Roy Finch ready to step in for injured Dominique Whaley

The Sooners, though, have no choice but to make adjustments without Whaley after he suffered a season-ending broken ankle on the first play of a 58-17 win over Kansas State Saturday afternoon Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Sophomore Roy Finch inherits the starting role. But Finch's role will be different from Whaley's heavy workload. Finch's role will be similar to his big day against the Wildcats:

Nine carries for 73 yards.

Seven receptions for 69 yards.

“They're throwing in some packages where I'm at receiver and I'm not in the backfield,” Finch said. “That's how they get me some touches without all that pounding.”

With Whaley out for the season, the Sooners probably will go back to a committee approach.

In Saturday's win, freshman Brandon Williams rushed for 22 yards on eight carries. Brennan Clay, who started the first three games, had only one carry against K-State but is an option.

But that's the entire list of candidates. With Whaley's surprising emergence, Jermie Calhoun and Jonathan Miller left the team early in the season. Miller is transferring to Illinois State.

“I know my workload will increase because of Dom's loss,” Finch said. “I just need to be prepared, practice hard and get better every week.”

Weighing only 166 pounds, Finch can't handle 20 to 30 carries a game like Whaley.

But since he sometimes lines up in the slot, Finch could still get 20 touches a game.

“Anything that gets me into space I feel is a good thing,” Finch said. “I feel very comfortable if I can get linebackers one-on-one, make them miss and get upfield. Swing passes are very good for that.”