Q&A: Stoops could announce today whether Peterson will play

By Scott Wright

Published: November 27, 2006

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.

Did Stoops consider going for a two-point conversion to make up for the missed extra-point attempt?

Yes, but only if OU scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Stoops has said this season he does not like to go for two earlier than that, because "you end up chasing that point all day."

He also felt Saturday that the opportunity for a field goal could arise.

"If you're up six and you get a field goal, now it's a two-possession deal," he said. "Early on, you're still thinking the way we're moving the ball we're going to have (a field goal) opportunity as well."

Were the Sooners prepared to see OSU's backup quarterback, Zac Robinson, playing as much as he did Saturday?

No. They expected to see him, but not so frequently. And especially not on the final series when OSU was driving for a potential game-winning touchdown.

"On that last drive, we didn't expect him to be out there at all," OU linebacker Zach Latimer said.

The Cowboys had used Robinson in a variety of ways a week earlier, so coordinator Brent Venables had his defense prepared if the freshman took some snaps.

How did the OU secondary handle the absence of free safety Darien Williams, who was out with a knee injury?

They handled it well. Nickelback Nic Harris and backup safety Jason Carter split time in place of Williams and linebacker Lewis Baker backed up Harris at nickelback.

Harris' versatility has been a huge asset to the Sooner defense this season. He started at strong safety Oct. 21 against Colorado when Reggie Smith was injured and, because of his size, is used as a linebacker in certain formations.

"They trusted in me," Harris said of the move to free safety Saturday. "I'm the utility guy. I do the best I can on every play."

Was anyone surprised that the Bedlam game was close again in Stillwater?

Not at all. In the past eight meetings in Stillwater, OU has outscored the Cowboys by a combined 206-188.

"I think they feed off the energy of their fans," defensive end Larry Birdine said after Saturday's game. "They have some great fans. They never say die here.

"We knew we were going to get their best shot."

Sooners linebacker Zach Latimer said he wouldn't want it any other way in such a big rivalry.

"You really don't want a blowout because you're really not into it," he said. "This is how you want it. Fans get their money's worth.

"Everybody's happy — when we come out on top. We didn't want to be on the bad end of that."

By Scott Wright

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