Sooners get back 3 key players for bowl vs Clemson

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says three key offensive players - quarterback Trevor Knight, running back Samaje Perine and wide receiver Sterling Shepard - should be ready to play when the Sooners face No. 18 Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Stoops said Wednesday that Knight has looked sharp since returning to practice Saturday. Knight suffered a neck injury on Nov. 6 against Baylor that later was diagnosed as transient quadriplegia.

Redshirt freshman Cody Thomas has started for Oklahoma (8-4) in Knight's place, but Stoops says Knight will start against Clemson (9-3) in the Dec. 29 bowl.

Perine, who has rushed for 1,579 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman, sprained his ankle during a loss to Oklahoma State. Shepard has struggled with a groin injury since Nov. 1.