In the Heisman race, that is.His Oklahoma Sooners struggled last Saturday at home against UAB, barely eking out a 24-17 win over the Blazers.
It doesn't look like it will get any easier, as OU takes on a slightly better team in Washington this weekend and then must go on the road to play top-20-ranked Oregon.
Peterson was a savior for the Sooners against UAB, rushing for 139 yards and a score on 24 carries and adding another 69 yards on an electrifying touchdown reception.
But, here's the tricky thing when it comes to his Heisman hopes.
If the Sooners continue to struggle and he ends up bailing them out time and time again, a lot of voters could see him as the only thing keeping his team afloat. He'll be seen as the quasi-MVP of college football.
That's a good thing.
However, if the Sooners struggle too much and lose a couple (or more), it could cost him dearly in the Heisman race. If they keep losing, how valuable could he be? Or so the voters will think.
And that's a bad thing.
Perhaps OU will end up being a very good team and run the table, but that seems unlikely at this point.
With the Sooners struggling, it looks like Peterson needs to gain his 2,000 yards and lead OU to a big win over Texas to really have a shot.
