Former OU running back Rhamondre Stevenson earns right to play in Super Bowl LX
When the game began, it didn’t look like it was going to be a big carry game for former OU running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
However, as the AFC Championship wore on between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, it was obvious Stevenson was going to be needed.
It certainly wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. Stevenson never put the ball on the ground, and the Patriots did just enough to earn a 10-7 victory in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
This is the 12th Super Bowl appearance for the Patriots, but the first for Stevenson. It has been an up-and-down NFL career for Stevenson, marred by some fumble issues.
Stevenson, though, has been incredible for the Patriots during the second half of this season and in the postseason.
He ended Sunday with 71 yards on 25 carries. He had a 12-yard rush in the third quarter that ultimately resulted in a Patriots field goal to give New England a 10-7 lead with 5:29 left in that quarter. It turned out to be the final points of the game.
The afternoon began with clear skies and sunny and ended in a snow-filled, time of possession/field position type of game in the second half.
OU was guaranteed to have representation in the Super Bowl because of the AFC Championship. Stevenson with the Patriots. The Broncos are full of former OU players with wide receiver Marvin Mims, linebacker Nik Bonitto and offensive guard Ben Powers.
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Mims had four catches for 62 yards. His initial 52-yard catch set up Denver’s lone score of the game early in the first quarter.
Bonitto, one of the premier defenders in the NFL, was held in check for most of Sunday. He did do a good job when asked to drop back in pass coverage. But he was unable to make his presence felt as a pass rusher.
Stevenson rushed for 603 yards and seven touchdowns this season, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He rushed for 70 yards on 16 attempts in the win last week against the Houston Texans.
A junior college transfer, Stevenson made his mark with the Sooners and has proved to be a very capable back.
Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. The Patriots will play either the Seattle Seahawks or the Los Angeles Rams on Feb. 8.
