Adrian Peterson’s replacement leads Oklahoma Sooners

Adrian Peterson’s replacement leads Oklahoma Sooners

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Allen Patrick has started playing for the last two games in place of Adrian Peterson. Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone on Oct. 14 and will likely miss the rest of the regular season.

Patrick’s first two college starts have been impressive. The former defensive back carried 35 times for 110 yards in a 24-3 victory over Colorado on Oct. 21, and ran for a career-high 162 yards in last week’s 26-10 victory at then No. 23 Missouri. His ability to fill for one of the nation’s top tailbacks has provided further evidence of Oklahoma’s depth.

“He’s been excellent, just really tough (and) hard-nosed the way he’s running the football,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. “He’s seeing the creases and seams very well. He’s missed very few.”

Even Quarterback Paul Thompson was forced into action when Rhett Bomar was kicked off the team before the season, has been solid and has five touchdowns with no interceptions over the last three games

“They still have a lot of talent,” Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione said. “I was hoping the offensive line wouldn’t be playing as good as it’s playing, but they’re playing pretty good. They’ve got good quality receivers and I’ve always thought Paul Thompson was a good quarterback.

“When you have Adrian, you need to utilize him and now that he’s gone, they’re utilizing their other talent and they do have other talent.”

The Sooners have won six of the last seven meetings with the Aggies, including a 36-30 victory last season after nearly blowing a 21-0 lead. Where Patrick scored his first career touchdown on a 28-yard run that closed the first quarter.