NORMAN — By now it's apparent that No. 28 can be a real difference-maker.
"Absolutely," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "Strong runner. Explosiveness. He's an excellent back."
No, not Stoops' crimson-clad No. 28.
Oregon's 28 — Jonathan Stewart, a sophomore running back in the mold of OU's Adrian Peterson (No. 28) who ranks among the nation's rising young stars.
In a way Saturday, Stewart goes head-to-head with Peterson trying to tilt the balance in this major matchup. At the end of the afternoon at Autzen Stadium, which back claims the better day may determine which team walks away the winner.
"That's probably how it's going to be played (in the media)," Peterson said. "I'm going to go out there and try to take care of my job and let that speak for itself."
While there's much more to this clash of top-25 teams, focus falls on the running game and each team's struggles to stop the run.
Peterson is the nation's No. 6 rusher, averaging 152 yards a game. He'll go against an Oregon defense that just surrendered 217 yards to Fresno State — 154 by Dwayne Wright, who hardly conjures the kind of fear Peterson puts into defenses.
Then there's Stewart, who's averaging 7.4 yards per carry, although he managed but one attempt against Fresno because of an ankle sprain he now claims is healed.
Stewart struck for 168 yards and two touchdowns in an opening rout of Stanford.
In the Sooners, Stewart faces a defense that has been a disappointment, allowing a 200-yard rushing game to Washington.
"I talked to (Stewart) about the two No. 28s on the field and said to him that this is a tremendous opportunity to prove that you're the same kind of guy," Bellotti said. "He's excited."
Comparisons of Stewart to Peterson pale for now.
While Peterson shattered records in finishing as the Heisman runner-up as a freshman, Stewart's first season a year ago was spent as a part-time player waiting his turn behind Terrence Whitehead, Oregon's No. 2 all-time rusher.
Stewart finished his freshman season with 188 yards and six touchdowns, yet did lead the nation in kick-off returns, averaging 33.7 yards per runback.
Just a junior, Peterson is in hot pursuit of
