Post Fiesta Bowl Quotes
JUNIOR RUNNING BACK ADRIAN PETERSON
On his thoughts of maybe playing his final collegiate game:
“I don't know, kind of -- I don't know, my head is just spinin' right now. I don't know, the play they ended in, it was a crazy play. I don't know. I don't know, man. My head is just spinin' right now, to be honest.”
On when he will make a decision about declaring for the NFL draft:
“Well, I got a little time. So basically just sit back, you know, find some time to relax, think over everything. You know, then I'll make my decision. No rush.”
On how it felt to play the game:
“Exactly. It felt good to be back out with the guys. The guys, offensive line gelled, improved throughout the season. It was great to just get back out and play with the guys, so...”
Fiesta might be last-chance showcase for Sooners' Peterson
Fiesta Bowl officials want the smurfs to feel right at home
CSTV preview of the Fiesta Bowl
Bird whistles "Boomer Sooner"
Peterson refuses to wear blue no-contact jersey
All Day: All Access: Adrian Peterson
Pat Forde, ESPN.com
The important information: Yes, Virginia, there is a second unbeaten team out there. It's the Broncos, who play their first BCS game against one of the all-time blue bloods of the sport. On the field, Adrian Peterson vs. Ian Johnson is even better than McFadden vs. Hill. In fact, it's the marquee RB matchup of bowl season.
The useless information: Actually, this isn't quite so useless. The average weight of the Boise State defensive starters is 36 pounds less per man than the average Oklahoma offensive starter. And they're going to stop Peterson?
The pick: Oklahoma 41, Boise State 29.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson returned to the football huddle on Friday after team doctors gave the OK for him to practice and play in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, coach Bob Stoops confirmed.
"He's cleared to play," Stoops said. "We're going to give him more as we lead up to the game and [I] fully expect him to play. He's anxious to play and wants to."
Peterson has been out since breaking his collarbone Oct. 14 during Oklahoma's game against Iowa State.
Nearing the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown run, he was tripped up by Cyclone cornerback Chris Singleton, stumbled, dived and landed awkwardly on his shoulder. Oklahoma won the game 34-9.
On Friday, practice for Peterson, who wasn't made available to speak with reporters, was limited to non-contact and 7-on-7 drills, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said.
"I think we want to go a little bit longer before they clear him to be running around where there maybe a collision going on," Wilson said.
Even though he didn't practice much, Peterson's return didn't go unnoticed.
"Everybody was aware of that when we got in the huddle," quarterback Paul Thompson said. "... It was good to see him back in there."
Guard Duke Robinson tried to egg Peterson on in his return.
"I told him, 'You need to get in there and run somebody over,'" Robinson said. "That'll get the practice going a bit. He said no, he needed to chill.
"The presence of him just spirited everybody up. Everybody had a pretty good spirit about practice today," Robinson said.
Peterson ran for 935 yards in six games before the injury.
Despite missing the seven games since, that total still ranks second in the Big 12 Conference. He was selected by conference coaches to be on the All-Big 12 first team.
The Sooners take on Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.
Peterson to return to OU?Sooners getting ready for BSU. Will Adrian Peterson play? I think Yes.
Adrian Peterson will not play on Saturday in the Big 12 Championship
"There's enough healing that, yes, he could possibly play. But there's still a chance if he fell on it wrong or took a severe hit -- I don't know if they're ever totally sure will it hold up at this point? We're not going to take that chance." -- Bob Stoops
ESPN Sportnation Poll: Vote for Adrian Peterson for the Doak Walker Award
Sooners beat the Pokes to win the Big 12 South, will meet Nebraska for the Big 12 Championship
Will Adrian Peterson play in that game???
Stoops doesn't think Adrian Peterson is done at OU
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops thinks star tailback Adrian Peterson will play again this season for the Sooners. "I'm pretty convinced of that,'' Stoops said Tuesday. "Things may change, but at this point it hasn't for him.''
aaron (norman, ok): Does a return of Adrian Peterson make Oklahoma attractive as an at-large?
Brad Edwards: It makes them more attractive for sure. West Virginia is a popular team because of the star power it has with White and Slaton. Oklahoma closes the gap with Peterson back on the field, even though the Sooners have two losses on paper because of the Oregon incident.
Adrian Peterson will not play in the Bedlam Game
Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson will not play in this week's game at Oklahoma State. Sooner head coach Bob Stoops made that announcement on the Big 12 Conference's weekly coaches call, Monday.
"Just got to wait," Adrian Peterson on whether he will play in Bedlam 
ESPN.com SportsNation chat with Bruce Feldman
Tim (Wichita): Any chance Adrian Peterson comes back for his senior season?
Bruce Feldman: I'd be SHOCKED if he did. Go get your millions Adrian. You've earned it. RBs only have so many carries in their bodies especially ones who run as hard as he does.
The semifinalists (in alphabetical order) are:
James Davis (So.) Clemson
Mike Hart (Jr.) Michigan
P.J. Hill Jr. (Fr.) Wisconsin
Ian Johnson (So.) Boise State
Marshawn Lynch (Jr.) California
Darren McFadden (So.) Arkansas
Adrian Peterson (Jr.) Oklahoma
Ray Rice (So.) Rutgers
Steve Slaton (So.) West Virginia
Garrett Wolfe (Sr.) Northern Illinois
Tribute to Adrian Peterson by James Hale
OU hosting Tech, game time set, 7 PM EST / 6 PM CST on FSN. We can expect a 3rd week of AD being interviewed on the sidelines. Why can't we get Erin Andrews over there?
Adrian Peterson said he would like to return for Bedlam on Nov. 25.
"God willing, man, I'm coming back then," Peterson said. "Depends on how the healing process goes."
A return by then would be six weeks after the injury, which medical personnel said has a recovery time of six to eight weeks. Previously, Peterson had said he would return for a bowl game.
"I'm gonna try to (return sooner than a bowl game)," he said. "If I'm ready, I'm coming back."
Patriots Football Weekly Radio show Friday
Tom Casale on Adrian Peterson
"The guy is an unstoppable machine"
"You are talking about a true Corey Dillon with speed"
"Should he go first, yes, he's the best player, bar none"
"Adrian Peterson best player coming out"
Joe Schad from ESPN.com chat says Adrian Peterson will be an NFL Hall of Famer
Greg (Amarillo, TX): Adrian Peterson is a no-brainer to be the #1 NFL draft pick right?
Joe Schad: I think he should be. But some teams think it's a waste to use the No. 1 pick on a running back. This guy will be an NFL Hall of Famer, though.
NewsOK.com John Rhode talks about Adrian Peterson, injuries, and the draft
Greater Tulsa Reporter Online: A Salute to OU’s Adrian Peterson
It is worth reviewing the career before this season of the Sooner great provided by the University of Oklahoma Sports Information Office.
Mel Kiper chat October 25
Brian (Cary,NC): Where will Adrian Peterson be drafted after sustaining his injury?
Mel Kiper: First of all, we'll have to see. He could possibly be in the bowl game. That's it, he won't play in any all-star games. It's conceivable that he could be in the top 5 in the draft, no lower than top 10.
Adrian Peterson a Maxwell Semifinalist
His time on the field may be decreasing, but there is no dip in respect for Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. Acknowledging the broken collarbone that has sidelined Peterson, the Maxwell Football Club has tabbed the Sooner standout as one of 15 semifinalists for the 70th Maxwell Award.
The honor is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate player.
"While we recognize that Adrian is unable to play at this time, we felt that he was deserving of being on this list as one of the top players in college football, " said Mark Wolpert, Maxwell Club Senior Vice President for Collegiate Awards
Ivan Maisel's Mailbag from 10/23:
Michael Kimball, Norman, Okla.: Just thought you should know that local network TV stations in Oklahoma broke in to regularly-scheduled programming to announce Adrian Peterson's season-ending injury. I haven't decided whether this is a good or a bad thing.
Maisel: God bless America, land that I love.
Kirb Herstriet: "(Calvin) Johnson is one of the most imposing receivers I've ever seen; he and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson are physically the best players in the nation. And with Peterson out for the season with a broken collarbone, Johnson's chances for challenging Heisman Trophy favorite Troy Smith just improved dramatically."
USC fans tell Adrian Peterson: "Fight On"
Ohio State's Troy Smith sympathetic to Peterson
Adrian Peterson looks to return to action within 4-6 weeks! Press Conference Video
Adrian Peterson wants in on bowl action
Gil Brandt, NFL.com senior analyst and for 30 years vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, said some in the game have a theory that "a guy's just got so many runs in him."
But, Brandt said, "I would hope he tries to come back for a bowl game. I think that enhances your draft status. Because it shows you're dedicated and you're a team player."
The injury itself won't deter the NFL.
"A collarbone is not a knee," Brandt said. "I don't think there's any way the injury hurts (Peterson's NFL draft status) at all. The only way it hurts him is the chance to get all the postseason honors that he deserves."
Brandt said Peterson showed a special quality last summer when he was named Playboy All-American and the team assembled for a photo shoot.
"Friday night when we're down there, we make these guys play ping pong and shoot baskets and hit golf balls and throw baseballs and everything," Brandt said, "and I mean this guy, it was like he was competing in the Olympics. I'm a big Peterson fan."
Coaches bid a probable farewell to Oklahoma's Peterson
Poignant Post from a College Football Fan on a Sooner Board
"As a college football fan, so sorry about Peterson. I am a college football fan, went to LSU, and just wanted to drop by and say how sorry I feel for the loss of AD for the rest of the season. It's a loss not only to OU, but to all of us who love college football. Peterson seems the epitome of everything that any team would want in its star. Hard work, dedication, devotion to the team, and surprising humility at times. I had become quite a fan of his and hoped he would win the Heisman.:
"I wish him a quick recovery and hope you do well while he recovers. Whatever he decides to do at the end of the season (about going on to the NFL draft), it won't change my mind that God doesn't make very many who play at his level. As far as I can judge from the press, he's been a credit to OU. I am sure that Coach Stoops and staff will still get the Sooners ready to play and compete, so good luck. "
Coach Wilson expects Peterson to enter draft
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson told ESPN on Saturday evening that he expects Adrian Peterson will be among the top four picks in the next NFL draft.
"I have always thought that this was Adrian's last year," Wilson said. "And why wouldn't it be? He stands to make a boatload of money. He has done everything we've ever asked of him here."
Wilson said Oklahoma "will not put Adrian's health in jeopardy" by playing him in a bowl game before he is ready.
"What we will miss most about Adrian is his committment, intensity and work ethic in practice," Wilson said. "Hopefully what he has shown the younger guys has rubbed off."
Wilson said he does not expect to change Oklahoma's offense schematically.
"We're disappointed about the injury but the sky has not fallen," Wilson said. "We have capable backs. And our quarterback and wide receivers have made good progress."
Peterson said last month he wanted to win a Heisman and a national championship before leaving Oklahoma and that a "major" injury is the only thing that could bring him back to Norman.
"This is not what I would consider a 'major' injury," Wilson said of a broken collarbone. "His NFL career will in no way be affected by this. He's going to be a very high draft choice. I mean, don't you think?"
Adrian Peterson has suffered a broken collar bone, and will miss the rest of the regular season. He could be back for a bowl game.
Good Luck AD. Get Well Soon.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Heisman Trophy hopeful Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone on a dive into the end zone Saturday, and the Oklahoma star running back will miss the rest of the regular season.
Peterson was injured on his last carry of the game -- a 53-yard scoring run with about 6:40 remaining that completed the 23rd-ranked Sooners' 34-9 win over Iowa State.
Peterson ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
"Just diving into the end zone and when he landed, he landed wrong," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "At this point it looks like the best thing, the earliest he would be ready to play, would be a bowl game."
Adrian Peterson rushed 26 times for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 3 receptions for 45 yards. OU beats ISU 34-9.
ISU vs OU Highlights
Peterson family story to add emotional chapter Saturday CBS Sportsline
Week No. 6 of All Day: All-Access -- Father Knows Best
Adrian Peterson ESPN Gameday Feature
Todd McShay on ESPNU said Adrian Peterson will not win the Heisman because OU has lost 2 games. He says a running back on a 2 loss team can't win it. How about giving the award to the best player in college football. This is bullshit. Everyone knows AD is the best player in college football.
Pete Fiutak of CFN has AD number 1 on his Heisman List
My Heisman ballot this week would be … 1. Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma, 2. Troy Smith, QB Ohio State, 3. Garrett Wolfe, RB Northern Illinois, 4. Mike Hart, RB Michigan, 5. Erik Ainge, QB Tennessee
The Heismanpundit.com has Adrian Peterson @ number 2
Adrian Peterson responds to questions about the "lateral"
"Anybody who's seen me play knows that I'm a warrior who's going to play his heart out," Peterson said. "I felt like it was a bad call and for them to say, `Oh, he's given up' or `A team player goes after the ball,' that's crazy.
"Hey, that's what I expect people to say," Peterson said. "When you're doing good, they're all on you, and when something bad happens, they're trying to find the smallest thing to down talk you or bring you down. That's their job."
Stoops was incredulous at the thought that Peterson's Heisman hopes were hurt on that play.
"Oh, come on, you're kidding me," Stoops said on a conference call Monday with reporters. "Nobody plays harder than that guy."
On the network's Web site, ESPN's Dave Revsine wrote: "Peterson showed a lack of awareness and a lack of hustle on the play. I dropped him from second to fourth this week." My comments? Revsine can go to HELL.
Adrian Peterson rushed for 109 yards and 1 touchdown vs Texas. Look for AD to rush for over 200 next week vs ISU.
"I thought Peterson also slid this week. He went over 100 yards against a physical Texas defense, but what will stick in voters' minds from the game is his failure to pick up a pass that was ruled a lateral and brought back for a touchdown by the Longhorns' Aaron Ross. Peterson showed a lack of awareness and a lack of hustle on the play. I dropped him from second to fourth this week."
My message to Dave, GO TO HELL. Texas' D was giving up 36 yards per game. AD had more yards rushing than McCoy did passing.
Slaton and Wolfe are good. AD is in a class by himself.
THE SOONER THE BETTER espn the mag article about Adrian and his father
Razor sharp and ready - Adrian Peterson got out the razor and shaved off the thin layer of hair atop his head, opting for the Michael Jordan look. Heading into the Red River Rivalry on Saturday against Texas, the Oklahoma tailback wasn't paying homage to his favorite athlete. Peterson had something else in mind."Maybe a flashback from my freshman year," he said
Scary thought: Texas kicker Greg Johnson has punted and kicked off to several talented returners in recent games, including former USC All-American Reggie Bush and current Ohio State speedster Ted Ginn Jr.
But he knows Adrian Peterson, now returning kickoffs for OU along with Smith, might present a different challenge.
What happens, Johnson was asked, if Peterson breaks through the first wave of Longhorns — and heads toward Johnson?
"That is a pretty frightening thing to think about," Johnson admitted.
"But it's part of what we do."
All Day: All-Access, Week Five Adrian Peterson interview
Todd McShay on players who have lived up to the hype so far this seaon
Adrian Peterson: Despite an injury-riddled 2005 season and the Rhett Bomar debacle this summer, expectations were ridiculously high heading into Peterson's junior campaign. Through four games it's safe to say AD is walking the walk. The 6-1, 225-pound "bell cow" has carried the Sooners with 783 total yards and eight touchdowns in 2006. Even in the controversial loss at Oregon, Peterson's 211-yard rushing performance was the biggest reason the Sooners had a chance to pull off the road upset. Peterson deserves to be on the short list of Heisman Trophy candidates. A top-10 pick in the 2007 draft awaits him should Peterson elect to bolt Norman after this season.
ESPN.com's Pat Forde says he has Adrian Peterson on the top of his Heisman list, with Smith 2nd and Wolfe 3rd.
OU vs MTSU highlights
From Heismanpundit.com
1. Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma--Right now, Peterson is in the strongest position to win the Heisman. He is the only running back who can win and he's the only player left who is seen as a superior physical talent.
He also is the player who can best absorb a loss by his team, since the Sooners are not seen as title contenders anyway and Peterson is viewed as the guy keeping OU afloat. He is also the guy who will benefit the most should his team continue to win, since the expectations for OU are relatively low right now. One unexpected factor working in his favor, too, is the huge amount of attention given to Oklahoma's loss to Oregon. Many voters may not view that as a legitimate loss and some could vote for him as a sort of protest. It's rare that a loss isn't counted against a player in the Heisman race, but this could be such a case.
But make no mistake, he is getting it done on the field, too. He has 643 yards and 7 TDs on the season, putting him on pace for 1,920 yards and 21 TDs in a 12-game season, with the opportunity to crack 2,000 if the Sooners make the Big 12 title game. Those type of numbers will win him the Heisman in a heartbeat. His big game will come against Texas, though. He needs to perform well against the Longhorns. If the Sooners win, he may cruise to the trophy, but he will still have a chance if OU plays Texas close in a loss.
CNNSI.com Heisman-o-meter: The Watchman is kind of warming to the idea of Peterson, not Smith or Slaton, being the eventual choice. And no, it's not because of what Peterson did against the overmatched Blue Raiders. It's that Peterson has been just as good -- maybe even better -- than those two with less support around him. (its about time the media realized, AD is doing this with a very young o-line, and defenses sticking 8 and 9 in the box, no other player faces teams every week in this manner)
MTSU fresham LB on tackling Adrian Peterson: "Tackling (Peterson), I don't know that I'll brag about it. But he is a great player. He'll be a high NFL draft pick, maybe top-five. So it felt good to get my hands on him," Carmichael said. "The environment was incredible, and I think I played all right for the situation. Everybody on the defense tried to make plays, and I tried to make a few."
OU destroyed MTSU 59-0. Adrian Peterson had 128 yards on 27 carries, 3 rushing TDs
"Our attitude was to come out and dominate," Peterson said. "That's what we did."
Paul Thompson threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns for the Sooners (3-1), who left nothing to chance after a 34-33 loss last week to Oregon that the Pac-10 Conference later said was affected by an incorrect call.
"That game has been behind us," Peterson said. "We've got to focus. It feels good to come out the next week and put 59 points on the board and a goose-egg."
Post Game Quotes from AD
On practice this past week:
“Our attitude this week was to come out and dominate and we did. We wanted to improve and win just like we did.”
On the game:
“We came out and made some big plays in the second half and played like a championship team. That was what we needed to do.”
On the wait before the Texas game:
“It will be a long wait, but we need it for injuries to heal so we can come out in full force against Texas.”
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TulsaWorld on Adrian Peterson
Peterson follows: Peterson may be the best in the game, but he doesn't act like it. His touchdown at Oregon, for example -- aptly tabbed "28" in the playbook -- shows he can take suggestions from teammates.
"Big Duke (Robinson, the left guard) came to me and told me the (defensive players) were coming over the top, and when we ran 28, keep it tight and bounce it back," Peterson said. "So basically, communicating with him like that, that's what got me in the end zone."
Peterson does it all: Peterson may add a Heisman vote or two by returning kickoffs and could pick up a bunch if he returns one for a long gain. Peterson said he wouldn't mind more.
"Me being the kind of competitor I am, I want to be out there. I want to help my team any way I can," he said. "I'd rather be a gunner on punts, go down there and try to get some hits."
Said OU coach Bob Stoops, "Heck, he would be down on the return man before the ball, I guarantee you that. He would outrun the ball. Shoot, I would be scared that he would just run over the return man whether he caught the ball or not. I think he is so tired of getting hit that he wants to start hitting somebody.
"I don't think we will go that far with him, but he asks me about it two or three times a week. He would be the best gunner in college football if we would let him."
Steve Eudey, Peterson's family friend and youth league coach, said Peterson has always lived up to his nickname of All Day.
"That kid always wanted to play," Eudey said. "He was 8 or 9 years old and if we were on defense, he wanted to play defense. If we were on offense, he wanted to play offense. If we were kicking off, he wanted to kick off.
"My kids . . . played soccer, and Adrian wanted to play soccer. We'd do stuff in church. He just likes to play. He is just All Day."
Ivan Maisel of ESPN.com: "Why is Adrian Peterson more effective in the second half?"
In the first half this season, Peterson has rushed for 164 yards. In the second half, he has run for 351, or 68 percent of his total of 515 yards.
It's a pattern that he has established over the course of his two-plus seasons with the Sooners. In the first half, he has rushed for 1,322 yards. In the second half, he has rushed for 2,226 yards, or 62.7 percent of his total of 3,548 yards.
The longer the game goes, the longer Peterson goes. The Oklahoma junior tailback's numbers are startling.
Adrian Peterson has gained 68 percent of his yards this season after halftime.
It's especially remarkable given that Oklahoma has won six games in Peterson's career by at least 24 points, which means less time for him in the fourth quarter.
The reason, Oklahoma center Jon Cooper said, is simple.
"He's in better shape than everybody else," Cooper said. "When other guys are tired, he's still going 110 percent."
Peterson is 6-foot-2, 218 pounds and runs a sub-4.4 40. His motor can go a long time between oil changes. It's funny, isn't it, how the most talented guys are also the hardest workers. Cooper said that when he gets in his stance and looks across the line, he sees the results of Peterson's labors.
"The defensive linemen and the linebackers look at him standing straight up," Cooper said. "Those guys are breathing hard and sweaty. They don't look like they want any part of him. He's going hard all the time. He's the same way in practice. It can be the last play in practice. He's finishing in the end zone."
The offensive linemen and receivers see Peterson work hard and they work hard. It may be subliminal. It may be contagious. It may simply be learning by repetition, over and over.
"Watching him break tackles and do stuff nobody else can do, you think, 'If I block my guy a little more, he [Peterson] is going to take a regular zone play the distance,'" Cooper said. "Coach [Kevin] Wilson [the Sooners' offensive coordinator] said it's like breaking rock with a hammer. You're not going to break it with the first strike. Anybody can tackle him once. By the last time, there's no way. He's going to break them down."
MTSU press conference from Tuesday
How do you stop Adrian Peterson
Rick Stockstill, Head Coach: "I don't know if anyone has ever stopped him. He's a great back. I think he's the best back in the country. He has great speed, power, is a physical runner. He's dangerous in the kicking game. To stop him, control him, contain him, you have to get a lot of people around the ball. I don't see one guy bringing down. We have to get people to the ball."
DT Trevor Jenkins: "Adrian Peterson is a great runner, a talented runner. He's a Heisman Trophy candidate and he should be, but he also has a great offensive line. If we can get past the offensive line then we get to him. That's the way I look at it."
The Heisman Pundit, has Troy Smith in the lead, and Adrian Peterson in 2nd.
Peterson is breathing hard down Smith's neck at this point and I almost put the junior running back in first place. The only reason I didn't is Peterson's injury history.
After three games, he has 515 yards, is averaging 171 yards per game and he has 4 TDs. That comes out to 2,200 yards and 17 TDs over the course of a 13-game season.
I'll tell you what, if Peterson ends up with 2,000 yards this season, he will win the Heisman. I don't care WHAT Troy Smith does.
The key for Peterson will be the game against Texas and staying healthy. Make no mistake about it, the Sooners are a scrappy team and Peterson is seen as the engine that makes them go. I think that if Oklahoma beats Texas and Peterson has a big game--and it's hard to think he wouldn't if OU won--then he should romp to the Heisman, barring injury.
Repeat: If he stays healthy and OU remains respectable, I think he wins this thing.
Can a 10-2 OU team produce a Heisman Trophy winner over an undefeated Ohio State team that has Troy Smith? Absolutely.
The reason is simple: Peterson is a known commodity among Heisman voters. Many voted for him when he was a freshman. They can pick his face out in a crowd, something they can't yet do with Smith. Voters realize that Smith is a great quarterback and leader, but everyone also knows that Peterson is an uber-talent who is able to single-handedly will his team to victory.
Carson Palmer won the Heisman with two losses and then went on to be the first pick in the draft. Don't be shocked if Peterson does the same thing. Link
