COLLEGE FOOTBALL roundup

OKLAHOMA

Sooners RB Anderson won’t be charged

NORMAN, OKLA.

Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson will not be charged after a woman accused him of sexual assault, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said Thursday.

The accusation stemmed from a petition for a protective order in which the woman said Anderson assaulted her in her apartment and that she feared for her safety. An attorney for Anderson called the accusations “patently false,” saying the woman made them after Anderson declined her social invitations.

Anderson has been one of Oklahoma’s breakout stars after season-ending injuries the past two years. He leads the Sooners with 960 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns and has 283 yards and five touchdowns receiving. Oklahoma plays Georgia in a College Football Playoff semifinal Jan. 1 in the Rose Bowl.

GEORGIA

Pot charge dropped against Patrick

ATHENS, GA.

A marijuana possession charge against Georgia starting inside linebacker Natrez Patrick was dismissed Thursday, apparently clearing the way for him to play in the Rose Bowl semifinal game.

Coach Kirby Smart has not commented on Patrick’s status for the Jan. 1 contest against Oklahoma.

The Athens Banner-Herald reported that the misdemeanor charge against Patrick was dropped, according to Barrow County probate court clerk Meredith Owens. Backup receiver Jayson Stanley negotiated an agreement to plead guilty to possession of marijuana of less than an ounce and speeding, while a DUI drug charge was dismissed.

Patrick was facing dismissal from the team under Georgia athletic rules for a third violation of the drug and alcohol policy.

Stanley is facing a mandatory one-game suspension as a first-time marijuana offender.

The two were arrested during a traffic stop just hours after No. 3 Georgia’s 28-7 victory over Auburn in the Southeastern Conference championship game. A video of the incident showed Stanley acknowledging the marijuana was his and pleading with officers not to charge Patrick.

Patrick’s attorney, Billy Healen, told the Banner-Herald that Patrick was awaiting word on his status with the football team.

Patrick, a junior from Atlanta, has started seven games this season. He is sixth on the team with 35 tackles, including 2 1-2 for losses.

Stanley is a key contributor on special teams.

Another Georgia player, freshman defensive back Latavious Brini, is facing a felony forgery charge over allegations he passed a counterfeit $100 bill last summer. He was freed on $5,700 bond after his arrest Tuesday.

OREGON

RB Freeman elects to skip Las Vegas Bowl

LAS VEGAS

Oregon senior running back Royce Freeman won’t play in the Las Vegas Bowl against Boise State on Saturday.

New Oregon coach Mario Cristobal announced the decision Thursday.

Oregon’s all-time leading rusher had practiced earlier this week in Las Vegas, leading to speculation he may play.

“This is hard for him. This is not an easy decision for a guy who’s invested his heart and soul in this program,” Cristobal said.

The Ducks coach did not say whether fellow senior Tyrell Crosby would play.

WESTVIRGINIA

Mountaineers’ Grier plans to return

MORGANTOWN, W.VA.

Injured West Virginia quarterback Will Grier says he’ll return for his senior season in 2018.

The Mountaineers announced Grier’s intentions in a statement Thursday.

Grier says “there is still a great deal that I want this team to accomplish,” while coach Dana Holgorsen said the decision “certainly makes it a great day for West Virginia football.”

Grier threw for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns in the regular season. The TD passes were the second most in a season in school history. Grier broke the middle finger on his throwing hand Nov. 18 in a game against Texas.

Associated Press