Fiesta Bowl matchups

BOB STOOPS - OU COACH VS. CHRIS PETERSEN - BOISE ST. COACH
Some say this season has been Bob Stoops’ best display of his coaching ability and it’s hard to argue, based on the Sooners’ well-documented struggles of 2006, which began before they ever strapped on their helmets.

OU has been to a bowl game in each of Stoops’ eight seasons, matching a school record set by Barry Switzer from 1975-82. But Stoops’ challenge on New Year’s Day will be to not let his team dismiss Boise State as a lesser opponent.

The most recent in a long line of talented coaches at Boise State, Chris Petersen did in his first season what none before him could do — take the Broncos to a BCS bowl. Petersen spent five years as Boise State’s offensive coordinator under head coach Dan Hawkins, who left after last season for Colorado. Petersen was handed the reigns to a Broncos squad coming off a 9-4 season, their first since 2001 with more than one loss.

ADRIAN PETERSON - OU RUNNING BACK VS. BOISE STATE DEFENSE
Could the Fiesta Bowl be Adrian Peterson’s return and farewell rolled into one? It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the junior who missed the last seven games will leave for the NFL after this season.

An intense competitor, Peterson has one more OU victory — and Billy Sims’ all-time school rushing record — in his sights. He needs 151 yards to pass Sims and achieve one of the three goals he set for himself.

The others, a national cham