Oklahoma’s depth at running back will be tested in Saturday’s season opener Saturday against North Texas.

OU coach Bob Stoops said Monday sophomore running back Chris Brown has been suspended for the game.

Stoops declined further comment.

“That’s internal,” he said.

Brown rushed for 343 yards and four touchdowns last season as a freshman.

He was one of at least three running backs expected to get the brunt of the carries this season.

But senior Allen Patrick is still recovering from a preseason ankle injury. Patrick did not practice with the team Monday.

Stoops said there’s no cut-off day for deciding if Patrick will play.

“If we think he’s close enough to full speed and not going to re-injure it and make a difference for us, then he’ll play,” Stoops said.

With Brown out and Patrick still mending, redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray is the likely starter against North Texas. It also means senior Jacob Gutierrez and redshirt freshman Mossis Madu could get heavy playing time in the season opener.

John Shinn

366-3536

jshinn@normantranscript.com