OU football: Bob Stoops is looking for redemption of OU's pride

“We will have that same energy, passion and hopefully we do things correctly,” Mike Stoops said. “These guys, they want to do well. We're trying to instill in them and they've responded.”

While the defense lost Travis Lewis, who is now with the Detroit Lions, it kept Aaron Colvin. Colvin and Lewis ended the season tied for 14th in the Big 12 with 84 total tackles. And though Jamell Fleming is also gone, Tony Jefferson and Javon Harris, who combined for seven interceptions last season, are back.

As for the defenders who gave up an 87-yard play to Baylor last November, they don't feel good about what happened either. Mike Stoops used the word “redemption” for a defense that ended its season ranked 55th in yards per game.

 “We're tired of hearing about what happened a year ago,” Mike Stoops said. “We understand what happened. That's gone forever, and I'll be surprised if they don't come back with a vengeance in those games and take it personally. I hope they do.”