NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson has been named the national offensive player of the week by the Walter Camp Foundation. The sophomore received the honor for his performance in OU's 42-14 trouncing of Oklahoma State, Saturday. Peterson carried 24 times for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the Sooner victory.
It marked the third time in two seasons that Peterson won the honor. On Monday, Peterson also was named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive Player of the Week.
The Palestine, Texas, native scored against the Cowboys on runs of 84, the longest of his career, and 71 yards. He picked up 210 yards in the second half, the highest single half total in school history. Former Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims held the old mark with 206 yards against Missouri in the second half of the 1979 game.
It has been a remarkable comeback for Peterson from early season ankle problems. After missing all or more than half of four games, he has recorded four straight 100-yard and two-touchdown performances. Saturday, despite all the time missed, he still managed to lift his season rushing total over 1,000 yards to 1,024.
He now ranks No. 11 in career rushing yards at OU with 2,949. He needs just 51 more to eclipse 3,000 yards.
The Sooners, 7-4, 5-2, still have one game remaining, but until bowl assignments are made, won't know their destination or opponent. Most believe OU will be in either the Alamo or Holiday Bowl.