuckle after the Vikings wrapped up their fifth training camp practice without his new backfield mate. "We need him out here so we can groove our offense even better with him coming back. So I'm just looking forward to him taking the field." (AP/Forbes)
Contract a six-year deal? Although avoidable: He [Peterson] was traveling to the Twin Cities from Norman, Okla., Sunday evening to sign a deal that would pay him a maximum of $40 million if he reaches all of its incentives.The Vikings guaranteed Peterson $17 million over the course of the deal, a critical figure for running backs, who typically have shorter-than-average careers in the NFL. Although the contract technically spans six years, the final year is voidable and exists mostly for salary cap purposes. If he reaches none of the incentives but plays five years, Peterson will earn about $25 million. (Star-Tribune)
Adrian Peterson expected to remain unsigned after start of camp: The Vikings' contract negotiations with the top of their draft class intensified on Monday, but it seemed unlikely that first-round pick Adrian Peterson would be among the players reporting to training camp Wednesday at Minnesota State Mankato. Talks with cornerback Marcus McCauley, the Vikings' third-round pick, and second-round receiver Sidney Rice were more advanced as of Monday evening. At the very least, both players seem on track to participate in the Vikings' opening practice Friday morning. Players are due in Mankato for a full day of meetings Thursday. (Star-Tribune)
Two huddles remain for Vikings to sign Adrian Peterson: Rookie running back Adrian Peterson has two hurdles remaining before he can join the Vikings next week in training camp: Signing a contract and passing one final physical exam on his mending leftcollarbone. Negotiations on Peterson's rookie deal remain in the early stages, and it is too early to know if a holdout is looming. As for his collarbone, coach Brad Childress said Peterson has suffered no setbacks but that his original rehabilitation plan always has included a late-summer evaluation." We'll have a final discussion on that," Childress said. "He hasn't had any backsteps, put it that way. Doing all your homework on it, it's not something you send back for a bone scan every day to see what it's doing." (Star-Tribune)
It's a fan favorite for NCAA College Football fans, to gather the friends and start the game strategy. It's NCAA Football '08 by EA Sports. In the latest advertising campaign, former sooner, Adrian Peterson, promotes (see below) the latest version of NCAA Football -- David vs. Goliath. NCAA Football '08 is set to be available July 17th on PS3, XBOX360, XBOX and PS2.
Adrian Peterson day celebrated in Palestine: Peterson, a Palestine High School graduate and Heisman Trophy runner-up at Oklahoma, recently was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft."Adrian is our light, he's our sunshine here," event organizer Carol Pegues said. "We are just honoring him because he's brought some real joy to our city. We watched him from high school, college and now professionally."The event will include a 10 a.m. parade beginning at the Anderson County Courthouse and ending in Old Town Palestine, and a presentation at Wildcat Stadium.Peterson will be given a proxy to the city at the presentation, during which June 23 will be declared "Adrian Peterson Day.""(Adrian) has really put Palestine on the map," Pegues said. "Everybody is really excited about it. Adrian has pulled Palestine together."Expected to attend the event are former Palestine head coach Jeff Harrell and representatives from Oklahoma and the Vikings, Pegues said. (TylerPaper.com)
Peterson expects to arrive at camp on time: Adrian Peterson recently discussed the status of his contract, and arriving on time at camp.: "I feel like I'll be in camp on time. My agent, Ben Dogra, he does a great job. I hope there's no problem. I don't see any problem coming," Peterson said. "It's very important for me to go out and help my team. And help us reach our goals." (KSTP.com)
Oklahoma announces kickoff times, OU-North Texas 6:00 FSN, OU-Utah State 2:30 TBD: Two more game times have been set for University of Oklahoma football games in 2007. Currently, four starting times have been set for the season. The Sooners' Sept. 1 season opener with North Texas has been picked up by FOX Sports Net and will begin at 6 p.m. OU's third game, a Sept. 15th contest against Utah State, has been set for 2:30 p.m. Television details for that game are yet to be completed. The Utah State game is still available for network pick-up. If the game is not selected, it is likely to be televised on a pay-per-view basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Adrian Peterson day June 23, in Palestine, TX: Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson will have another day in the sun. Palestine, Texas, mayor Caroline Salter announced June 23 as "Adrian Peterson Day.” A parade through Peterson's hometown is planned. The City of Palestine will have a presentation ceremony at Wildcat Stadium, where Peterson starred as a high school player and attracted recruiters from the elite college football programs in the country. He spent three years at OU, then was the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 draft choice in April. "We're excited about Adrian Peterson returning to his hometown to receive recognition from the city,” Salter told the Palestine Herald-Press. "We look forward to him having a wonderful career in the National Football League and seeing his career reflect in a positive way on his hometown.” The Palestine Herald-Press said Peterson will attend the celebration. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners pick up pair of 2008 commitments: Just moments ago on RivalsRadio Metuchen, N.J. four-star wide receiver Dejuan Miller made the choice between his long-time top three, Oklahoma, Penn State, and in-state Rutgers. The 6-foot-6, 207-pound receiver has made repeated trips to each of his top three over the last few months and on Thursday was finally ready to announce a public decision. "A couple weeks ago, I talked to Coach Stoops and Coach Sumlin and I made my decision and I am officially going to be a Sooner," Miller said on RivalsRadio with Bill King... Casey Walker: One of the rising prospects in the Lone Star State this spring has been Garland, Texas defensive tackle Casey Walker. After attending a camp this past weekend, he came home, discussed things over wit his family, and made his decision. The 6-foot-2, 303-pounder had picked up offers from schools such as Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Ole Miss, TCU, and Wisconsin among others. After heading to Oklahoma's camp this weekend, he decided to get the process out of the way before the summer. "I just did," Walker said about his commitment. "I'm going to Oklahoma. I committed this morning. I went to their junior day, I went to their camp last year, and then I was down there on Monday for their one-day camp. I came home, talked it over with my family and did it. (In part and more at Fox23.com)
No surgery for Adrian; expected in training camp: After dodging questions about his injury before and after the NFL draft, the Vikings announced Wednesday at Winter Park that running back Adrian Peterson's fractured left clavicle would heal naturally and in time for him to be completely healthy when training camp opens in Mankato in late July. After a CT scan confirmed his progress, Vikings team physician Dr. Joel Boyd and trainer Eric Sugarman fully explained to reporters the history of Peterson's injury, including the revelation that he re-broke the clavicle early in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State. "I feel good," Peterson said. "It hasn't been giving me any problems. So it's good news." Peterson's shoulder had been the source of speculation and misinformation throughout the offseason, perhaps causing him to slip to the Vikings at No. 7. But Sugarman, Boyd, coach Brad Childress and vice president Rick Spielman provided a detailed timeline of how they arrived at Wednesday's announcement. (Pioneer Press)
Former OU Center Brahaney named to College HOF: From one of the most storied football programs in history, Tom Brahaney continues the legacy of outstanding Oklahoma players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brahaney became the 23rd Sooner (18 players, five coaches) inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday. A two-time consensus First Team All-America ('71, '72), Brahaney was the hub of an offensive line that allowed the Sooners to lead the nation in rushing, scoring and total offense in 1971. The Midland, Texas, native was also a two-time All-Big-8 selection and a Lombardi Award finalist in 1972. Serving as team captain during his senior campaign, Brahaney's snap precision and unsurpassed one-on-one blocking earned him high acclaim -- even from archrivals. Following the 1971 "Game of the Century," Nebraska's Rich Glover, a 1995 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, called Brahaney the best center he played against all year. (SoonerSports.com)
Quote: Former Oklahoma QB Jack Mildren said of Brahaney, "Probably the best center in OU's history," said Mildren, Brahaney's 1971 quarterback. (More at OU's Brahaney named to college Hall at NewsOK.com)
ESPN.com NFL Analyst John Clayton on NFC's Big Questions:
Did the Vikings make a mistake passing on Brady Quinn? Last Saturday, the draft played out so well for the Vikings that they had the option of getting a franchise quarterback or a franchise running back. Quinn tempted them, but they went with Adrian Peterson. No one can argue about Peterson's talent. He's an angry runner and a great talent. Within a year, he should be among the elite backs in football. (More at ESPN.com)
Adrian Peterson takes questions as a Viking: Q: Well has it hit you that this is your first practice as a pro? Peterson A: Yeah, it's all sinking in. Just being out here and having that purple helmet on, representing the Vikings, it's tangible. It's finally here. Q: Have you had any contact with Coach Childress about your role in the offense yet? Peterson A: No, we already talked, but basically I'm another contributor to the team. I'm going to go out there and in whatever way help my team win championships and the Super Bowl. I'm just willing to take that and go with it. (More at SoonerSports.com) Sad News; Ex-Sooner Clayton's Uncle shot and killed: The uncle of former OU football player Mark Clayton was killed this weekend in what police believe was a gang-related shooting outside a northeast Oklahoma City club. About 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a group of men fired shots into the west parking lot of Boots and Saddles Club at NE 23 and Bryant Avenue. The shots killed Donald Lee Austin Jr., 46, Oklahoma City police Sgt. Paco Balderrama stated in a news release. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Questions about Peterson's collarbone remain: Peterson told reporters he was "pretty sure, eventually" a decision will have to be made regarding possible surgery to insert a plate in his left collarbone, which he broke October 14 and reinjured in Oklahoma's Fiesta Bowl loss Jan. 1. "Right now I'm just focusing on getting these plays in," Peterson said. "It's something you really have to study and put time in for to get these plays and the different terminology, the language. "(The collarbone) hasn't given me any problems so I'm just going to push right ahead." Vikings coach Brad Childress was pleased with Peterson's on-field performance, including his pass-catching and kickoff returns. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Vikings issues rookies jersey numbers: The Vikings' draft picks all have been issued uniform numbers, some of which could eventually change. The number assignments: Running back Adrian Peterson, No. 28; linebacker Rufus Alexander, No. 57; (Star-Tribune)
Stoops defends his decision to play Peterson: Oklahoma's football coach shot back at critics who questioned his decision to play Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl, and a national newspaper that Stoops feels has misrepresented the facts about Rufus Alexander. The Minnesota Vikings selected both OU players in last weekend's NFL draft. But not before they were scrutinized by the media. Four days before Peterson was the seventh overall selection, SI.com reported that the former Sooner running back had reinjured his right collarbone in OU's loss to Boise State last January. That news brought questions about if Stoops should have held Peterson out of the Jan. 1 bowl game. "He was ready to play, according to the doctors and everybody else," Stoops said. "And he wanted to play." Stoops said he didn't learn until weeks later that Peterson had been hurt in the Fiesta Bowl. On the second day of the draft, Minnesota selected Alexander in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. The OU linebacker had been projected as a second- or third-round selection by some NFL draft rating services. Stoops said there could be a variety of reasons why Alexander's stocked dropped. But he said Alexander's slide had nothing to do with questions about his character. In a second story about off-the-field issues hurting some players in the draft, a national newspaper reported Tuesday that a study of its list of those "100 prospects who drew scrutiny because of conduct issues indicates a couple (Rufus Alexander and Tarrell Brown) slipped significantly." (In parts and more at Tulsa World)
Discount for AD? Nelson Peterson, father of Vikings first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson, sells BMWs for an auto dealership in Oklahoma City. "I might give Adrian the 8 percent discount if he wants to buy one," Nelson said. Adrian can expect signing bonuses totaling nearly $15 million. (Pioneer Press)
No worries here: Vikings top draft pick running back Adrian Peterson, asked whether his tender collarbone affects him psychologically: "There's no worries in my head.". (Pioneer Press)
Peterson surgery to be determined; insist he'll be in minicamp next week: The Vikings are expected to determine in the coming days whether they want top draft pick Adrian Peterson to have a plate inserted into his collarbone to aid healing. Peterson and Vikings coach Brad Childress have insisted the running back will be ready for training camp and will participate in next weekend's rookie minicamp. But they have been less resolute on how they will handle Peterson's collarbone, which he re-injured during the Fiesta Bowl. "The situation is that my collarbone is healing, and it's not going to hold me back from anything," Peterson said Sunday. "I'm looking forward to being ready when the season starts." (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Stoops Quote on Peterson: Oklahoma's head coach Bob Stoops telling SoonerSports.com.. "We're very happy and proud for Adrian and his family," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "He is such a competitive player and I appreciate so much what he brought to our program. He has great pride in the way he plays and he's extremely tough. "Those qualities rub off on the people around him. He has the kind of competitive spirit that elevates those around him. It means an awful lot to him that the entire team does well and I think that is probably his most under-appreciated quality. As much attention as he garnered here, he was always more concerned with being respected in the locker room. Being a good teammate matters a lot to him. He genuinely cares about the people around him." (SoonerSports.com)
Peterson Q&A: Q: Are you relieved that this process is over? Peterson A: I'm happy it's over. It's a dream come true no matter what. I keep thanking God. (NFL.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson falls to the Vikings at the seventh selection: After the Arizona Cardinals chose Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown with the fifth pick and then the Washington Redskins selected LSU safety LaRon Landry, the Vikings pounced on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. The reaction from the 2007 Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party was emphatic and positive. After the Cardinals surprised a few people with the Brown pick and then Washington chose Landry, fans were chanting "AP! AP!" and went crazy when the pick was announced. Peterson is the best running back in this class and is perhaps the draft's most intriguing prospect. He has a tremendous combination of power and speed, affording him the ability to both run over and around defenders. He punishes defenders and scouts describe him as a violent runner. The knock on Peterson is his durability. (Vikings.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson's collarbone wasn't healed for the Fiesta Bowl? Peterson's father, Nelson, told the World in a phone interview Thursday the injury was a matter of semantics. "I wouldn't say reinjured," Nelson Peterson said. "I would just say it wasn't healed like it should have. And it's still in the healing process. "The way I look at that situation is that Adrian really shouldn't have played in that bowl game. But he wanted to play." (Tulsa World) Before they were stars: Rufus Alexander: Yahoo! Sports Dodds: Tradition kept Texas -OU in Dallas: Austin-American Statesman
Peterson reinjured collarbone but has rehealed: Newsday reports... Peterson acknowledged that he re-injured his collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl in January, but he insists there's nothing to be alarmed about."I got it checked out, and no one gave me any bad indications," he said. Even if Peterson requires a surgical procedure to insert a plate in his collarbone, it likely would not affect his availability for training camp. (NY Newsday)
Browns: Injury not a factor in Draft Status: General Manager Phil Savage said Thursday that the Browns don't think Adrian Peterson needs surgery at this time, and the fact he reinjured his broken collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day does not hurt his status with the team. "This has not affected our opinion of him for the draft," Savage said in an e-mail response. Peterson, the Oklahoma running back, is one of five players the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, said Thursday that it's up to individual teams to determine whether or not Peterson will need surgery to insert a plate into the collarbone. If he does, Peterson will be out only four to six weeks, Dogra said. (Cleveland.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson reinjured shoulder not confirmed: The Oklahoman reports.. A source close to NFL personnel told The Oklahoman that he had not heard of a re-injury, but did acknowledge that there were issues concerning X-rays of Peterson's collarbone. (NewsOK.com) Follow-up from the prevously reported Report: Peterson's Re-Injured Shoulder, Could Be Out For NFL Off-Season.
University of Oklahoma football student season tickets on sale Tuesday: OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. Student season tickets are $145 and will be charged to the student's bursar account. Tickets will be sold online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1 and lasting through midnight on May 13 while supplies last. A $5 non-refundable fee will be associated with utilizing this service. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. Walk-up windows sales begin at 10 a.m. on May 1 and will continue every business day through May 13 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (SoonerSportss PR)
Peterson has re-injured shoulder? The first, I have heard this.. If true, its been quiet.. the past few weeks and month... Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, an almost certain top-10 pick in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft, re-injured his collarbone in the Sooners' loss in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day -- an injury that has not been previously disclosed except to NFL teams. A high-level source on one team said the evaluation of his team's medical staff was that Peterson will require a surgical procedure, which would delay his availability at the start of training camp and perhaps longer. That team estimated Peterson would be sidelined after the procedure for "two or three months." That would likely mean Peterson would miss the entire offseason workouts of the team that drafted him and make him questionable for the early part of the preseason. (SI.com)
Nichol gains some mass/muscle: Keith Nichol, who left high school early to enroll at Oklahoma last January, has already packed on 21 pounds thanks to the Sooners' lifting and eating regime. But some things have not changed. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Nichol is still a quality quarterback Just ask Kevin Wilson, the Sooners' offensive coordinator. "Keith exceeded our expectation," Wilson said. "In person, he is better than I thought he would be based on high school tape. He has a strong arm, a quick arm. He can move well, and he does a lot of natural instinctive things. We are very pleased with his ability. His physical skills lend you to think he is going to be very good. "In my opinion, his arm is the strongest arm I've seen since I have been here." (Grand Rapids Press)
SI's Mandel Spring Top 25: Sports Illustrated College Football writer, Stewart Mandel's spring college football power rankings. 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Florida 4. West Virginia University 5. Louisville 7. Texas 9. Oklahoma Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford appeared to separate himself from fellow contenders Joey Hazle and Keith Nichol in the QB race. OU is a veteran team, but several impressive youngsters emerged, including WR Adron Tennell, DB Dominique Franks and DT Gerald McCoy 13. Arkansas 18. Nebraska
ESPN.com SportsNation ask: Which NFL top prospect is likely to be a bust. Calvin Johnson: 4% Adrian Peterson: 12% Brady Quinn: 40% JaMarcus Russell: 34% Joe Thomas: 10% Nearly 6700 Votes
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Adrian Peterson agent charged with bribery and theft: A marketing agent representing former Oklahoma Sooner running back Adrian Peterson is facing felony charges of commercial bribery and theft. Bill Henkel, managing director of 10 Sports Marketing, turned himself in to the Johnson County, Kan., sheriff's office on Friday, deputy Tom Erickson said. Henkel posted $10,000 bond and was released the same day. The charges are related to a sports memorabilia deal that Henkel, the former football marketing director of International Management Group's football division, negotiated involving San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson, the Johnson County prosecutor's office said. In August 2005, Henkel allegedly solicited a kickback for a marketing deal involving the Pro Bowl running back, then received a portion of the kickback without the knowledge of Tomlinson or IMG. A complaint issued by the district attorney's office places the value of the theft between $1,000 and $25,000. "To make it clear, there are no charges against LaDainian Tomlinson," said Brian Burgess, a spokesman for the district attorney's office. (AP/SI.com)
AD on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is featured on the cover of the April 30 issue of Sports Illustrated. The magazine will be available on newstands April 25. Peterson is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Oklahoma has produced a first-round pick in the last five drafts beginning with Roy Williams in 2002. (SoonerSports PR)
Did you know? The Sooners have had some terrific running backs through the years. But only Greg Pruitt (5,672) and Billy Sims (5,106) surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards as a pro, with Joe Washington finishing at 4,839. (NewsOK.com)
Peterson part of the Nike Rookie class of 2007: Nike continues its legacy of outstanding football talent with the addition of nine collegiate football All-Americans and top professional prospects to its roster, and the introduction of the players' first advertising and marketing campaign with the Nike brand. Adrian Peterson finished his career with 4,045 yards along with 42 touchdowns. During his four years, Peterson was named to the All-American team as well as rushing for nearly 2,000 yards during his freshman season.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Bob Stoops Q&A: Q: Can you analyze how your three quarterbacks played in the spring? Stoops: I thought they got better through the spring. They all have shown the ability to make the throws we need and the decisions we need, but early on in the spring they would make some poor decisions here and there that obviously hurt them and hurt the offense. I think you only get that stinging feeling by doing it. Early on in spring they made some of those, along with the good throws, and I think they learned from it. Q: Has one quarterback emerged over the other two? Stoops: No. (More at Tulsa World) Pendleton recognized: They called the ceremony at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on Tuesday morning the Max Weitzenhoffer Scholar Athlete Breakfast. A better idea would have been the "Carl Pendleton Show." "Carl, would you please stand again?" OU president David Boren asked from the dais. "I know you just gave the invocation." Pendleton stood so he could be recognized for the $23,000 post-graduate scholarship he earned last fall, a reward that allowed him to leave OU's football team after his junior season to concentrate on more important things. Important things like the next three times he was recognized Tuesday morning -- for winning the Athletic Director's Leadership Award, the Conference Medal and the Sooner Schooner Scholastic Award. (Tulsa World) Peterson has no doubt he's worthy of a top pick: ESPN.com NFL will be lucky to have classy Peterson in its league: SI.com
OU meets with NCAA Committee: During a break Saturday morning, Brian Halloran wandered over to a small group of reporters and asked for the inside scoop: Who would win Oklahoma's quarterback battle? Halloran, a member of the NCAA's Committee on Infractions, politely declined to return the favor and answer reporters' questions. But the brief exchange might be of some encouragement to OU officials, who met with the infractions committee for more than four hours behind closed doors. Afterward, OU president David Boren said the school received "a fair chance” to answer charges of major rules violations involving football players' employment at Big Red Sports and Imports. And Halloran's question might lend credence to Boren's contention that the infractions committee appreciated the impact of OU's quick action when it discovered three players were paid for work they did not perform. Rhett Bomar's dismissal last summer led to the current quarterback quandary. "I think they have a good understanding of the harshness of the penalties,” Boren said. OU's official party, which numbered about a dozen, included coach Bob Stoops, athletic director Joe Castiglione and director of football operations Merv Johnson. (In part and more at NewsOK.com) Washington Keynote speaker: Joe Washington says he always welcomes any chance to get back to Oklahoma. But this one will be extra special. Washington, the former University of Oklahoma running back and College Football Hall of Famer, is the keynote speaker at Friday's annual Awards and Scholarship Gala of the 100 Black Men of Tulsa. The banquet starts at 7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown. (Tulsa World) Peterson thinks the Brown will draft him: Adrian Peterson on where he thinks he'll be drafted: "My gut feeling? Cleveland at three. Sitting down with them [coach Romeo Crennel, GM Phil Savage], I get the feeling they're very, very interested. I would love it there. The fans in Cleveland are the closest to college fans in the NFL. I love the Dawg Pound. I think I can be a franchise back and really help the Browns turn it around.'' (SI.com)
Stoops visits USC practice: Steve Spurrier is one of the most successful coaches in college football history. His pupil, former Florida defensive coordinator, now Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is right there with him. Stoops was in town Thursday, and paid a vist to USC's practice field for a pre-practice speech. Stoops was introduced by Spurrier, and then spoke to the team for about 10-minutes. (WLTX)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Adrian Peterson ESPN.com Conversation: Former Oklahoma superstar running back, Adrian Peterson sits down with ESPN.com's Graham Bensinger.
Bensinger: Let's go back to your early days with the Sooners. It's rare that true freshmen have the level of success that you enjoyed. At 19 years old, you rushed for an NCAA-record 1,925 yards. What was that like? Peterson: It was just a kid coming in, having a dream, and being determined. It was an outstanding season. (laughs) I sit back and think about it sometimes and am just wowed by it. It all came from hard work and being dedicated.
Sooners have a couple days off: Often times, the breaks and holidays set in place for a college campus are lost on the student-athletes. For instance, Oklahoma's women's basketball team isn't getting a spring break this season, unless you count trips to Austin, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. The same cannot be said of the football team, which is getting a spring break in 2007. The Sooners last practiced March 14 in an open scrimmage. Oklahoma's team returns to the practice field Monday, March 26. (SoonerSports.com)
AD's Nike photo shoot: Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and seven other college football stars who are expected to go high in the NFL draft were sweating it out for Nike on Wednesday. The players ran agility drills on a 50-yard practice field before lining up for hours of pictures for a Nike photo shoot. The pictures will be used for magazine and billboard ads. Nike wouldn't say how much the athletes were paid. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson on NFL Draft broad status: "Right now, there are a lot of things going on with trades and players jumping teams. Right now, I'm just trying to make everything less stressful on me and just relax." Peterson said. (Dallas Morning News) First spring scrimmage today: Oklahoma Sooners football team is scheduled for the first of two open scrimmages today at 3:45, at the stadium. Gates 7 and 12 will open at approx. 2:45 -- more information on Sooners Spring Football. Showing off: Norman Transcript Browns GM among those who get up-close look at Peterson: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes OU Pro Day, Peterson takes part in one drill: Seventeen National Football League teams were represented Tuesday at Oklahoma's annual Pro Day. Ten former Sooner players took part in the drills at the Everest Center. The players tested in seven areas ranging from jumping to speed to agility to strength. They also were put through drills specific to their position by scouts that were on hand for the event. RB Adrian Peterson took part in only one test, the 60-yard shuttle. He turned in a time of 11.78, the fastest among the five Sooners that participated in that particular test. Other bests included DB Jason Carter in the vertical jump (37-0), Paul Thompson in the broad jump (10-2), Carter and Thompson in the 40 (4.64), Thompson in the 20-yard shuttle (4.25), Carter and Thompson in the three-cone shuttle (7.02) and Rufus Alexander in the bench press (26 reps of 225 pounds). (More Pro Day numbers at SoonerSports.com) (Video available at SoonerSports.com)
Sooners quick to sign 2008 recruits:USA Today highlights the Sooners early commitments of 2008, a class whom OU has landed top prospects already.. Of Oklahoma's six commitments, four -- all from Texas -- are members of the Rivals100 to watch. The latest came Saturday afternoon from Van, Texas, running back Jermie Calhoun. The 6-foot, 210-pound running back from East Texas had scholarship offers from all over the country. Alabama, Florida, Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M were just a few of them. "I knew I had stuff ahead of me," Calhoun said. "I felt a lot of pressure from other schools and coaches trying to get in touch with me. I wanted to get it out of the way and focus on my schoolwork." Calhoun said his relationship with Oklahoma recruiter Cale Gundy and the rest of the staff in Norman was a big reason why he committed. (USAToday.com)
Spring practices will be closed: For 15 days this spring, beginning March 7, the Sooners will work mostly in secret, with only the April 7 spring game certain to be open to the public. Access to two scrimmages remains pending. (NewsOK.com)
Sad news; Peterson still worksout despite half-brother being killed:FOXSports.com has learned that Peterson was told in the wee hours Sunday morning that his half-brother was gunned down and killed in a Texas homicide. Sources say he was shot multiple times. The sources also said Peterson was very close to his half-brother and took the news extremely hard. Details are still sketchy and when contacted officials at the Houston Police Department did not have any information available. Despite such heart-breaking news, Peterson pulled his emotions together to have an impressive workout at the NFL's scouting combine. Not only did he run the 40s (4.38 in his first run) but Peterson participated in all the running back drills. Although his head was probably elsewhere, the former Heisman hopeful had what scouts deemed a terrific workout, including a 38.5-inch vertical and 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. Peterson spent much of the time before and after his workout on the phone with grieving family members and didn't get much sleep Sunday morning. (FOXSports.com)
Paul Thompson NFL Combine numbers: Former Oklahoma quarterback Paul Thompson turned in performances of 4.11 in the 20 shuttle, 6.81 in the three cone, 10-7 in the broad jump and 54.8 in ball speed. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners in the running for top Texas back? Now the Sooners appear to be the early leader for Jermie Calhoun of Van, Texas. Calhoun, who some think is the Lone Star State's premier back, was once considered a lock for the Longhorns. But Texas' curious apparent decision not to recruit Calhoun has shifted the runner's sights north of the Red River. Calhoun has run for more than 3,300 yards and 45 touchdowns the past two seasons. He's already had offers from OU, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Florida, Kansas State, LSU, Nebraska and Texas A&M. (NewsOK.com)
The following numbers are of Adrian Peterson and #2 RB prospect Marshawn Lynch of California. (Numbers are un-official via NFL Network Coverage.. Official times posted later in the day.) RB. 40-Times A. Peterson: 4.38, 4.43 M. Lynch: 4.52, 4.49 Fastest: C. Henry 4.33, Henry's second time was slower
NFL Scouting Combine: Catch Adrian Peterson and other running backs Sunday, Feb. 25 11 a.m. ET: Workouts: Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers (LIVE!) Available on DirectTV Channel 212 and 95 in HD
Peterson Measurements: Peterson measured in at 6-1 ½, 217 pounds on Friday, and he said he hopes to run "a high 4.2 or low 4.3" second 40-yard dash. (Dallas Morning News)
Cards eyeing Peterson at #5? Adrian Peterson, Arizona Cardinal? It's a crazy notion. Running back would seem to be far down the list of draft needs for the Cardinals, especially after handing Edgerrin James a four-year, $30 million contract last offseason.But new coach Ken Whisenhunt has talked about the need for another back to step in and lighten James' load after James piled up 337 carries last season. With the explosion of successful teams with two good halfbacks -- think New Orleans with Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, Chicago with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson, Indianapolis with Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes -- teaming Peterson with James isn't far-fetched.Subtly feeding into the idea is Cardinals vice president of football operations Rod Graves, who said his goal of free agency is "take the pressure off feeling we have to address a certain position with our No. 1 pick." (East Valley Tribune)
Browns win coin toss, may select AD at #3: The Cleveland Browns won the coin flip Friday at the NFL Combine, giving the team the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft and adding some mystery to where former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson may go. The Browns may now be shooting for Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas, considered the top offensive line prospect in the draft. Or, if Thomas isn't available, the Browns could pass on Peterson and pick a quarterback. (NewsOK.com)
AD has the 'It' factor: "He [Adrian] has something very special about him. He just has that 'it' factor," said Bill Henkel, Peterson's marketing agent, who is in negotiations with several companies for deals for Peterson."He's got the looks; he's got the body; he's got the talent, charisma and everything. He can do anything he wants to do." (Star-Telegram)
Peterson Q&A: Adrian Peterson Question and Answers with 49ers.com.
Q: How would you respond to being featured in a two-back system?
A: If I end up in a system like that and that's how the offense is ran, then there's not much I can do about it. But I'm just going to go out there and do what I can to compete for a position. That's all I can ask for.
Q: Why did you decide to work out at the Combine?
A: That's the kind of competitive person I am. I don't see any reason not to work out. I just want to come out here and perform.
Q: What do you want to run?
A: I set my bar high. A high 4.2 or a low 4.3.
Q: How much magic do you have to find room to run when there isn't any room?
A: How much magic do I have? If you come in to a young offensive line or an offensive line that isn't proven, over time they will develop. There isn't much I can do about the offensive line. I just can go out there and whatever crease I can find I'm going to try to stick it in there.
Kiper thinks the Browns will pick Peterson: Regardless of where Cleveland is picking, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Browns will upgrade their running back situation, despite the fact it's not an immediate need. "I think Adrian Peterson would be an ideal Cleveland Brown," Kiper Jr. said. "Jamal Lewis, Phil Savage brought in to Baltimore and he was certainly a key factor in their success. To me, Adrian Peterson, you can make the argument, is the best player in this draft, if not, certainly one of the top three." It's possible the Browns may weigh their options of trading the pick to fill several needs. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes What to watch for; NFL Combines: Sunday, Feb. 25 11 a.m. ET: Workouts: Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers (LIVE!) (repeats at 4 & 8 p.m.) 2 p.m. ET: 2007 Scouting Combine Press Conferences (LIVE!) 7 p.m. ET/PT: NFL Total Access at the Scouting Combine (LIVE!) (NFL Scouting Combine Schedule via NFL.com)
ESPN's Mel Kiper's take on Peterson: Mel Kiper, ESPN's draft guru, thinks Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, already the top-rated runner, would help himself even more with a great showing."If he comes in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds and runs a 4.38, he's going to make people go 'Wow,'" Kiper said. So much so, Kiper added, that teams such as the Ravens and the Denver Broncos, which are in the market for ball carriers, might be willing to trade up in the draft to get him. (Baltimore Sun)
NFLPA discusses rules on college players: NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw is expected to push for rules preventing agents from talking with college players until those players either have become seniors or declared for the NFL draft after their junior season. Upshaw spent Wednesday meeting with a group of agents on the subject. He will address a significantly larger group of agents Friday. "The reaction to it was about 50-50," Upshaw said of the smaller group of agents. "The biggest concern for them is making sure we can get control of the other people involved with the college players, like the financial advisors and the marketing agents." The NFLPA currently has no jurisdiction over advisors or marketing agents. (Yahoo! Sports) Who Will Be On The Cover of the NCAA 08 Video Game? AOL Sports Blog
Did you think there's no Oklahoma Football articles? Maybe, not at the other place.. Here's everything OU Football from today.
Peterson expects to run a 4.3 40: He says his goal is to run the 40-yard dash in about 4.3 seconds and everything else will take care of itself. Some draft analysts have Peterson going as high as the number four pick in the draft - which is held by the Cleveland Browns. (FOX23.com)
Texans' looking at Adrian Peterson if available? ESPN.com's John Clayton writes, It's also possible they could draft Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson if he's available in the first round, although their priority is a left tackle. This might sound unbelievable for a team that drafted Mario Williams over Reggie Bush, but the Texans would like to add another pass-rusher. (More at ESPN.com)
Stoops pleased with class of 2007: "Once again we met all our needs and addressed them in a very good way," Stoops said. "This is a very balanced class. We hit our numbers perfectly. We weren't able to sign a bigger class due to our numbers limitations this year, but we feel great about the quality. We signed some excellent players." Of the 20 players signed, five are offensive linemen. Three are linebackers while another three are defensive ends and three are receivers. Two each are listed at defensive back and athlete. One each was signed at quarterback and kicker. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Q. On if any of this year's commitments can compete to play right away: A. "We expect them all to. Anymore, with our limited numbers, we get them all ready to play. Obviously, the offensive line is a thin position for us. We lose Chris Messner, so that will be important. It is important that Keith (Nichol) competes at the quarterback position. We have the mindset of getting them all ready to play. If they can all play and make us better, then they are going to play." Oklahoma Football Recruiting Page.
Norman's Broyles signs with OU: After a week of waffling, the Norman High School standout [Ryan Broyles] signed a national letter of intent with the Sooners on Wednesday. It marked the third time he had switched his commitment in the past week, alternating between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, but this time around, his choice is binding. "I'm a hundred percent to Oklahoma now," Broyles said. "I'm not willing to change that at all." Broyles originally committed to the Cowboys on Jan. 14, but later that day, the Sooners offered a scholarship. A couple weeks later, Broyles switched his commitment to the Sooners, only to switch back to the Cowboys a few days later. And as late as 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Broyles said he was committed to OSU. (NewsOK.com)
Scholarships available, Cohen offered: Extra scholarships became available when RB Adrian Peterson declared for the NFL draft and TE Aaron Cummings, OL Ben Barresi and OL Curtis Bailey suffered career-ending injuries. OU also awarded a scholarship to P Michael Cohen, who averaged 41 yards per punt in 2006. (Dallas Morning News)
Packers may trade up for Peterson in NFL draft?FOXSports.com Peter Schrager writes, "Don't be surprised if Ted Thompson and the Packers try to move up a few spots if Adrian Peterson slips out of the top five. " The Packers have the 16th selection overall.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Broyles to reconsider Oklahoma? Reports surfaced Monday morning that Norman High standout Ryan Broyles had decommitted from Oklahoma State and orally committed to OU. Various recruiting services reported the four-star defensive back had informed the OU coaching staff, as well as OSU receivers coach Gunter Brewer, that he was accepting an offer to join the Sooners. Norman coach Butch Peters confirmed the report Monday afternoon, adding the four-star prospect was going use the day to "let things sink and settle in.” (More at NewsOK.com)
Former UT Roy Williams wants Lions to draft Peterson: During the Pistons/Pacers game tonight, wide receiver Roy Williams was in attendance. FSN Detroit caught up with him and asked a few questions regarding his trip to the Pro Bowl and the NFL Draft. The more interesting thing that he responded to was the question of who the Lions should draft in April. Usually, players will give a generic response to the likes of, "I'll let management worry about that, it doesn't matter to me." Well, Roy Williams doesn't roll like that. He gave an honest answer and said that he wants Detroit to draft Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. But, he said the Lions should trade down a few spots to do so. (Pride of Detroit - Lions Blog)
Ex-Sooner Thompson convicted on misdemeanor charges: The attorney for a former University of Oklahoma quarterback planned to appeal his municipal court conviction on a misdemeanor charge of public drunkenness. Judge William Manger dismissed a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace after witnesses failed to appear at the trial Monday in Oklahoma City Municipal Court. Manger found Charles Thompson guilty after about two hours of testimony, saying consistent testimony from three police officers proved the case. The officers testified they responded about 1 a.m. Nov. 18 to the Residence Inn in west Oklahoma City after hotel managers claimed they received multiple noise complaints about Thompson's room. Thompson most recently worked as a color analyst covering high school football games for Oklahoma City sports radio station WWLS. (AP/ESPN.com)
Stoops on Peterson leaving early: As he has done with almost all Sooners who have left early, Stoops stands behind Peterson's decision. "I know this has been a trying time for him and he just needs to know that we support him whole-heartedly," Stoops said. "Adrian has been a great individual player and a great teammate. His leadership and work ethic sent a strong example, and he competed with everything he had," Stoops said. "He has given us all a lot of great moments and has been fun to watch. "Now, he feels it's just time and we support that. We hope and believe that he's going to be a high pick. We're excited to watch him move on and we expect that he will have a great and long NFL career." Peterson said he believes he's ready for the challenge of football at its highest level. "Physically, I feel like I am ready and the business aspect makes sense, too," he said. (Tulsa World)
Adrian Peterson Time:1/3/04 - One of the most touted recruits in recent history. The Texas native declares at U.S. Army All-American Bowl he's crossing state lines, committing to Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners. Peterson picked Oklahoma over Miami, USC, UCLA, Texas and Texas A&M. 11/20/04 - Peterson back at it. Carried 32 times for 240 yards and three second-half touchdowns as the Sooners rolled past the Baylor Bears 35-0. Peterson remained atop ESPN.com's Heisman Watch. 9/24/05 - Peterson injured his ankle late in the first half, resulted in Peterson only rushing 51 yards on 8 carries and one TD. The ankle injury would effect his play for a third of the season... Meanwhile, Peterson watch is on in Sooner Nation. 1/1/07 - Adrian Peterson entered the Fiesta Bowl 151 yards away from breaking Billy Sims' Oklahoma career rushing record of 4,118 yards. Complete Adrian Peterson Timeline.
Sooners may lose both coordinators: Bob Stoops' recruiting efforts could soon extend beyond player prospects to include new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma assistants Brent Venables and Kevin Sumlin are involved in coaching searches at separate schools. And according to reports, each is on a short list -- Venables for the head coaching position at Minnesota, Sumlin as offensive coordinator at Miami. Venables has been OU's co-defensive coordinator the past eight seasons. Sumlin just finished his first season as co-offensive coordinator. (NewsOK.com)
Adrian Peterson to enter 2007 NFL Draft:University of Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson announced today that he will forgo his final season of college eligibility and make himself available for the 2007 NFL Draft. "The last few days have been stressful," Peterson said while describing his decision-making process. "I've been pondering a lot of things and looking at it from all the different angles, weighing the good and the bad. "In the end, I think I just realized that this is a business decision and that it is time for me to take that next step. It wasn't easy. I haven't been sleeping much. I just put it all in God's hands" Peterson said he had valuable input from several people. "I got opinions from people I value like my dad and my mother," he said. "Coach Stoops gave me a lot of information that I needed. He presented both sides." (SoonerSports PR)
Source: Peterson still undecided: Still, sources close to the situation now say Peterson is wrestling with the decision. "This has been a lot harder than people would think," one source said. Peterson has until Monday to add himself to the list of underclassmen entering the NFL Draft. The Sooner junior has been interviewing potential agents in the event he does decide on jumping to the NFL. Peterson was scheduled to meet with agent Jimmy Sexton on Thursday. According to two sources, Peterson previously met with agents Tom Condon, Eugene Parker and Drew Rosenhaus. Those meetings were all done under the blessing of Stoops, who said that he wanted Peterson to have access to all information available concerning his draft stock. (NewsOK.com)
Adrian Peterson Statement via Oklahoma Athletic Department: Peterson's statement said... "I have spent the last few days considering my options to either enter the NFL Draft or stay at OU. The facts are that I have not hired any representation and I have not declared for the draft. "My meetings with Coach Stoops and my parents have been to discuss all the scenarios. I see a lot of options in both so I am still undecided on what I want to do. "I wish people would give me the opportunity to decide. Once I do, I will make an announcement at the right time. Any reports that are different than that are false." (SoonerSports)
Decision could come this weekend or Monday? University of Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops met with tailback Adrian Peterson on Wednesday to discuss the player's future, and Stoops later adamantly denied reports that Peterson had made a decision about whether to enter the NFL Draft. "I met with him today, and he did not say he had made a decision," Stoops said in a telephone interview late Wednesday. "He has a lot of things he still wants to think over." Multiple media outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported late Wednesday that Peterson would enter the NFL Draft. Stoops said reports about Peterson reaching a decision are "absolutely incorrect. They're false. "I don't expect him to make a decision until sometime this weekend or maybe even Monday." (Tulsa World)
Peterson on Kiper Big Board: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is listed at #6 on Mel Kiper's revised Draft Big Board. The #1 ranked player is Georgia Tech's, WR Calvin Johnson, #2 Wisconsin's, DT Joe Thomas, #3 Notre Dame's, QB Brady Quinn, #4 LSU's, QB JaMarcus Russell, followed by #5 Arkansas', DT Jamaal Anderson (ESPN)
Adrian Peterson is also, ranked #6 on Scout Inc's Top 32
Stoops calls Adrian Peterson reports, FALSE: As word of Adrian Peterson's jump to the NFL hit the news Wednesday night, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops called it premature speculation and "false." Stoops, in refuting the reports, said he met with Peterson on Wednesday to discuss the player's future, but insisted no decision had been made. "It's all inaccurate," Stoops said. "It's false. People have been reporting irresponsibly without all the facts. "While it's true we did meet today, it was just to talk about his future with his mom and dad. That's all we did." Peterson has been interviewing potential agents, on recommendation by Stoops. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson to turn pro: Peterson draft announcement? After the Fiesta Bowl, Sooner Nation and the respective NFL bottom feeder fans, can expect a likely announcement on Tuesday, January 9th. (12/31/06) (Oklahoma FanHouse) Update:Hearing announcement is likely for Friday. (1/9/07) Update: Oklahoma junior running back Adrian Peterson will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, according to two sources close to the situation. An official announcement could come as early as Thursday. Peterson, who is projected in several mock drafts as a top 10 pick, met with Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on Wednesday to notify Stoops of his intention to turn pro, according to one source. Another source said Peterson has met with agents, including Eugene Parker, Drew Rosenhaus and the Creative Artists Agency, whose NFL division is headed by agents Ben Dogra and Tom Condon. (Dallas Morning News)(1/11/07)
Box enrolls early at OU: The Plainsmen standout will enroll in Norman on Jan. 16. In the final analysis, Austin Box simply couldn't wait. After going back and forth and back again, Enid's All-America senior linebacker has decided to enroll early at the University of Oklahoma and begin his college football career seven months early. "He felt like, 'I really want to play football,' " said Box's father, Craig. "He's always been that way. I think he figured, why wait?" Box, a scholar-athlete, has enough credits to be considered a high school graduate and is thus eligible to begin undergraduate studies when classes resume at OU on Jan. 16. In fact, Craig Box said, he already has 14 college hours from a concurrent enrollment program at Northern Oklahoma College. (Tulsa World)
Peterson draft announcement? After the Fiesta Bowl, Sooner Nation and the respective NFL bottom feeder fans, can expect a likely announcement on Tuesday, January 9th. (Oklahoma FanHouse) Update: Hearing announcement is likely for Friday.
Sooners in the Final Polls: AP Top 25 10. West Virginia 11-2 1,035 11. Oklahoma 11-3 933 12. Rutgers 11-2 884
USA Today Coaches Poll 10. West Virginia 11-2 1,012 11. Oklahoma 11-3 849 12. Rutgers 11-2 841
Oklahoma's misuse of timeouts in second half: The Sooners burned their final two timeouts of the second half on defense with 4:24 remaining, spending their allotment without making the Broncos run a play. Stoops said some late substituting by Boise left the Sooners with a disadvantaged personnel group on the field. Stoops, who argued that the Boise player left the field too late, used his final timeout to offset the Broncos' changes. "We were in a bad position and I wasn't going to give a bad play up, just because of our alignment,” Stoops said. (NewsOK.com)
Stoops not anxious about A. Peterson decision: Some might expect Stoops to spend an anxious next few days, as Adrian Peterson makes a final decision about returning for his senior season. "No. I'm perfectly fine with whatever he wants to do," Stoops contended. "I'm going to do my best to give him some information and make sure he's well-informed from the proper sources. I'm for what he wants. He's got to look at himself in the mirror every day and be satisfied with what he's doing. I think too much of the time people don't give that enough weight and respect. It's his life to live." (Tulsa World)
BSU's Peterson on playing in the Fiesta Bowl: "We really felt like we belonged here all along," Boise State coach Chris Petersen said. "We really did. I think a lot of the people felt like we belonged here." (Dallas Morning News)
Kelly MRI scheduled: While broadcast reports said Malcolm Kelly had suffered a concussion Monday night, the Sooner wide receiver, in fact, injured his knee during the first quarter. An initial examination revealed no ligament damage, though Kelly was scheduled for an MRI Tuesday. "They think it's cartilage," Stoops said. "Hopefully it's not too bad." (Tulsa World) Wild finish appropriate for 2006: SoonerSports.com Fitting finale: Norman Transcript
Coach Stoops meets with the Media Tuesday morning: OU head coach Bob Stoops met with the media one final time at the team hotel Tuesday morning before the Sooners departed for Oklahoma City. Boise State defeated the Sooners, 43-42, in overtime in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1 in Glendale. Poolside at the team headquarters at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, Stoops discussed the events of the game, the upcoming decision for running back Adrian Peterson, and the future for the Oklahoma football program. (More at SoonerSports.com)
Stoops' failed challenge: OU coach Bob Stoops tried to stop the Broncos' early momentum by challenging the spot after Derek Schouman's 6-yard catch on third-and-5. Schouman bobbled the ball initially before securing the catch, and officials ruled that his forward progress was enough for a first down. Stoops lost his only coach's challenge with 9:25 remaining in the first. The replay officials' decision was huge. On the next play, James caught a 49-yard touchdown. (Dallas Morning News)
Eyes on Peterson: There were two interested parties watching running back Adrian Peterson's every move in pregame warmups Monday night. One was Peterson's father, Nelson, who stood in the stands wearing a white T-shirt with a picture of his then-7-year-old son on the front, wearing a powder blue No. 32 jersey as he posed for a youth football shot. The words "Beginning Of" and "All Day" framed the picture. Down on the field as Peterson loosened up and ran through receiving drills, Cleveland Browns scout Kevin Kelly stood about 25 feet away, scribbling in an orange notebook. (Tulsa World)
More on Malcolm Kelly Injury status: Malcolm Kelly, the Sooners' leading receiver coming in, went without a catch for the first time in 22 games, dating back to OU's loss to Texas on Oct. 8, 2005. The reason, according to reports by OU's radio network and Fox Sports, was a concussion sustained in the first quarter. Kelly took a hard fall going for a deep post in the end zone between Boise State defensive backs Marty Tadman and Orlando Scandrick late in the first quarter. He stayed in the game another seven plays before giving way to Quentin Chaney the last three quarters. (Tulsa World)
Practice scare closes the roof? The decision was made when a pregame parachute drop was canceled. The drop was canceled after an accident occurred during practices last week at Arizona State's Sun Devil Stadium. One of the parachutists landed in the stands. The decision was made because of the tighter confines of the roof at University of Phoenix Stadium. "For safety reasons, we decided not to do it,” Fiesta Bowl vice president Shawn Schoeffler said. (NewsOK.com)
Smoky Start: Officials shot off fireworks during pregame introductions, and the smoke filled the stadium during the first half. The retractable roof remained closed, however, and players had to fight through it. OU's Marcus Walker dropped a possible interception in the second quarter after losing track of the ball in the air. (Dallas Morning News) Just think if Al Michaels were there, the rant we could of heard fireworks are just "stupid!"
Peterson shows no rust: OU running back Adrian Peterson has gotten most of the workload in practice to make sure he's not rusty next Monday, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. Still, Wilson said Peterson, Allen Patrick and Chris Brown will all see action. "I've knocked all the rust off and [am] back to 100 percent," Peterson said. (Dallas Morning News)
Wilson unsure on how good Boise State is: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Thursday he's still trying to figure out how good Boise State is.He has watched BSU opponents San Jose State, Utah and Hawaii play in bowl games -- TiVo remote in hand -- to get a gauge."You're playing a team that looks awfully good who in some ways you know little about," Wilson said, "and you're trying to get a feel for that." (Idaho Statesman)
Sumlin Interviewed at La. Tech? OU receivers coach Kevin Sumlin said he met with representatives of Louisiana Tech about their head coaching vacancy, but the talks never got serious. Reports in Miami also linked Sumlin to the offensive coordinator position under new Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon. Sumlin said it was all media speculation, though, and that he has not spoken with anyone at Miami. (Dallas Morning News)
OU's and BSU's Alexanders related: Boise State safety Gerald Alexander hasn't been able to catch up with Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander, a distant relative. The two are planning to get together at some point during bowl week.Gerald learned during the Christmas break that his great grandfather and Rufus' great-grandfather are cousins."My family is coming. I don't know how much of his Oklahoma family is coming, but we're all family and I'm sure we'll meet together," Gerald said. (Idaho Statesman)
A. Peterson to make decision after Fiesta Bowl: With speculation running wild, Adrian Peterson remains coy about his future. The junior running back is 151 yards away from breaking Billy Sims' Oklahoma career rushing record of 4,118 yards. Peterson is expected to be an early first-round pick if he jumps to the NFL next year. "It's a big decision, but I'm waiting until after the game to finalize that," Peterson said. (Eastern Valley Tribune)
Fiesta Bowl practice visitors: Practice visitors included former OU head coach Chuck Fairbanks, who resides in the Phoenix area. He watched much of the practice along side Oklahoma athletics director Joe Castiglione. (Oklahoma Practice Notes)
Home Team: The Sooners are the home team and will wear their crimson-colored jerseys. (Dallas Morning News)
Mike Stoops visit the Sooners: OU coach Bob Stoops got a visit from younger brother and former co-defensive coordinator Mike Stoops on Wednesday. Mike Stoops, now head coach at Arizona (100 miles due south in Tucson), got to reunite with his brother, several staff members and a dozen or so players. "It's fun. I love seeing him," said Bob Stoops, who added that another brother, Mark -- Mike's defensive coordinator at Arizona -- would be arriving Thursday. Mike Stoops also coached defensive backs when he was at OU from 1999-2003. "I still have a connection with some guys," Mike Stoops said. "There isn't many guys left, but there's still about 10 or 12, maybe 15 guys that were playing when I was still here." (Tulsa World)
Boise State hits the practice field: Boise State practiced Wednesday at Scottsdale Community College for the first time since breaking for Christmas on Saturday.The Broncos will practice today, Friday and Saturday at Scottsdale CC, then hold a walk-through at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday. Scottsdale CC has one full practice field and two half fields.The Broncos seemed to have good energy in the 15 minutes of practice the media were allowed to watch. They met with some local children after practice. (Idaho Statesman)
A Boys and Girls Clubs TD Salute? When Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly spoke to a group of kids from Phoenix-area Boys and Girls Clubs after practice Wednesday, he received an interesting request. If he scores a touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl, he was asked, would he be willing to clasp his hands -- fingertips to wrists, palms together -- like the Boys and Girls Club symbol? "Yeah,” Kelly said, nodding, "I can do that.” (NewsOK.com)
Stoops visits with former Coach Alvarez: Bob Stoops had another reunion Wednesday when retired Wisconsin head coach (and now athletic director) Barry Alvarez showed up. Alvarez was Iowa's linebackers coach when Stoops was a Hawkeye safety and is part of the Fox Sports broadcast crew assigned to the Fiesta Bowl. He spent Wednesday getting tips on the Sooners from Stoops. "You know how that is, a player-coach relationship," Stoops said. (Tulsa World)
Baressi travels with team to AZ, future unclear: A lost season for Ben Baressi at least ends with some reward. Baressi is with the Sooners in Arizona, after missing the season due to an undisclosed medical condition. The offensive lineman's future with the team is uncertain. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma practice time spent: the team worked considerably on all facets of the game. Garrett Hartley had a second straight solid day of kicking field goals. The defense spent most of the practice on the practice field adjacent to the main game field at Pinnacle High School. The offense did extensive work on its passing game. (SoonerSports.com)
Wager between State Governors: Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and Idaho Gov. James Risch have made a friendly wager on the outcome of the Fiesta Bowl. The governor whose team comes up short will donate a basket of goods made in his home state to a charitable organization of the winning governor's choice. The University of Oklahoma and Boise State University will meet on New Year's Day in the annual game. ``I have unwavering confidence that Coach (Bob) Stoops and our Sooners will make Monday a triumphant one for the Crimson and Cream,'' Henry said. ``Boise State is an excellent team, but I plan to kick off the New Year with another OU victory.'' (KOTV.com)
NFL draft expert on Adrian Peterson: Gil Brandt, the former Cowboys personnel director, is now a senior analyst for NFL.com. He said each case must be looked at individually before determining whether a player should go pro. "The big thing with Peterson is what it his collarbone going to be like," Brandt said. "That's where you have to go and get a good doctors' report on it. Or, have your doctor call the Oklahoma doctor and have them send you X-rays and so forth. "I hope the guy stays in school. I would say there isn't much chance that he will stay in school." (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson not worried about Fiesta Bowl Injury: Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson may be risking millions of dollars by playing in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against No. 9 Boise State. But the junior said Wednesday he isn't worried about injuring his collarbone again and wants to break the school's all-time rushing record. "I've been playing the game since I was 7," Peterson said. "A lot of guys speculate and say that I'm not coming back or why should he play? But I love the game. That's why I play. I love the game, I love the guys that I play with. "God's decided for me to be back out there, so I'm just ready to get back in the groove and play." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops finishes third in AP Coach of the Year award: Jim Grobe held Wake Forest together after a couple of potentially devastating injuries, refused to let his players feel sorry for themselves and turned the perennially downtrodden Demon Deacons into champions. For orchestrating one of the most surprising turnarounds in college football - and the best season in Wake Forest's 105-year football history - Grobe was honored as The Associated Press Coach of the Year on Wednesday. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who took the once-laughable Scarlet Knights within a victory of the Bowl Championship Series, finished second with 12 votes. Oklahoma's Bob Stoops was third with six votes. Ohio State's Jim Tressel received three votes. Arkansas' Houston Nutt got two votes. Boise State's Chris Petersen, Louisville's Bobby Petrino and first-year Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema each received one vote. (Charlotte Observer)
Oklahoma's Thompson would like a playoff system: Oklahoma is playing for a Fiesta Bowl championship next month. It could, however, contend for a national championship were there a playoff in place. "I guess I can be a spokesman for a playoff system since I'm on my way out of here," OU quarterback Paul Thompson said Wednesday. "I think playing it on the field is the only way. There's going to be speculation year in and year out as to who the top team is. With the system right now it's pretty much impossible to declare the top two teams." (Tulsa World)
Peterson likely to start in Fiesta Bowl: Despite missing Oklahoma's last seven games with a collarbone injury, running back Adrian Peterson likely will start against No. 9 Boise State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "We're not there yet," Stoops said. "We'll see how he progresses through this time, but in all likelihood, yes." (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson back to practice: The junior tailback resumed practicing with the Sooners on Friday but hasn't spoken with reporters yet - so the Sooners spoke about him. "He's getting more and more snaps in there,'' Oklahoma 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. It can only be positive.'' (More at SoonerSports.com/AP)
OU's Thompson and Alexander completes full BCS circle: Thompson and linebacker Rufus Alexander will be among a rare handful of fifth-year players who in their careers their teams have played in all of the BCS bowls -- Rose (2003), Sugar ('04), Orange ('05) and the upcoming Fiesta. "Not too many people can say that," Alexander said. "Our class is the first [at OU] that can. It's a great feeling." "It's a good feat for our senior class," Thompson said. "But we definitely want to get the win. That's the main thing. We've lost the last two of three [bowls], so we definitely want the win." (Star-Telegram)
Peterson cleared to practice: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Adrian Peterson returned to practice Friday and that he expects the junior running back to play in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. "We're going to work towards playing him," Stoops said. But Stoops left himself some wiggle room; he never said definitively that Peterson will play. So it's still possible that Peterson could choose not to risk further damage to his collarbone. Peterson broke the bone Oct. 14 and hasn't played since. It's widely believed Peterson will leave OU after this season and declare for the NFL draft, where he'll probably be a first-round pick. "He's cleared to play," Stoops said. (Dallas Morning News)
Injured T. Williams returns to practice: Oklahoma offensive lineman Trent Williams returned to practice Wednesday. Williams, a true freshman right tackle, was carted off the field during last Saturday's Big 12 Championship game in Kansas City, Mo., for an ankle injury. OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said the injury might have appeared more serious than it actually was. "I think it was more painful than it turned out to be," Wilson said after Friday's practice. "He's good. He's had a bad ankle he's fighting through. He's done great." (NewsOK.com)
Sooners back to practice: Fresh off the Big 12 Championship, the OU football team returned to practice inside the Everest Training Facility in Norman on Friday evening. Players and coaches met with the media in the Big Red Room under the south end zone of Memorial Stadium to discuss practice and the upcoming bowl trip. (SoonerSports.com)
Stoops would like early signing period: OU coach Bob Stoops says he wouldn't object to the NCAA instituting an early signing period for high school football players, like it has for other sports. And this time of the season would be perfect for it. "Some people want it too early. They want it before the season starts," he said. "The ideal situation would be sometime in the middle or late December, like when the junior-college guys sign. "Kids have plenty of time for an official visit. Some kids are going to school in that next semester. It just seems like that would be a good time." (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Nebraska sees no difference in Sooners without Peterson: Nebraska linebacker Corey McKeon said he hasn't noticed a drop-off in OU's running game without Adrian Peterson. "It's Oklahoma, and you know they'll have good running backs," McKeon said. "Adrian Peterson casts a very large shadow... You could be the second-best running back in the nation and be playing behind Adrian Peterson." McKeon wasn't sure of Peterson's replacement's name, just the number. But he saw a similarity. "No. 23 (Allen Patrick), he looks just like Adrian running hard out there," McKeon said. "He's a downhill guy and he's going to be tough to play against." (NewsOK.com) Michigan prep QB eyeing Oklahoma? Keith Nichol, the Lowell (Mich.) High School senior rated among the top five prep quarterbacks in the nation, visited OU Wednesday, even through he verbally committed to Michigan State over a year ago. "I am just going out there to reassure myself of my decision," Nichol told the Grand Rapids Press before leaving. "With all the stuff that has been going on, I want to make sure I am where I want to be." Nichol committed to John L. Smith, the Michigan State coach who was fired this season. The Spartans hired Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio to replace Smith this week, and Nichol said he plans to visit Dantonio after his trip to OU. "He is a 17-year-old boy, and we want to make sure we are getting all the information before him that he needs," Gary Nichol, Keith's father, told the Press. "Once he has that information, he will be ready to make a decision." (Tulsa World) Current Sooners met at Nebraska: Oklahoma defensive backs Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were friends before they became teammates. The sophomores met during the recruiting process. "First time I met Reggie, we were both on a visit to Nebraska," Harris said. "As a matter of fact, we were over at the safeties' house, (Josh and Daniel) Bullocks. We were just talking about recruiting. Exchanging stats. He was overwhelmed at mine. I was overwhelmed at his." Harris, from Alexandria, La., wishes he and Smith, from Edmond, could have teamed up sooner. (NewsOK.com)
Pair of Sooners' receives Rivals.com honors: Left tackle Chris Messner and placekicker Garrett Hartley were named to the Rivals.com All-America teams. Messner, a senior from Frederick, was named third-team while Hartley, a junior from Southlake, Texas, was picked second-team. (Tulsa World)
Sooners' grab Big XII honors, Stoops Coach of the Year, Rufus Defense Player of the Year: Sooner coach Bob Stoops was named the Big 12 Conference’s coach of the year by both the conference’s coaches and the Associated Press. Linebacker Rufus Alexander was named the Big 12’s defensive player of the year by the coaches. Running back Adrian Peterson, offensive tackle Chris Messner and defensive ends C.J. Ah You and Larry Birdine were also first-team selections by the coaches. (The Associated Press team has yet to be released). The second-team and honorable mention selections were also loaded with Sooners. Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, kicker Garrett Hartley and defensive backs Marcus Walker, Nic Harris and Reggie Smith were second-team selections. OU’s honorable mention selections included Steven Coleman (defensive tackle), Brody Eldridge (fullback), Joe Jon Finley (tight end), Lendy Holmes (defensive back), Zach Latimer (LB), Allen Patrick (running back), Duke Robinson (offensive line), Reggie Smith (return specialist), Paul Thompson (quarterback), Brandon Walker (offensive line) and Darien Williams (defensive back). It is the third time Stoops has received the award and the sixth time a Sooner has won offensive or defensive player of the year recognition. (Norman Transcript)
Team Awards: Bob Stoops said he appreciated being selected Tuesday as the Big 12 Coach of the Year by his peers, who also named Sooners linebacker Rufus Alexander as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. "To me, those are team awards. I'll make it a point that our players understand that the only reason we got those is because of how hard the team has worked," Stoops said. "And I know Rufus feels the same way." (Star-Telegram)
Peterson likely for Bowl Game: Bob Stoops erased any uncertainty about Adrian Peterson's availability for the Big 12 Championship Game, saying Tuesday that the star running back will not play Saturday against Nebraska but is "very likely" to play in the bowl game. Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State. Stoops had said Monday that it was "unlikely" Peterson would play, but he gave a more definitive answer Tuesday at his weekly media luncheon. "He's close," Stoops said. "He could be cleared to play. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play, but there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong, took a severe hit — I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point. "We're not going to take that chance." Though Peterson is regarded as possibly the best running back in college football, the Sooners haven't been lacking in run production since his injury. (NewsOK.com)
Coach Stoops staying put, he says: "I'm not interested in any jobs," he said. That hasn't kept writers in Alabama from throwing Stoops' name into the pool of candidates to replace recently fired Mike Shula. Or an Orlando columnist from urging Miami to pursue Stoops as the Hurricanes' next coach. Or other media from suggesting that Stoops would be interested in whatever NFL jobs open in the coming weeks. "That's amazing," Stoops said. "Every coach, they find out through all of you guys (the media) they're a candidate. No one ever knows. Whoever has a winning record, oh, he's a candidate. It's silly the way it all works." (Tulsa World)
Weather in the forecast for the Sooners: With forecasts calling for temperatures in the 20s Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., Bob Stoops faces the task of preparing his team to play in such weather. "We could ride up to Minnesota and have some practices I guess," Stoops said Tuesday. "(The weather is) not gonna matter. I think, more than anything, wind matters in games more than cold does." The wind is not expected to be blowing significantly Saturday. Thompson said he has never played in a game where the temperature was below 20. "If it's 17 degrees, I'm in bed somewhere," he said. (NewsOK.com)
Williams to return after injury: Stoops said free safety Darien Williams will return Saturday night after missing the OSU game with a knee injury. That will allow Nic Harris to move back to his nickel safety / linebacker position. (Tulsa World)
Venables Broyles Award Finalist: Oklahoma associate head coach Brent Venables has been named as one of five finalists for the 11th Frank Broyles Award. The honor is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football. Venables, who also is defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Sooners, is in his eighth season at OU. The other finalists are Ohio State passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels; Virginia Tech defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Bud Foster; Arkansas defensive coordinator Reggie Herring and Louisville offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. The winner of the 2006 Broyles Award will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 16, in Little Rock, Ark., at a banquet presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock. (SoonerSports PR)
Peterson out for Big XII Title game: No. 8 Oklahoma will be without star tailback Adrian Peterson when it faces No. 19 Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game Saturday. Peterson, the 2004 Heisman runner-up, has missed six weeks after breaking his collarbone Oct. 14 on a touchdown run against Iowa State. "Adrian is not going to play," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "Without being too technical, he's close. He could be cleared to play, but each week that passes the likelihood of it reoccurring is less and less." Peterson, the nation's No. 2 rusher at the time of his injury, initially was expected to miss six weeks. "There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play," Stoops said. "But there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong or took a severe hit -- I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point? We're not going to take that chance." Oklahoma (10-2, 7-1 Big 12) has won all six of its games without Peterson, who set an NCAA freshman record in 2004 with 1,925 yards rushing. He had 935 yards and 10 touchdowns in six games this season and is 150 yards shy of Oklahoma's career rushing record, held by 1978 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims. (NBC Sports)
Peterson Close, but highly unlikely: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Adrian Peterson's availability for Saturday's Big 12 championship game was "highly unlikely" but evaded further questions about the running back's health. Asked following Monday's practice if he had an update on Peterson's status, Stoops said, "Uh, no. Not definitive, but right now, highly unlikely. We're not anticipating that." Asked if Peterson had an X-ray or bone scan Monday, Stoops said, "I'm not getting into all of that." Asked if Peterson's participation against Nebraska was still a possibility or had been ruled out, Stoops said, "Next question." (Tulsa World)
Bob Stoops named Eddie Robinson finalist Coach of the Year: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is one of nine finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. The honor is voted on annually by the Football Writers Association of America. Other finalists include Arkansas' Houston Nutt, Rutgers' Greg Schiano, Wake Forest's Jim Grobe, Houston's Art Briles, Hawaii's June Jones, Michigan's Lloyd Carr, BYU's Bronco Mendenhall and Boise State's Chris Petersen. The finalists will be placed on a ballot which will be sent out to the entire FWAA membership by e-mail. FWAA members will be asked to vote for their top three choices in the order they are deserving. The FWAA Coaching Award is named after Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University for 55 years. He has more Division I victories (408) than any other coach. The winner of the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award will be announced and honored at a reception on Jan. 5 in Glendale, Ariz., in conjunction with the BCS 1-2 game. Stoops' Sooners, who won seven straight to nab the Big 12 South Division title, will be playing in the Big 12 title game against Nebraska despite losing their starting quarterback and top running back during the course of the season. (SoonerSports PR)
Kelly keeps his cool despite few passes: [Oklahoma, WR., Malcolm] Kelly was a frustrated wide receiver when he met the media two days after the A&M game. However, that was not the case Monday evening when he was asked about the single catch in Stillwater. "During the O-State game one of our coaches came up to me and told me to keep my composure or whatever," Kelly said. "I was like, 'Man, I'm not worried about it. I'm trying to play next Saturday (in the Big 12 championship game).' "However we've got to take it, we're winning games. We're overcoming what everybody thought." (Tulsa World)
A lil' Oklahoma history: Cornhuskers quarterback Zac Taylor grew up in Norman, the son of former Sooner defensive back Sherwood Taylor.So he understands the history of OU-Nebraska. "The games I remember more than anything else were the OU-Nebraska games when I was a little kid," Taylor said. "Those are the most vivid memories I have. "Back then, I was an Oklahoma fan cheering against Nebraska. Now it's the other way around." (NewsOK.com)
Big XII Championship tickers SOLD-OUT: If you want to go to Saturday's Big 12 championship but don't already have tickets, your best bet might be eBay. Oklahoma sold out its allotment of approximately 8,500 tickets early Monday, just as Nebraska had done several days earlier after the Huskers qualified for the championship by winning the Big 12 North. The Big 12 was allotted approximately 2,000 tickets, leaving in the neighborhood of 60,000 tickets available for the general public. By 4 p.m. Monday, a Ticketmaster representative said the only seats available were in wheelchair sections. (Tulsa World)
Sooners conditioning for Big XII Title game: OU offensive line coach James Patton is well aware of the weekend weather predictions. The low temperature is projected to be 21 degrees in Kansas City, which could make for a low scoring, grind-it-out affair. "That is a lineman's night," Patton said. "There's no reason to be tired or sweating a lot after a drive." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops excited about meaningful game: OU coach Bob Stoops said Sunday he was excited to again be playing in a game with so much riding on the outcome. After being in the hunt for Big 12 and national championships every season from 2000-2004, the Sooners weren't in any of those discussions during an 8-4 campaign a year ago. It appeared they would be left out again this year, until Texas A&M upset Texas on Friday. "It was exciting to me Friday when that happened to again be in a game that meant so much," Stoops said. "It's exciting to be in it, where you have so much at stake." (NewsOK.com)
Williams earns praises: Freshman right tackle Trent Williams, who made his fifth straight start in place of injured Branndon Braxton, earned praise from Stoops. "He has played great the whole year. I mean, it's been really good," Stoops said. "It is very unusual, the strength and ability at that age to play like he has. . ." Two of Williams' best lead blocks came on touchdown drives. (Tulsa World)
Announcement on Peterson's Big XII status today? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops likely will make an announcement on Peterson's condition sometime today, just as he did last week. When he addressed the media Sunday afternoon, Stoops said he had not yet spoken with the team doctors and did not know when they planned to perform a bone scan on Peterson's injured collarbone to determine whether he could play. (NewsOK.com)
Boise State likely opponent, if Sooners Win Saturday Night: Sooner fans might want to hold off on those reservations to Glendale. Oklahoma must first beat Nebraska this Saturday in the Big 12 championship before accepting the league's berth into the Bowl Championship Series and its "home" bowl, the Fiesta Bowl, in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 1. Most projections have the Big 12 winner playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. But even if the Sooners did win the Big 12, there is a slim chance their destination might not be the desert. "(OU-Boise State) is what a lot of people are saying," said Big 12 associate commissioner Bob Burda, "but until they get on their conference calls and make their picks, we won't know. We've been surprised before." (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma's Patrick runs past O-State: After a costly controversy and a Red River loss, Oklahoma seemed to be down and out. But look at the Sooners now, back on top and playing for a berth in the BCS. Allen Patrick ran for 163 yards and a touchdown to help No. 13 Oklahoma survive another Bedlam scare and win the Big 12 South title with a 27-21 win against Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners' run to the title started immediately after a loss to Texas in October, and six of the team's seven straight wins have come without star tailback Adrian Peterson. "We've overcome a lot, but we knew we could get here," quarterback Paul Thompson said. "We knew we had the guys, the personnel to get here, especially after the changes we made and we saw what we had in our replacements. ... We never gave up hope of getting here, and now we're here." (ESPN.com - Stats)
Peterson unlikely for Big XII title game: The 23rd-ranked Huskers (9-3) clinched the Big 12 North title two weeks ago. The 13th-ranked Sooners (10-2) needed some help. But after Texas A&M upset Texas on Friday, all OU had to do was beat Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Sooners won, 27-21. OU coach Bob Stoops said it's unlikely running back Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) will play. "They'll have to do the bone scan again and assess what they feel, whether it's OK for him or not," Stoops said. "I would say it's doubtful. That would be my feeling today. Now, that may change." (Dallas Morning News)
Sooners atop NCAA in 10- win seasons: With its 27-21 victory over Oklahoma State Saturday, Oklahoma became the nation's leader in 10-win seasons with 29. Prior to Saturday, the Sooners were tied with Alabama. The Sooners have six 10-win seasons in eight years under coach Bob Stoops. Barry Switzer won 10 games 10 times in 16 years. (NewsOK.com)
Hartley rare miss: Hartley's missed extra point in the second quarter marked his first miss in 41 attempts this season (ended game with 43 season attempts) and only his second in 94 career attempts. (Sooner Sports Statistics)
Sooners watching Texas: Bob Stoops says he didn't watch a lot of Texas A&M's 12-7 victory over Texas on Friday. Quite the contrary, in fact. "I was out in the yard shooting baskets with my children," Stoops said. That's certainly a better post-Thanksgiving activity than biting nails, sweating bullets and crying, "Gig em!" But when your team's future rides on whether the Aggies can beat the Longhorns for the first time in a long time. . . . "Yeah, we watched it," said OU defensive end Alonzo Dotson. "It was exciting." (Tulsa World)
Patrick's rushes for longest run of '06: Patrick's 65-yard TD run, a career high, on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter marked the longest run by any Sooner this season. It is the longest rush since Adrian Peterson’s 84-yard TD run against Oklahoma State in 2005. (Sooner Sports Statistics)
Big XII Championship tickets: The University of Oklahoma Athletics Ticket Office has tickets available for the 2006 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship Game scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Sooners will take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 7 p.m., kickoff. Tickets are $70 each. The ticket office will be open to take calls from season ticket holders from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26th and from 8-10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. If tickets still remain, they will be available to the general public beginning at 10 a.m., Monday. Tickets may be purchased by calling the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424 or 800-456-GoOU. All orders will be shipped overnight via UPS. (SoonerSports PR)
Bob Stoops Website in the works: Asked on Tuesday if he had thought about launching his own Web site -- www.BobStoops.com -- the Oklahoma head football coach's response drew uncontrolled laughter. "What do you do with it?" he asked the questioner. Then, Stoops revealed the truth. "Yeah," he said, "I'm working on one. I think." The OU Internet Technology department is developing a site that will be devoted strictly to Sooner football, particularly recruiting. The name is still fluid, as is the content and presentation, but BobStoops.com is a strong possibility. "From what I understand," Stoops said, "somebody's working on one for me, I think." Actually, said associate athletic director for media relations Kenny Mossman, Stoops was the driving force behind the idea. "He sought us out and asked us to work on that project. He's definitely interested in it," Mossman said. "He sees a tremendous value in it. He's personally not very Web-savvy, but he understands the value of it." Mossman said the site will be housed within the athletic department's address -- www.SoonerSports.com (More at Tulsa World)
Oklahoma's Hartley Groza Finalist: Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the top kicker in college football. The Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Palm Beach County Sports Commission made the announcement Tuesday. The award is presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The other finalists are John Vaughn of Auburn and Arthur Carmody of Louisville. Hartley has connected on 17 of 18 field goals this season. His only miss on the year came on a blocked 44-yard field goal against Oregon. Hartley currently ranks No. 2 among all players in the Big 12 Conference with 8.2 points per game. The junior place-kicker’s season long is a 46-yard field goal against Iowa State. Hartley has also remained perfect this season in extra point attempts going 39-of-39. Twice this year Hartley was named a Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Star of the Week. (SoonerSports PR)
Aggie win, OU win over O-State equals incentives: Stoops has thousands of reasons to pull for the Aggies – approximately $230,000 worth of reasons. That's how much money Stoops could make in contract incentives if his Sooners get into the Big 12 championship game. According to the contract, Stoops would earn $60,000 just for playing in the Big 12 title game or $80,000 if OU wins it. Then, Stoops would make an additional $100,000 for participating in one of the four BCS bowls. He'll also earn $50,000 if OU finishes in the top 20 of the BCS standings, which is possible now, or $75,000 for landing in the top 10. (Dallas Morning News) Williams Questionable: Free safety Darien Williams is, in secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright's estimation, 70 percent after injuring a knee last week at Baylor. Asked after practice Tuesday if he thought he'd play at Oklahoma State Saturday, Williams said: "Probably. I don't know for sure, but I'm leaning that way." Wright said if Williams can't go, nickel back Nic Harris would replace him in the Sooners' 4-3 base defense. Harris would return to the nickel safety / linebacker position in OU's five-defensive back set, with Jason Carter joining Reggie Smith at safety. (Tulsa World)
Stoops expects Peterson to Return: Will Adrian Peterson ever play again in crimson and cream? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops sounded like a believer Tuesday. "I'm pretty convinced of that," Stoops said. "Things may change, but at this point it hasn't for him." Peterson was hopeful to return from a broken collarbone in time to play in Saturday's Bedlam game. That possibility was ruled out after a bone scan done Monday. Stoops said he was uncertain whether Peterson might make it back should the Sooners make the Big 12 title game Dec. 2. Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson, said Monday that his son still wanted to play for OU in a bowl game. As for the long layoff — the injury occurred Oct. 14 and a late-December or early January bowl is expected for the Sooners — Stoops said it's no concern. "He's out there running and doing things, training," Stoops said. "He's in shape. (NewsOK.com) OU Scholars: Fullback Dane Zaslaw, defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and defensive end Larry Birdine represent OU on the Academic All-Big 12 first team released Tuesday. Lofton and running back Jacob Gutierrez made the second team. (Tulsa World) Is Stoops feeling the Bedlam?: Norman Transcript
AD out for Bedlam 2006: Adrian Peterson won't play Saturday against Oklahoma State, Allen Patrick might and freshman Chris Brown is ready no matter what as No. 14 Oklahoma prepares for its regular-season finale. Coach Bob Stoops said Peterson, a junior who is 150 yards shy of the school's all-time rushing record, hasn't shown enough progress from a broken collarbone suffered Oct. 14. "The scan showed that he wasn't completely healed, so they're [the doctors] not going to release him yet," Stoops said after Monday's practice. After Peterson suffered the injury, doctors said the recovery would take about six weeks. This would be the sixth week. It's unclear whether Peterson would play in the Big 12 championship game if the Sooners get there. Peterson still hopes to return for OU's bowl. (Dallas Morning News)
Sooners Status: After announcing Monday morning that Adrian Peterson will not play Saturday against Oklahoma State, the Sooners got just a little good news later in the day when running back Allen Patrick, wide receiver Manuel Johnson and free safety Darien Williams returned to the field in limited action. OU coach Bob Stoops said Patrick "was better," Johnson "did some things" and Williams "did a little bit." Receivers coach Kevin Sumlin said Johnson -- out last week after getting knocked unconscious the week before against Texas Tech -- practiced without contact in shorts and shoulder pads and a helmet. "But he went through everything we did today, routes and working on our game plan for Saturday, putting that in," Sumlin said. "He looks quick and he looks fast. "We're going out and proceeding just like normal. He was in the huddle today with the ones, the huddle broke and we threw him a couple of balls. So as of right now, I don't see that there's going to be any issue with that." (Tulsa World)
Sooners take home pair of Big 12 weekly honors: Oklahoma players took two of the three Big 12 weekly football honors for their play in last Saturday's 36-10 win at Baylor. Safety Reggie Smith was named the defensive player of the week, while kick returner Juaquin Iglesias won the special teams honor. Smith, a sophomore from Edmond, Okla., had two interceptions with 94 yards in returns. His first went for 42 yards and a touchdown, while his second covered 52 yards and set up the Sooner offense at the Baylor 18. Four plays later, OU punched in another touchdown. Smith also broke up three passes and registered two tackles in the game. Iglesias, a sophomore from Killeen, Texas, had two returns for 111 yards, including an 88-yarder for a touchdown on a Baylor free kick. It was the first kickoff return, as free kicks are categorized, for a touchdown by a Sooner player since Mark Bradley went for 100 yards against Iowa State in 2004. Kansas running back Jon Cornish was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. The Jayhawks downed in-state rival Kansas State. (SoonerSports PR)
Coach Stoops on Peterson postseason honors: Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson has missed five games, but remains on the watch list for some postseason awards, including the Doak Walker Award for the nation's best running back. Coach Bob Stoops was asked Sunday if Peterson should still be considered for postseason honors such as All-Big 12 and All-America. "I would think so," he said. "You can't deny the special player he is." Peterson's rushing total of 935 yards still ranks second in the Big 12, and his 155.8 yards per game is first. (NewsOK.com)
Stoops remembers Michigan's Bo: As a Big Ten country native -- born and raised in Ohio, played and coached in Iowa -- Stoops offered some perspective on last week's death of legendary Michigan coach Bo Schembechler Sunday. "That's sad. (He was) a special guy," Stoops said. "I'm too young to have been around him. I did have a chance to meet him at one of our coaches' conventions down in Orlando. "I grew up in Ohio, so I always watched (the Ohio State-Michigan) game and had a cousin who played for Michigan way back when. I always kind of favored Michigan a little bit growing up, because of that association. "But always respect and admire everything you read and know about (Schembechler), what he stood for, and how his teams always played." (Tulsa World)
Stoops not thinking about Bowl possibilities: Coach Bob Stoops said he has not begun to think about bowl possibilities. The Sooners are still alive for the Big 12 South title. "Too much has to happen yet, I think with everybody," he said. (Dallas Morning News) That time of year: Norman Transcript
Sooners Sack the Bears: Bob Stoops isn't having a tough time dealing with Oklahoma's turnovers, not when the players making the mistakes are also scoring touchdowns. Plus, the 16th-ranked Sooners have a six-game winning streak and are still in contention for the Big 12 South title after overcoming five miscues Saturday in a 36-10 victory at Baylor. ''I thought we played well. We executed. That's the pleasing part,'' Stoops said. ''There's a bunch of young guys that are moving the football in a good way. ... If we can learn to finish with two hands and not let the ball go, we'll be in great shape.'' Malcolm Kelly had a touchdown catch and an incredible grab to keep alive another scoring drive by Oklahoma (9-2, 6-1 Big 12). But the sophomore was running down the sideline on his way to another apparent long TD play when he dropped the ball trying to fend off a defender. Reggie Smith , another sophomore, returned one of his two interceptions 42 yards for a touchdown and set up another TD with his other. Third-string freshman tailback Chris Brown ran 24 times for 169 yards and a score. But Baylor (4-8, 3-5) got its only scores after fumbles by Smith (who lost two punt returns) and Brown. (AP/SI.com - Stats)
Baylor dips to a new-low: Baylor established a school-record low with minus-48 yards rushing. The Bears had minus-37 rushing yards against Kansas State in 2002. From OU's standpoint, the minus-48 rushing yards allowed was the second-best showing in school history. Most of the total was due to quarterback Blake Szymanski being sacked five times. Szymanski compiled minus-57 rushing yards on nine carries. A safety was also charged to the team as an 8-yard loss. Paul Mosley, Mario Price and Carl Sims had 17 rushing yards combined. (Dallas Morning News)
Peterson Bedlam status? Adrian Peterson on playing Oklahoma State next week with The Oklahoman... Does he want to play against Oklahoma State? "What do you think?" Peterson said, jerking his head in mock disgust at the mere suggestion he'd skip a chance to compete if not for the broken collarbone that has sidelined him since the Iowa State game Oct. 14. Perhaps that reaction more than anything offers the best insight into what the Oklahoma running back will do, if given clearance by doctors this week. For any further clues, maybe an Ouija board is in order. Will he or won't he? Doctors will x-ray and evaluate Peterson early this week, leading to a decision on his availability when the Sooners face OSU on Saturday in Stillwater. "I'll have to get with the doctors (today) or Monday and just see what they think," said Sooners coach Bob Stoops. "Anyone that's throwing out anything else — let me tell you, I haven't conferred with them, because I knew he wasn't playing this week. When I get with them Monday and know something, then I'll have something to say about it. "Anyone else that's talking about it before that is just guessing." (NewsOK.com)
Pair of Sooners Get First Starts: WR Fred Strong and RB Chris Brown made their first career starts. Brown is the third true freshman to make a start for the Sooners in 2006 (C Chase Beeler and RT Trent Williams).
Brown sets Career High: Chris Brown rushed for a career high 169 yards on 24 carries.
Same Scheme, Different Team: Baylor has made no secret of the fact that they copied Texas Tech's wide-open offense. The only differences, says OU coach Bob Stoops, are in the play-calling. "Some of the plays (Baylor) likes to emphasize is a coach's personality or who is calling the play," Stoops said. "There are a few differences that way. There's still plays that work for both teams. There are certain routes that Baylor might like more than (Texas Tech) has." For OU secondary coach Bobby Jack Wright, playing Texas Tech and Baylor back-to-back made for an easy week of coaching. "(Baylor has) the same schemes, same type of routes, same type of personnel combinations," Wright said. (NewsOK.com)
Patrick Status Uncertain: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday night in his final communication of the week with media that he still didn't know if running back Allen Patrick would be able to play Saturday against Baylor. Patrick, who took over the starting running back chores after Adrian Peterson suffered a broken collarbone, has been nursing an injured ankle and missed last week's game against Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick is improving. "We're trying to work him up to the mode he'll (be able to play)," he said. "He's getting better and improving all the time." Stoops said ankle injuries are difficult to gauge, recalling how Peterson dealt with a similar injury last season. (Norman Transcript)
M. Walker on roommate Peterson: No one knows more about Adrian Peterson's possible return next week than his roommate, cornerback Marcus Walker. And Walker says he still doesn't know. "He's still working out," Walker said. "I think he works out like four or five times a week, lifting and doing what he needs to do to be ready to play once his shoulder's healed. Whenever they clear him to play, he'll still be the same old Adrian Peterson. Probably still run for 200 yards. So, ain't nothing changed." (Tulsa World)
Allen Patrick practices limited: Junior Allen Patrick, is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Patrick sat out of last Saturday's 34-24 victory over Texas Tech. Stoops said Patrick practiced in a limited capacity Monday and the injury has improved from where it was last week. "He did a little bit, but not a lot," he said. "He's better, better than he was Friday." But there was no indication given about Patrick's availability for the Baylor game. (Norman Transcript)
No Future Information on Peterson: Stoops said there was no update on the status of tailback Adrian Peterson, who has missed four games with a broken collarbone. "He's not playing this week," Stoops said. "Next week if you want to talk about it, we'll talk about it. There's nothing else." (Dallas Morning News)
More on Manuel Johnson: OU receiver Manuel Johnson was released from the hospital and attended team meetings Monday, according to Sooners co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin. Johnson was knocked unconscious and experienced temporary numbness after a helmet-to-helmet hit last Saturday night. He spent the night at OU Medical Center. Stoops said Johnson is scheduled to begin some weight-lifting and running later this week, but he won't play Saturday at Baylor. (NewsOK.com)
Manuel Johnson out for Baylor: Oklahoma receiver Manuel Johnson won't play Saturday against Baylor after being knocked out in the Sooners' game against Texas Tech. Johnson -- who has 23 catches for 255 yards -- was hospitalized after the game but returned home Sunday. Fellow receiver Malcolm Kelly says his roommate has a bad concussion but is all right now. Kelly says Johnson came home laughing and joking. Johnson had just caught a four-yard pass when he and Texas Tech's Chris Parker collided and hit helmets. Johnson had to be carted off the field and taken to a waiting ambulance. Kelly says all remembered was getting tackled and then waking up in the X-ray room. (AP/KOTV.com)
Peterson back for Bedlam? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed Monday that tailback Adrian Peterson might play in the Sooners' regular-season finale Nov. 25 against Oklahoma State. "Next week would be six weeks," Stoops said, referring to the time passed since Peterson fractured his left collarbone diving into the end zone to score a late touchdown against Iowa State. Stoops said Peterson would be re-evaluated next week and a determination would be made then. Peterson has been running and lifting weights the past few weeks. (Star-Telegram)
Stoops provides some "Coffee Talk" on playoff system: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops provided water-cooler chatter Tuesday, saying the idea of a playoff system is growing on him. The coach said he isn't lobbying to junk the Bowl Championship Series for a straight playoff, but he understands where it could be beneficial. "You see, more and more, some of the valid reasons why maybe it would be good," he said. "I'm not saying I'm for it. I'm on the fence right now." The Sooners (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) face an uphill battle to reach a fifth BCS bowl in seven years. They're ranked 17th in the BCS standings and would need a lot of help to receive an at-large berth. Oklahoma, which started the season ranked No. 10, fell as far as No. 23 after its loss to Texas. Its only other loss was a controversial one at Oregon. Pac-10 officials ruled after the game that a late onside kick should have been awarded to the Sooners, who would have been able to run out the clock and win. Stoops doesn't believe pollsters have ignored that loss. "In the end, everything is slotted by wins and losses. End of story," he said. "I knew when it happened that that's how it was going to be. In the end, you are not given any credit for playing a tough schedule or winning in a tight game." (Star-Telegram)
More Brown this week? Bob Stoops on Chris Brown:"He's getting more and more (work) in practice, closer and closer. We anticipate playing him this week and in the coming weeks," Stoops said. "You manage the games as they come. You don't have a set number (of carries) that they're going to get. I'm not second-guessing the way we played him one bit." Brown may be the only choice this week. Allen Patrick sprained his ankle at A&M, and may not be 100 percent for Texas Tech. (Tulsa World)
Patrick Injury update, held out of Practice: Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick suffered a sprained ankle last Saturday against Texas A&M and was held out of practice Monday and Tuesday. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson expects him to play Saturday against Texas Tech. However, he's concerned Patrick won’t be at full speed. "My concern is how efficient will he be Saturday," he said. "I think you play well when you practice well. It will be interesting to see how much we can get him as the week goes on." Patrick has rushed for 440 yards over the last three games while starter Adrian Peterson waits for a broken collarbone to heal. (Norman Transcript)
Nothing new on Peterson: Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson was asked to provide an Adrian Peterson update Tuesday. "I hear what you guys hear when they ask him on the replay of the TV (broadcast)," Wilson said. "He acts like he feels good. He was running down the field when (Patrick) had his knees up (on his nullified 78-yard touchdown at A&M), sprinting down the sideline. "He says he's doing some things for range of motion and strengthening. But I don't have an idea if it looks like for sure he's going to be back, or if it looks like for sure he's not going to be. We'll see where he is in the weeks to come." (Tulsa World)
Pendleton in SI on newsstands now: OU defensive tackle Carl Pendleton and his 10-year-old adopted brother, Kierstan, will be featured in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated. Carl Pendleton recently received an $18,000 scholarship grant from the National Football Foundation, which will allow him to continue with school and care for Kierstan, who lives with him in Norman, while Carl's parents are going through a divorce. The magazine is available at newsstands today. (NewsOK.com)
Birdine on Texas Tech win last year: Some Oklahoma players chose not to discuss what happened in last year's 23-21 loss at Texas Tech. Not Larry Birdine. "I was watching from the house, and I had front-row seats," said Birdine, a senior defensive end who was injured last season. "We got screwed. Everybody knew we got screwed. So many e-mails that we got showed clearly that it was short. "But I'm not the one to cry over spilled milk." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops' A&M call Coaches Call of the Week by ESPN's Pat Forde: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops (38) going for fourth-and-inches at his own 29 with 90 seconds to play, up one on Texas A&M. It worked, of course, and the Sooners are 7-2. (ESPN.com) Sooners hyped for Red Raider visit: SoonerSports.com
Injury Report: The Sooners emerged from a rugged game at A&M with some hurts, but no apparent major injuries. On Sunday, Bob S toops said Patrick (ankle sprain) should be "fine" and offensive guard Brandon Walker (shoulder) was not believed to be serious. Walker, who left the game at one point, returned and finished on the field, as did linebacker Zach Latimer (neck). (NewsOK.com)
Peterson targets Bedlam return: Injured OU running back Adrian Peterson said Saturday he wants to return for the regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. "Hopefully Oklahoma State, that's a possibility," Peterson said during a sideline interview with ABC. "But I've got to check with the doctors, take X-rays and see how it heals." (Dallas Morning News)
Lack of execution in second half: OU's offensive line opened gaping holes for running back Allen Patrick in the early going, leading to two scoring drives and 101 rushing yards for Patrick — in the first quarter. The success slowed in the second half, with the Sooners managing only 29 of its 224 rushing yards over the final two periods. "Just us not executing as cleanly," OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "And they did a better job of getting off blocks and playing physical." (NewsOK.com)
Venables praises Holmes: Oklahoma cornerback Lendy Holmes made one of the biggest defensive plays of the season Saturday, and it came on Texas A&M's longest gain of the night. Aggies tailback Michael Goodson ran by safety Nic Harris on an option and sped for 58 yards on his second play from scrimmage. The run would have covered 71 yards, and scored a touchdown, had Holmes not hustled after Goodson and caught him from behind. "Tremendous," OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Sunday. "Just a great effort play. A great example. It will be a tremendous teaching tool on why you don't ever give up on a play." (Tulsa World)
OU-Baylor game set for 11 AM FSN: The Big 12 Conference announced Monday that OU's football game at Baylor on Nov. 18 will kick off at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net. With the announcement, FSN is scheduled to televise the Sooners' three remaining regular-season games. (SoonerSports PR) Risky Business: Norman Transcript
Sooners Edge Aggies 17-16: Facing fourth-and-inches from his own 29 with 1:29 left, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wanted to punt to protect a one-point lead against Texas A&M. "The second I said punt it, I looked at all the offensive guys in their eyes, then I thought 'I can't punt it,"' Stoops said.The gamble paid off for the 18th-ranked Sooners, who got the first down they needed to wrap up a 17-16 victory over the 21st-ranked Aggies on Saturday night.Paul Thompson's second effort on a sneak gave Oklahoma (7-2, 4-1 Big 12) the first down, but the play ended up being moot. Texas A&M (8-2, 4-2) - home of the 12th man - was called for having 12 men on the field, giving the Sooners a first down and the ability to run out the clock."That's what we wanted," Thompson said of the call. "We didn't want to give the ball back and allow them to score."The Sooners won their fourth straight in Stoops' 100th game at Oklahoma while breaking a four-game winning streak by the Aggies. (AP/FOXSports.com)
Oklahoma-Texas Tech game 6:00 PM FSN: Fox Sports announced that it will televise Oklahoma's final home game of the 2006 season on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Sooners host Texas Tech at 6 p.m. at Owen Field. The OU-Texas Tech game extends the streak of Sooner games on TV to 53. FSN is Cox channel 37 in the Oklahoma City market and channel 27 in the Tulsa market. (SoonerSports PR)
Stoops on 4th down, fourth quarter call: Oklahoma's Bob Stoops on fourth down, and inches with 89 seconds remaining: "In the end, I just felt, 'Hey, you know what, we've got to be able to make an inch,' " Stoops reasoned in postgame. "Bottom line, they had the wind. I'm not gonna give them a chance (with the ball back). I just felt we were gonna make it." (Tulsa World)
AP 46th rusher to rack up 100 rushing yards in quarter: [Allen] Patrick's 101 yards in the first quarter marked the 46th time in OU history a player has rushed for 100 or more yards in a quarter. His 101 yards in the first quarter ranks 39th on that list. The record for most yards in a quarter is held by Adrian Peterson who rushed for 161 yards against Oklahoma State in the third quarter of the 2004 game. (Oklahoma Notes)
Adrian Out of Sling: Adrian Peterson (broken collarbone) is no longer wearing a sling. There has been no official update on when he might return, but he might be able to play in OU's Nov. 25 finale at Oklahoma State. (Star-Telegram)
Nic Harris taunting penalty: OU defensive back Nic Harris was flagged for taunting after tackling Texas A&M's Martellus Bennett in the first quarter. Harris stood over Bennett and made a ripping gesture with his arms. Coach Bob Stoops was quick to get in the face of Harris when he came to the sideline after the play. (NewsOK.com)
OU Rushing attack: OU recorded its second-highest rushing total of the season with 224 yards. Last week, the Sooners rushed for a season-best 231 yards. (Oklahoma Notes)
Walker Early Injury: [Brandon] Walker injured his shoulder on the game's first play from scrimmage, and gave way to Brian Simmons over the next four plays. Then Walker returned, as he did after injuring his shoulder last week, and went right back to banging. The majority of Patrick's first-half carries were over OU's left side. But Walker pulled from the right to throw lead blocks on several plays, including Patrick's 1-yard touchdown plunge for the game's first points. (Tulsa World)
Sooners get past Tigers: A swarming Oklahoma defense made life difficult on Chase Daniel and No. 23 Missouri, leading to a road win for the Sooners. Paul Thompson threw two touchdown passes, Allen Patrick rushed for 162 yards and No. 19 Oklahoma scored all of its points off Missouri's mistakes in a 26-10 victory Saturday. ''Opportunistic, I guess,'' Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. ''I don't know that this should be a surprise because we've been playing this way for several weeks now.'' The Sooners (6-2, 3-1 Big 12) won for the first time this season away from Norman, Okla., and snapped Missouri's eight-game home winning streak. After a 6-0 start, the Tigers (7-2, 3-2) have lost two of three. (AP/SoonerSports.com)
Kelly fastest to 1,000 receiving yards: Passed the 1,000-yard benchmark in career receiving yards in his 19th career game, quicker than any other OU player in history (Antwone Savage, 21). Kelly entered the game with 995 career receiving yards and finished with 1,035. He sits 18th on OU's all-time list in the category, five yards behind Jarrail Jackson. It took Kelly 13 games to reach 500 receiving yards, but just six to double that figure. (Oklahoma Notes) Oklahoma-Texas A&M set for 7:00 Kickoff: ABC announced Saturday night that the Oklahoma at Texas A&M game scheduled for next Saturday, Nov. 4, will kickoff at 7 p.m. The network said last week that it would choose between a morning and evening starting time. It eventually settled on the latter. This will mark the second straight week that OU has appeared on ABC. The Sooners will take a three-game winning streak to College Station, Texas. The most recent of those victories came Saturday at Missouri when OU prevailed over the No. 23 Tigers, 26-10. It was MU's first loss at home this season. (SoonerSports PR)
Peterson visits MO. youth team: Injured running back Adrian Peterson visited with a youth football team from St. Charles, Mo., before the game, and the 10- and 11-year-olds were starstruck. As the Sooners stretched, Peterson and running backs coach Cale Gundy walked to the north end zone to greet the Mid River Eagles, who are coached by former Missouri player Derrick Miller. Peterson shook hands and told the kids to stay focused and mind their studies. Gundy extolled Peterson to the Eagles as the Sooners' hardest worker. When he walked away, the Eagles' quarterback smiled and shouted, "Remember the Eagles!" "That was really cool of him to come down here and do that," said Miller. (Tulsa World)
Stoops pleased despite fumble: Coach Bob Stoops had high praise for his offense on a drive that resulted in no points. After Lendy Holmes smothered a pass on fourth-and-goal, OU took over at the 1 with 44 seconds left in the third quarter. The Sooners drove 68 yards in 10 plays and ate 4:43 off the clock. The drive ended when Thompson fumbled at the OU 42. "I was pumping them up on the sideline," Stoops said. "That's a heck of a drive and a big part of the game." (Dallas Morning News)
This one is for him: A memorable moment for the Sooners came with 5:02 left in the third quarter Saturday, when Quentin Chaney caught a 15-yard touchdown pass. "I ran the route, saw the ball coming, caught it and just made sure I stayed low," said Chaney, the sophomore from Booker T. Washington. "I felt a man on my back and pushed and got in that end zone." After the catch, Chaney found Malcolm Kelly, the receiver he replaced on the play. "The touchdown, I dedicated it to Malcolm," Chaney said. "His grandfather passed away earlier this week. He's kind of having a rough time. (Tulsa World)
Where's the Mizzou fans? Saturday's paid attendance was announced at 62,045. Despite the hype produced the weekend's only game between two teams ranked in the Associated Press top 25, the crowd still fell short of Faurot Field's 68,349 capacity. Nearly 1,600 more fans showed up last week when Missouri hosted Kansas State in the rain. (NewsOK.com)
AD on Maxwell Semifinalist: His time on the field may be decreasing, but there is no dip in respect for Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Acknowledging the broken collarbone that has sidelined Peterson, the Maxwell Football Club has tabbed the Sooner standout as one of 15 semifinalists for the 70th Maxwell Award. The honor is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate player. "While we recognize that Adrian is unable to play at this time, we felt that he was deserving of being on this list as one of the top players in college football, " said Mark Wolpert, Maxwell Club Senior Vice President for Collegiate Awards. Peterson suffered the injury on Oct. 14 during a 53-yard touchdown run against Iowa State. It capped a day in which the junior carried 26 times for 183 yards and a pair of TDs. On the season, Peterson has 168 carries for 935 yards and 10 touchdowns. He still ranks No. 3 nationally in rushing with 155.8 yards per game. He is No. 1 in all purpose yards at 204 per game and No. 4 in scoring at 11 points per game. He will remain in the national rankings until his percentage of games played drops below 75%. (SoonerSports Release) Smith expected to play Saturday: Oklahoma defensive back Reggie Smith said Tuesday the results of an MRI performed on his sore left knee showed cracks in the upper portion of his tibia bone, but he doesn't expect to miss any playing time. "It's kind of painful," he said, "but, you know, you've got to go through some pain sometimes." Smith, the Sooners' starter at strong safety, has been one of the defense's most consistent players. He's also established himself as one of the Big 12 Conference's most explosive punt returners. With 19th-ranked OU visiting No. 23 Missouri and the Tigers high-powered offense this weekend, the Sooners could hardly do without him. But, he said, they won't have to. "They said if it was offseason, it'd be two weeks on crutches and I'd be good as new. But since I'm going through it, by the end of next week I shouldn't feel it. Every day it's getting better. I'm not feeling it near as much as I was in the past." Smith gets around campus on crutches to reduce wear and tear on the injury and facilitate healing. (Tulsa World)
Former Sooner Onyenegecha Cited: Former Oklahoma defensive back Chijioke Onyenegecha early Saturday morning was cited by Norman police after an accusation of vandalism. Norman police Capt. Leonard Judysaid a 21-year-old woman told police Onyenegecha smashed a car's front passenger window and dented a door, possibly with a crutch, after an argument. He was issued a citation on suspicion of vandalism and destruction of private property. Onyenegecha, 23, played football at OU in 2004 and 2005. (NewsOK.com)
Scott impressed with Oklahoma visit: The Oklahoma Sooners hosted several top visitors this past weekend, none more highly regarded than four-star safety Christian Scott. Scott, hailing from Dallas Skyline High School, made his first official visit to Norman, Okla., this past weekend. Though this was his second trip to Oklahoma, this time he got to see the atmosphere on game day. Overall, he was impressed. "Everything went really well," Scott said. "I was just impressed because they were behind the Sooners to the fullest. That was the thing that stood out to me; the fans. So many fans are there and behind the team." Scott says that he also got to hang out with players like Demarcus Granger and Lendy Holmes. Holmes and Granger are both originally from the Dallas area. (USA Today)
Peterson coaches along Patrick: The man they call "All Day" became All Coach. "He kept coming up to me and telling me certain things I needed to do, things he saw that I couldn't see," starting tailback Allen Patrick said. "Like, I was trying to cut the ball inside and he said, 'Go outside, it's there, it's there.' So we started working towards that, going outside, and things started happening. He's a good guy and I appreciate the things he do for me." Patrick had 35 carries for 110 yards in Peterson's place. (NewsOK.com)
Right Tackle Braxton Injury: Right tackle Branndon Braxton broke a bone in his leg with about six minutes remaining in the third quarter and had to be carted off the field. Coach Bob Stoops said Braxton was probably out for the rest of the season. Braxton was replaced by freshman Trent Williams, who has gotten a fair amount of playing time recently as a reserve. Braxton's injury is the second major one along the offensive line this season. Center Jon Cooper missed the Middle Tennessee game with an injured ankle. (Dallas Morning News)
Brown sees some playing time: True freshman running back Chris Brown was brought out of redshirt Saturday night to help fill the void of Peterson. Kevin Wilson said Brown earned the playing time with a strong week of practice. "Some of the coaches will tell you (true freshman) Mossis Madu is playing as well as any freshman, but Chris Brown had the best week of practice," Wilson said. "We just had a little more confidence with him." Brown's first appearance came midway through the fourth quarter, though he didn't get a carry until the final two minutes. (NewsOK.com)
Smith sees little playing time: Sophomore Reggie Smith saw his workload lightened because of a bruised knee suffered against Iowa State. Nic Harris started at safety and Smith came in as a deep safety in passing situations. That got Smith onto the field, but he was purposely kept far from the action. (Dallas Morning News)
Lofton gets first start: Sophomore Curtis Lofton earned his first start at strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been saying for weeks he wants to give Lofton more time. When strongside starter Demarrio Pleasant injured his finger recently, Lofton finally got his chance. (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson expects to return 4-6 weeks: Adrian Peterson says, if healthy expect him to return for Oklahoma's bowl appearance, if not before. Peterson was asked, if he heals fast, "you can kinda say," Peterson said. The junior running back remained positive saying this won't affect the Sooners, "one man doesn't make a team." Peterson said time table for his return 4-6 weeks, also note AD wasn't asked if he had played his final game in the Crimson and Cream. (See AD time table at Oklahoma FanHouse)
Peterson Press Conference: Via Oklahoma FanHouse writes Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson will be a holding a press conference at 2:30/1:30 CT. Unsure what the press conference concerns, most likely his future at the University of Oklahoma and the collarbone injury. Peterson will address the media from Norman, Oklahoma. Live Video 1:25 CT via SoonerSports.com
Oklahoma to honor Gautt: Each 38-yard-line at Owen Field Saturday will be painted crimson as the Oklahoma football team honors its first black player, Prentice Gautt. OU had to receive permission from the NCAA to mark the yard lines. The Sooners already are honoring Gautt, who died in March 2005, with a No. 38 decal on each player's helmet. Gautt first played for the Sooners on the national championship team of 1956. Members of Gautt's family will be at the game, and 34 members of the 1956 team are scheduled to attend in remembrance of Gautt and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their national title. (NewsOK.com)
Reduced work load: OU coach Bob Stoops said Allen Patrick and Jacob Gutierrez will have their special teams roles reduced now that they will become bigger parts of the offense. Both are Sooners' special teams captains and play on nearly every unit. Stoops said fear of injuries isn't the reason for the switch."We don't go out there fearing injuries, it's more the conditioning and trying to keep their legs fresh," he said. (Norman Transcript)
Holmes to play hoops for Capel: Cornerback Lendy Holmes said he wouldn't mind joining Jeff Capel's basketball team after football season ends. Holmes, who was recruited in both football and basketball out of Dallas' South Oak Cliff High School, showed up at a walk-on tryout for the Sooners last Sunday night. Holmes had not talked to Stoops about going to the tryout, and he was not allowed to participate. But he said Stoops once brought up the idea of Holmes playing basketball. "He mentioned it to me once during two-adays," Holmes said. (NewsOK.com)
Elridge steps up at fullback: Among the four players to line up at fullback for the Sooners this season -- Matt Clapp , Ian Pleasant, Dane Zaslaw and Brody Eldridge -- offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson says Eldridge, who also plays tight end, has been the best. "He doesn't even practice (fullback) a lot," Wilson said. "When he gets on the field, he's the best blocker. "He actually performs at fullback better than the fullbacks." (NewsOK.com)
Wilson: Perfect scenario four weeks: Six weeks from Saturday is Nov. 25. Oklahoma visits Oklahoma State on that date in the regular-season finale. Peterson, a fast healer from injuries to his shoulder (in 2004) and ankle (in 2005), rushed for 249 and 237 yards in his two previous games against the Cowboys. "I've been told it can be a four-week deal, but that's a perfect scenario," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "Typically it's 6-8 weeks. Time will tell as he heals and progresses." (Tulsa World)
Sooners climb in the polls: The Oklahoma Sooners moved up three spots to #20 in the Associated Press college football poll. OU beat unranked Iowa State 34-9 on Saturday. The Sooners are 1-1 in the Big 12 and 4-2 overall. Meanwhile, the Sooners climbed 2 spots to #20 in the USA Today college football coaches' poll released today. (KOTV)
Spread Offense in 2007? So Wilson will miss Peterson, the player and the leader. But like the general who refuses to retreat, despite word that his front-line troops have just been taken out, Wilson seems to be relishing that next move. And he was instantly spinning forward on Saturday. "I'd look at it more as a challenge and an opportunity, 'Here's where we're going,'" Wilson said. "Not that, 'It's a problem,' and, 'It's an issue.'" So where is Wilson going? Probably headed toward OU's offense for 2007, which judging by his personnel, minus Peterson, means Colorado coaches are likely scrambling to get their hands on some of the spread attack tapes from Wilson's days at Northwestern. Allen Patrick and Jacob Gutierrez might prove otherwise, but the Sooners' top offensive option no longer resides at running back. Options, yes, but the ball might now be better off with Malcolm Kelly and a cast of skilled receivers that runs deep through wideouts and tight ends. "I think the receivers," said Kelly, "there's more pressure on us now." Don't dismiss the running game. Wilson won't. It's too rooted in his past, even in the spread. Remember, at Northwestern, Damian Anderson ran for a Big Ten-record 193.6 yards a game out of Wilson's spread in 2000. (More at NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma-Missouri game time set: The Oct. 28 Oklahoma at Missouri football game has been set for an 11 a.m., kickoff. The contest will be televised by ABC. This week, Oklahoma hosts Colorado for a 6 p.m., kickoff in Norman. It will mark the 50th consecutive Sooner game to be televised.There are a limited number of tickets remaining for the OU-CU game. They sell for $67 each and are available online at SoonerSports.com, over the phone at 1-800-456-GoOU or in person at the ticket office west of Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. (SoonerSports Release)
Wilson expects Peterson to go Pro: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson told ESPN on Saturday evening that he expects Adrian Peterson will be among the top four picks in the next NFL draft. "I have always thought that this was Adrian's last year," Wilson said. "And why wouldn't it be? He stands to make a boatload of money. He has done everything we've ever asked of him here." Wilson said Oklahoma "will not put Adrian's health in jeopardy" by playing him in a bowl game before he is ready. (More at ESPN.com)
Peterson likely out six-eight weeks: According to Dr. Scott Rahhal, an orthopedic surgeon at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center, even if someone is a particularly fast healer, "it's still six to eight weeks" recovery time. Rahhal said he couldn't comment on the specifics of Peterson's injury, because he hadn't seen the X-rays. But Rahhal spoke in general terms about broken clavicles and said even with aggressive treatments, the prognosis is unchanged. Rahhal said there are usually no long-term effects of a broken collarbone. OU coach Bob Stoops said Peterson's injury would not need surgery and it was possible Peterson could return for a bowl game. (Tulsa World)
More Changes in Secondary: Oklahoma made another switch in its starting defensive backfield, inserting Lendy Holmes in place of D.J. Wolfe at the boundary cornerback position Saturday. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables said Holmes earned the start with his performance in practice. "What you do in practice shows," Holmes said. "Coach (Venables) will give you a fair chance if you show him what you've got in practice and that's what I did this week." Wolfe played all of last week's game at the position, despite allowing a 33-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter against Texas. Coaches spoke well of Wolfe's performance in that game, outside of the TD. (NewsOK.com)
No returns for Peterson: [Adrian] Peterson did not return kickoffs for the first time in three games. Juaquin Iglesias, who returned them before Peterson got the call, joined Reggie Smith instead. (Tulsa World)
