Curtis Bolton
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2018, file photo, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill watches players before an NCAA college football game between Kansas State and Oklahoma in Norman, Okla. The Sooners played so poorly in a 48-45 regular-season loss to Texas that they fired defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. The numbers actually got worse under McNeill, but the past two games offered glimmers of hope. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Alabama toughest challenge for Oklahoma interim DC McNeill

By Cliff Brunt Dec. 23, 2018 11:37 AM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, file photo, Kansas wide receiver Jeremiah Booker (88) makes a catch for a touchdown ahead of Oklahoma safety Robert Barnes (20) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma's poor performances on defense have nearly torpedoed one of the best offenses in college football history. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams, File)
Porous Oklahoma defense has had season to forget

By Cliff Brunt Nov. 29, 2018 02:59 AM EST

West Virginia quarterback Will Grier (7) looks for a receiver during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Raymond Thompson)
Slugfest: No. 6 Oklahoma outlasts No. 12 WVU 59-56

By John Raby Nov. 24, 2018 12:09 AM EST

Kansas running back Pooka Williams Jr., center, is tackled by Oklahoma safety Robert Barnes, left, and linebacker Curtis Bolton, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma defense struggling heading into W. Virginia game

By Cliff Brunt Nov. 19, 2018 09:01 PM EST

Kansas running back Pooka Williams Jr. (1) runs as Oklahoma defensive end Ronnie Perkins (7) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Murray accounts for 5 TDs, No. 6 Oklahoma beats Kansas

Nov. 17, 2018 11:14 PM EST

Oklahoma defensive end Ronnie Perkins (7) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (18) tackle Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (30) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Norman, Okla. (Ian Maule/Tulsa World via AP)
Oklahoma defense still struggling after coordinator change

By Cliff Brunt Nov. 11, 2018 02:08 PM EST

Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26) reacts after making a touchdown against Oklahoma State in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Oklahoma won 48-47. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma stops late 2-point try, tops Oklahoma State 48-47

By Cliff Brunt Nov. 10, 2018 07:48 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2018, file photo, Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26) battles past TCU defensive end Ben Banogu (15), linebacker Alec Dunham (23) and safety Markell Simmons (3) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma won 52-27. Oklahoma might have found its newest freshman phenom at running back in Kennedy Brooks. He ran for 168 yards against TCU (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
No. 8 Oklahoma wary of Kansas State

By Cliff Brunt Oct. 26, 2018 12:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2017, file photo, TCU head coach Gary Patterson, left, and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley shake hands before their NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma plays at TCU on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
No. 9 Oklahoma, Murray at TCU looking to overcome 1st loss

By Stephen Hawkins Oct. 19, 2018 12:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, file photo, Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) prepares to throw a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Surprising Texas, Murray among Big 12's midpoint best

By Stephen Hawkins Oct. 18, 2018 04:03 PM EDT