NORMAN — In the two weeks after replacing Mike Stoops as defensive coordinator, Ruffin McNeill's Oklahoma defense performed well in wins over TCU and Kansas State.
They struggled mightily for several weeks before coming up with two defensive scores against West Virginia and turning in a solid overall game against Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game. Now the Sooners head into the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama on Saturday in the Orange Bowl.
Sooners coach Lincoln Riley said the defense has started to run better recently under McNeill.
“He's continued to adjust and get smoother,” Riley said.