Norman, Okla. ? Opponents already know the havoc Adrian Peterson can create coming out of the backfield. But what if he’s not in the backfield at all?

For the first time since the star tailback arrived on campus, Oklahoma showed glimpses last week of a new formation with an empty backfield and Peterson lined up in the slot as a wide receiver. The No. 15 Sooners (2-0) never threw it to the 2004 Heisman runner-up, but it certainly gave 18th-ranked Oregon something new to think about heading into this Saturday’s game.

Peterson already showed the impact he can have in the passing game once this season, when he turned an innocent little dump pass into a 69-yard score against UAB in Oklahoma’s opener.

“That gives us some flexibility, especially when he’s catching the ball like he’s catching it now and doing some things in space,” co-offensive coordinator Kevin Sumlin said. “He’s a viable threat in the passing game releasing him out of the backfield. Why not get him out there where he’s in space already, throw him the ball and see what happens?”

Peterson made his mark in college by rushing for an NCAA freshman record 1,925 yards in Oklahoma’s run to the Orange Bowl in 2004. He followed that up with 1,108 yards last season, and he ranks sixth in the nation with a 152-yard average this season.

Peterson said he lined up at wide receiver “a couple times” in high school, but even then was mostly used as a singleback or I-back.

Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes against Washington in this file photo from Saturday's game. A dangerous runner, Peterson is lining up in the slot this season to showcase his versatility.

“It’s cool being able to be out there like you’re playing receiver,” he said. “Playing a different position, that’s always fun to do.”

Essentially, the formation is aimed at creating a matchup problem for the defense. In the time Oklahoma breaks the huddle and sends Peterson to the slot instead of the backfield, the defense doesn’t have time to replace a linebacker with an extra defensive back.

“It’s making the defense think,” receiver Malcolm Kelly said. “When you put him out there, it spreads the defense out even more. There’s just a few little things that we’re doing to mix up our offense a little. We have a little different stuff week in and week out, different game plans for different teams.”

So far, Oklahoma has shown the formation five times. Each time, quarterback Paul Thompson was able to complete a pass. Two went for successful third-down conversions, but no passes went to Peterson.

“Even if not, they’ve got to cover him. I would. I wouldn’t just let him run out there and let us throw one to him and see what happens,” Sumlin said.