DeMarco Murray to Have Surgery

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray will undergo surgery on Dec. 22, and will not play in the 2008 BCS National Championship Game. The sophomore has a partial rupture of a hamstring tendon in his left leg.

"Obviously we're very disappointed for DeMarco," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He has been an important part of our success this year and we will miss his contributions. DeMarco has had an incredible year.

"With Chris Brown and Mossis Madu, we still have two very fine backs. Our team has a lot of confidence in their abilities."

Murray sustained the injury on the opening kickoff of the Big 12 Championship Game against Missouri on Dec. 6. Initially, it was thought that Murray had sustained a bruise, but an MRI performed on Dec. 8, revealed the additional damage.

After weighing options, it was since been determined that surgery would be performed.

According to OU Head Athletics Trainer Scott Anderson, it will be approximately five months before Murray is cleared to resume training.

Murray is Oklahoma's second-leading rusher with 1,002 yards, just eight behind Brown. He was the team leader in all purpose yards with 2,171. In addition to his rushing total, Murray had 395 receiving yards and another 774 via kickoff returns. He was second on the team with 18 touchdowns and third in points scored with 108.

Madu has rushed for 463 yards and six touchdowns as the team's third-team back. He filled in for Murray in the Big 12 title game and carried 15 times for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

In other injury related news, OU quarterback Sam Bradford will have the large cast removed from his left hand Wednesday. It will be replaced by a smaller cast.

The sophomore has been in New York since Friday for activities associated with the Heisman Trophy. He is slated to return Tuesday.

Oklahoma meets Florida on Jan. 8, in Miami to determine the BCS National Championship.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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