Peterson won't play vs. OSU
Published: 11/20/2006 11:13 AM
Last Modified: 11/20/2006 11:13 AM
Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson will not play in Saturday's season-finale at Oklahoma State, head coach Bob Stoops said Monday during the Big 12 Conference coaches' press call.
"We're not expecting him to play," Stoops said. "His CT scan or bone scan showed there is still a little bit of healing that needs to be done. This won't change, I don't believe. But we're not expecting him to play, no."
Peterson, a junior, has rushed for 935 yards this season but hasn't played since breaking his collarbone on Oct. 14 against Iowa State.
Peterson needs 151 yards to break Billy Sims' OU career rushing record of 4,118 yards, but will now have to wait until the Sooners' bowl game to pursue that mark. Stoops said Peterson would be able to play in a bowl "in all likelihood."
Stoops said he still wasn't sure Peterson's replacement, Allen Patrick, would be recovered from a sprained ankle in time for Saturday's 1:30 p.m. kickoff at Boone Pickens Stadium.
"We'll see," Stoops said. "We have to get him out in practice. We had him out trying to warm up for the last game. We'll just have to see how this week goes. He's closer and closer. It's one of those – well, everybody's had them. Eventually they're over the hump and able to do the things they're used to doing. We're hoping that will happen for him this week."
Patrick has missed the last two games after injuring his left ankle late in the game at Texas A&M. He averaged 147 yards per game in his three starts.
Freshman Chris Brown has led the Sooners in rushing the last two weeks, gaining 84 yards against Texas Tech and 169 at Baylor.
OSU coach Mike Gundy said it didn't matter which running back OU suits up, his team's preparation will not change.
"We have to prepare for what they do on offense whether (Peterson) plays or not," Gundy said. "Obviously he's a guy that can make a difference in a game, no matter who he plays against. But all people have to adjust and prepare. Somebody's gonna be back there playing tailback.
"I've been impressed with the couple guys they've had in there the last few weeks. They've made plays. We have to defend them like we do anybody else. I don't think it affects game preparation, because you don't really know whether he'll play or not."
– John E. Hoover and Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
