NORMAN — When Lincoln Riley explained why he fired Mike Stoops, he kept circling back to two reasons: the need for a new voice, and a new spark.
Ruffin McNeill is now the voice of Oklahoma's defense, and with the change could come opportunities for players who might not have clicked with Stoops. The former defensive coordinator admitted to not always meshing with players.
“Certainly being able to connect and have a relationship with them is part of it,” Riley said. “And part of it, let's be real, too, part of it comes down to success on the field and the confidence that breeds.