NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — During the first half of a showdown with Baylor last month, Oklahoma's defense looked a lot like the unit that ranked among the worst in the nation a year ago.

Similar struggles during a loss to Kansas State and a late escape against Iowa State in its previous two games had left Oklahoma without wiggle room. Now, the Sooners trailed Baylor 31-10, and their College Football Playoff hopes were slipping away.

The Sooners assessed the situation at halftime.

"It was just kind of about doing your job," linebacker Kenneth Murray said. "The biggest thing was just keeping the faith...