Adrian Peterson still sore at USC

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Adrian Peterson is a Pro Bowl running back for the Minnesota Vikings, but when he looks back at his college career he still has two major regrets.

And USC is involved in both.

In 2004, Peterson ran for an NCAA freshman record 1,925 yards for the Oklahoma Sooners, becoming the first freshman to place second in voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Which was won by USC quarterback Matt Leinart.

Then, a few weeks later, Peterson and the Sooners were thrashed, 55-19, in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

The winner: USC.

‘When I look back, I had an outstanding [college] career,’ Peterson said in a story published today by the Associated Press. ‘There were some things that -- a national championship, I didn’t accomplish that. I fell short. I had the opportunity my freshman year, and I don’t even want to talk about that.’

In that game he didn’t want to talk about, USC held Peterson to 82 yards rushing in 25 carries, with a long gain of nine yards.

Peterson said he longed for a Heisman when, during a visit to Reggie Bush’s home in L.A., he found himself gazing at Bush’s Heisman. ‘I was like, ‘Awww!’ I wanted to ask him where Matt Leinart was so I could go over there and take mine. But it’s all good. It is what it is.’

Hey, he might still have an outside shot. Depending on how USC and Bush fare in the NCAA’s investigation of the Trojans football program, there might be a national championship and Heisman up for grabs.

-- Mike Hiserman