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NORMAN, Okla. - Adrian Peterson left Texas as one of the most highly touted high-school tailbacks to ever play in the state. Since arriving in Oklahoma, he’s lived up to the hype.
Peterson, averaging 136.5 yards rushing per game, returns to his home state Saturday when No. 2 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) comes to Dallas for the Red River Shootout against the fifth-ranked Longhorns (4-0, 1-0).
The 19-year-old freshman will playing deep in the heart of Texas for the first time since picking the Sooners and landing a verbal jab about the Longhorns’ inability to win a national championship on his way out of town.
When Peterson announced where he would attend college, he was asked why he chose to go out of state. He said one of his goals was to win a national championship and the Texas schools didn’t fall into that category.
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Asked if he was excited about playing the Longhorns, Peterson’s answer was simple: “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
And what about the rivalry and the big crowd? “It is all about the game and that’s no different.”
The laid-back attitude is nothing new for Peterson. Since he arrived in Norman, he’s been on the quiet side. With no bravado, he has started his career with four straight 100-yard games — something no Oklahoma freshman has ever done.
And he’s not worried about meeting the high expectations that followed him to college after he finished his high-school career with 54 touchdowns and more than 5,000 rushing yards in his final two seasons.
“I really don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anybody,” Peterson said. “I just go out there and run the ball. I’m not trying to embarrass anybody. As long as we win and are successful, that’s all that matters.”
Texas coach Mack Brown had high expectations when he recruited Peterson, but the kid from Palestine High School in east Texas instead crossed the border.
“Adrian has come on the scene and been one of the great players this year in college football,” Brown said. “It’s been amazing how fast he’s jumped in there and is doing so well. Every time he touches the ball, he has a chance to score.”
Since Peterson arrived, Oklahoma’s coaches have tried to shield him from constant attention. He was deemed off-limits to reporters before the season started as Stoops placed him behind junior Kejuan Jones on the depth chart.
But Peterson made his first appearance in the starting lineup last week — stepping in for the an injured Jones — and had 146 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The Longhorns know what they’re up against.
“He’s an East Texas guy. Corn fed. I mean he’s the type of guy raised in a barn. The type of guy who picks up haystacks. He looks like he does that,” star Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson said. “He’s the type of running back that defenses have to try to stop. He can run over people and he will outrun you, too. You’ve got to wrap him up.”
Stoops said the 210-pound Peterson has been everything the Sooners hoped for and more. He routinely mentions how Peterson has shown a work ethic that has endeared him to teammates. He’s also thrilled with Peterson’s maturity for a teenager — something he expects will be crucial for his success against Texas on Saturday.
“He’s a level-headed guy,” Stoops said. “I think he’ll go in with a good balance and understanding to just play within himself and realize all that matters is what’s on the field and let it come to you like you have every other game and block everything else out.
“He’s a tough guy. He’ll be able to do that.”
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Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
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