Adrian Peterson runs during the Sooners' 2004 win over Texas at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Peterson rushed for 225 yards on 32 carries. by NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN archives
In an abbreviated three seasons, Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson has created quite a highlight reel. Here's a look at some of the most memorable moments:
39-FlingTexas, 2004Peterson didn't start, but he finished the Longhorns. Barely six minutes into the game, OU was pinned at its 4 when Peterson entered.
Quarterback Jason White started left, along with the rest of the team, then pitched to Peterson running right. Peterson raced 44 yards before Texas' Michael Huff corralled him. He finished with 225 yards on 32 carries. In addition to the 44-yarder, he had runs of 26, 19, 17 and 15 yards. OU held possession for more than 36 minutes.
"Adrian's gonna be a great player at OU. We knew that.” — Texas coach Mack BrownBedlam burstsOSU, 2004
OU led 28-21 in the third quarter of a barn-burner at Stillwater when Peterson jerked momentum back to the Sooners, at least temporarily, with an 80-yard run.
He took a handoff up the middle, spun out of a tackle and outraced the rest of the defense to the end zone. Peterson's next run was a 56-yarder to set up the field goal that provided the winning margin.
"Eighty yards. Wow. I don't even think the offensive line blocked that good on that play. He just made a guy miss and ran strong.” — former OU lineman Jammal BrownTough runningTexas A&M, 2004
On its way to the Orange Bowl, OU avoided an upset at Kyle Field when Peterson returned from a dislocated shoulder and bulled for a key first down.
Peterson went to the locker room and had the shoulder popped back in – and then came back into the game at a critical moment, third-and-2. Peterson bulled for 4 yards, surpassing surpassed 100 yards on the play. But much more important, the first down helped OU milk the clock, leaving A&M with little time for a desperation comeback attempt.
"It was probably the best run of the year. … They had a guy waiting in the hole for him and he made him miss. Tremendous run.” — former OU offensive coordinator Chuck LongBlast-and-rompTulsa, 2005
On fourth-and-1 from the Tulsa 41, Peterson went the distance to give OU a win over upset-minded Tulsa.
He knocked over a Tulsa player near the line of scrimmage, was spun around by a linebacker 15 yards downfield –forcing him to backpedal for several yards – then turned and outran several defenders to the end zone.
"It looked like little kids trying to hang on to a train.” — former OU offensive lineman Davin JosephCut, then backHoliday Bowl, 2005
Against Oregon, Peterson suffered a cut on the sidelines when a celebrating teammate's swung a helmet and struck him in the head, knocking him to the ground.
Stitches were necessary to repair the wound, and a bandage covered most of his forehead, but Peterson was unfazed. On his next carry, he bulled one player, spun and then dragged two other players several yards on a 20-yard run.
"He ran like three people over, hit a spin move and kept on going.” — OU tailback Allen PatrickI'm B-A-A-A-CKNebraska, 2005C
After missing most of four games, Peterson returned for a key game at Lincoln, Neb.
On his first carry, he bolted 36 yards for a touchdown, going right up the middle and then dragging cornerback Zackary Bowman the last 7 yards into the end zone. Peterson finished with 146 yards.
"I was determined to get into the end zone.” — PetersonBreaks away, then breaksIowa State, 2006
As his father watched from the stands for the first time, Peterson broke free for a 53-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that featured nearly all of his varied abilities.
Near the goal line, Peterson was clipped by Iowa State defensive back Chris Singleton. He dove for the end zone and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder, fracturing his collarbone.
"I don't know if we'd had 14 or 15 guys on the field if we'd have stopped him. He's as good as any I've seen, and that includes Heisman Trophy candidates and Heisman Trophy winners.” — former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney
By George Schroeder
[12 hrs ago]
