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Stingy Oklahoma can put a crimp in Texas A&M's plans

Oct 31, 2006 - 9:17 PM No. 18 Oklahoma (6-2) at No. 21 Texas A&M (8-1), 8:00 pm EST

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (Ticker) - After losing Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma needed someone to step up. The Sooner defense and Allen Patrick have answered the call.

The 18th-ranked Sooners have won two straight without Peterson and look to continue their run Saturday when they visit No. 21 Texas A&M.

Peterson broke his collarbone late in a 34-9 victory over Iowa State on October 14. Instead of hitting the skids, the Sooners seem to have hit their stride.

Oklahoma (6-2, 3-1 Big 12 South) has allowed only 13 points combined in its last two games and is coming off a 26-10 victory at Missouri.

Patrick has filled in admirably for Peterson, rushing for 267 yards on 70 carries over the last two weeks as the Sooners' go-to running back. Against the Tigers, Patrick ran for a career-high 157 yards on 35 carries.

Texas A&M (8-1, 4-1 South) has won four straight since suffering its only conference loss of the season, a 31-27 setback to Texas Tech on September 30. Despite the setback to the Red Raiders, the Aggies control their own destiny in the South Division race with games against Nebraska and Texas left on the schedule.

Last week, the Aggies posted a 31-21 victory over Baylor. Texas A&M had 507 yards of offense against the Bears and has produced at least 400 yards of offense in three straight games.

Oklahoma leads the series, 14-10, and has won three straight over Texas A&M.